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.
On the surface, the Australian RV industry is healthy. But underneath all is far from well. A great deal needs changing. There are lots to do. RV Books explains the RV industry changes needed.
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.
Diesel heating in caravans and motorhomes is easy, effective and safe because it hugely reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Collyn Rivers reports. Diesel heating in caravans and motor homes is also relatively affordable. Furthermore, it is easy to self-install. Fuel is readily available, safe and readily stored. LP gas versions are also made.
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.
Caravan facts and opinions are not the same. People confusing one for the other cause ongoing and major misunderstanding. This article explains how and why.
Many RV owners complain that, when approaching the vendor with after-sale issues, they are told to consult the RV maker. That maker then advises consulting the vendor. Here is the legal situation – and your rights as a buyer.
Caravans towed by an overhung hitch sway and may overturn. Over 250 did so in the first six months of 2018. This article explains why caravans sway and roll over – and how to prevent it.
You can obtain gross combined mass upgrades for most SUVs. Depending on make and model, these add 300-500 kg (660-1100 lb). It makes sense to do this. Carrying that extra mass results in a safer ratio of laden tow vehicle weight to laden caravan weight.
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.
To tow safely and legally in Australia, caravan & tow vehicle weight definitions are vital for you to know. Those shown here were valid as of June 2020. These definitions may change. New RV legislation is expected to be announced later this year. It is not, however, likely to be enforced until 2022 or 2023.
Air conditioning a caravan or motor home is becoming increasingly feasible, even via solar. This article by Collyn Rivers shows how.
Many RV owners ask ‘is Napisan a safe toilet chemical in septic tanks.’ Safely disposing of toilet waste is a major problem when free camping. Safe chemicals are essential as faecal matter endangers humans. Many toilet chemicals, however, contain non-biodegradable content. Worse, they kill essentially needed bacteria in ‘long drop’ and septic systems. This article explains all.
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...
If you can, take along someone who knows about caravans. Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Not all are like that, however. Buying used caravans – what to check shows what to look for when buying a used caravan.
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.
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 Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of campervan and motorhome usage. If you own a camper van or motor home, you'll want this book.
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 The Caravan & Motorhome Book. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-5-4.
How to Choose and Buy an RV is the ultimate guide for those times when you want to, well, choose and buy an RV.
Prices for the paperback version including delivery can vary dramatically. RVBooks recommends you shop around. We've included a number of reputable booksellers you may wish to consider. Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of How to Choose and Buy an RV. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-5-4.
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