by Collyn Rivers Declared Mass A 's Tare Mass is legally its weight when 'ready for service' as it leaves its maker. That weight, recorded on a Compliance plate is often incorrect. This article explains why RV Books states: Do Not Trust ...
Driving across Africa is now politically impossible. Our 1960 such two-way expedition across all Africa was the very last known. We started in mid 1959 – and exited the Sahara on 28 April 1960. The track was closed that night. It has never re-opened. Further, Africa’s centre, right down to Zambia, has ever since, been far too dangerous to even consider.
Australia has a different set of road rules for each state and jurisdiction. As a direct result, Australian Road Rules confuse drivers, cyclist and pedestrians. It would seem to make sense to have just one set of national towing rules.
Camping in Australia has no national or state-based definition. In New South Wales alone, over ten government authorities regulate camping on their land. Even the definition of camping is inconsistent across the related Acts.
That most popular is to follow the shortest route around Australia’s coastline. It is 13,800 or so kilometres (8,625 miles). Allowing for diversions (such as Tasmania or Alice Springs and Uluru), this distance may double.
With wind speeds as high as 60 km/h, and particularly if you are towing a caravan, fuel usage will be much higher. To minimise this, the coastal route is best done anti-clockwise. Start down south in spring or summer (from Melbourne or Sydney) and head north – following the sun before winter sets in.
Microwave oven power draw is far greater than many users think. In this article, RV Books’ Collyn Rivers explains why – and how. This is a particular problem in caravans and motor homes. Their deep cycle lead acid batteries cannot sustain the energy draw they require. AGM and lithium-ion batteries are thus better suited.
Is four wheel drive needed for motor homes – what can travel where, with and without it. Here’s all you need to know if you decide to build or buy one.
Buying a New RV in Five Steps – before you start, stop and think. Buying a new RV is a major investment. This buying a New RV in Five Steps article helps resolve issues early on. Following its advice saves later heartache:
Is the RV lifestyle right for you? Will you miss family and friends? What home comforts can you not do without? What type of touring will you be doing? How many will be travelling? How many drivers? Is everyone in your travelling party committed to the RV lifestyle? Do you intend to drive off-road?
What is the most suitable caravan layout for me? This article shows how to choose the best caravan layout to suit your individual needs.
Most fridges are pumps. They move heat from where it is not wanted to where it does not matter. Differences in how well they work are largely due to correct installation. RV fridge basics dictate all work like this.
Until recently sleep apnoea machines for camping drew too much energy for use on solar. It’s now feasible using the approach in this article.
Promotion and sale of units for retarding rust electronically (for RVs etc) was banned in the USA in the 1990s. One brand (CECI) is now banned in Australia. Their sale is an offence under Section 218 of the Australian Consumer Law. The details are at the end of this article). In 2015 the NSW Fair Trade Commissioner warned against buying such products.
by Collyn Rivers RV Interiors Choosing the right interior fittings for an Australian RV fully explained Beds Most RV beds are smaller than those housebound. Bed extensions are sometimes offered to increase their length, as to are slide outs. RV double beds tend to...
When choosing a caravan tow vehicle there are key caravan towing specifications that you need to know. This article explains what they are and why they are vital.
Here is a listing of the top 10 Australian RV Apps. They are ranked in subjective order of how likely they are to save a life. Click on an app image to go to the app’s download page.
RV toilets have a role in RV life out of proportion to their size. They are needed for only a few minutes a day. They must work as advertised. In particular, you need to choose the associated chemicals carefully. This article covers all the average RV buyer needs to know.
Conventional caravans are towed via an overhung hitch attached to the rear of the tow vehicle. This is an inherently unstable combination. A side force on a caravan causes swaying. Caravan swaying is undesirable. Furthermore, at speed, it is dangerous The longer caravan hitches overhang the worse the effect. It is undesirable at low levels. It is dangerous at high levels. And even more so at high speeds. This RV Books article explains why.
Australian RV Road Rules Australia's RV Road Rules – all you most know when towing a camper trailer or – or driving a campervan or motorhome. RV Road Rules Summary – Disclaimer This RV Road Rules Summary is a summary and is intended for general...
Knowing how to locate mass correctly along the length of a caravan is vital. That applies both to its design and the owner’s loading. This article shows the safe approach to loading a caravan – and why and how it matter doing so is vitally important.
For safe towing, a caravan must be tow ball heavy. This article explains why and how to get caravan tow ball weight right.
Solar that Really Works! covers the design, installation and use of solar in cabins, camper trailers, caravans, fifth wheelers, campervans and motor homes.
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar That Really Works! Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-3-0
The essential handbook for anyone with an RV of any kind. Everything you need to know to make the electrics in your rig work for you.
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Caravan & Motorhome Electrics. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-8-5
Whether you’re building a new home or adding solar to an existing structure, this is the one book you can’t afford to be without.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar Success. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-4-7
The essential handbook for anyone with an RV of any kind. Everything you need to know to make the electrics in your rig work for you.
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Caravan & Motorhome Electrics. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-8-5