I know we are are not stupid,but as a mechanic working for the the NRMA and service station,and RTA,in NSW,I come across this all the time,(today being the latest),300 litres of unleaded in a diesel tank. Most company sites have their diesel pumps with a pull over latch,but small ones don't,and if you are in small towns,please be sure to read the bowser label before pumping,(because you will have to pay for the fuel you have bought),also most company sites have their price on the bottom of their bowsers,,not the top like country independant service stations. I am also finding many travellers with caravans are overloading the front of their caravans,so as to put extra stress on the draw bar,and hence bending them,or even breaking them,Please check the load limit on your towball,in most cases it is between 50 to 150 kilos,depending on the towbar,heavy duty ones can go to 180 kilo's,on the ball.Usually there will be a label or plate on your towbar and maximum weight it can tow,overall. Also,we have nomads from all over the country,who do breakdown,and sometimes have to help them by having them stay in our holding yard,for a couple of days,which can be unpleasant,as most depot's do not have ammenities for showering ,etc. You can beat this,the NRMA,RACQ,VACC,etc, all states agreement.etc,have a premuim membership,so it does not matter which state you are in,you are covered,and if over 100 kilometres from home,you can stay at a hotel,or motel,have your vehicle towed,and caravan,to the nearest depot,have it repaired and on your way again.it makes for a very pleasant journey,and in most cases provides for a hire car for the time your vehicle and/ or caravan is listed on the membership. So all nomads,have a great trip to wherever, any questions? you can reply to me here. Cheers.
Helena said
06:12 AM Dec 9, 2010
Thaks for the info Thunderon, and welcome to the site I am sure that you will enjoy your time with us. Helena.
jimricho said
06:40 AM Dec 9, 2010
Welcome to the forum, and you're to be commended on your very informative first post.
The placard on my (factory/dealer fitted) towbar states a maximum ball weight of 250kg with a weight distribution hitch. This is a limit determined by the towbar and obviously refers only to the vehicle. The specified maximum towball weight of the caravan is a separate issue and obviously it should not be exceeded regardless of the vehicle's limit. Another thread on the subject of overloaded caravans was posted in the last day or so.
The comment about the fuel is a timely reminder to always check that we have picked up the correct hose before filling.
Another issue is the quality of fuel, especially diesel, at "no name" servos. Would be interested in any thoughts you have, drawing on your NRMA experience.
brickies said
08:03 AM Dec 9, 2010
I filled up my car last week at a Woolworth outlet my fuel tank has a 65 lt. capacity and I still believe I had at lest 5 lt. in the tank and was able to put 71 lt. into my tank , most I have ever put in before when it was nearly empty was 66 lt. , are the meters correct we never can prove that
Happywanderer said
09:23 AM Dec 9, 2010
There was a piece on one of the current affairs programs last night about dirty fuel. They advised to fill up more frequently rather than wait till empty. Even if only putting in 10 or 20 dolars at a time. That way you get away from the chance of a tank full of dirty fuel.
Also Thunderone, I'm with RACV and usually get the basic subscription. Would I be best to go up to Total care or Extra care when travelling. I am not sure which one would give me the extras that you talk about. Rental car and accommodation if campervan needing repairs.
tezza said
09:46 AM Dec 9, 2010
Happywanderer wrote:
There was a piece on one of the current affairs programs last night about dirty fuel. They advised to fill up more frequently rather than wait till empty. Even if only putting in 10 or 20 dolars at a time. That way you get away from the chance of a tank full of dirty fuel.
Also Thunderone, I'm with RACV and usually get the basic subscription. Would I be best to go up to Total care or Extra care when travelling. I am not sure which one would give me the extras that you talk about. Rental car and accommodation if campervan needing repairs.
We are with NRMA top cover and broke down in Geraldton last year. NRMA put us in motel and provided hire car for 5 days while getting back on the road. I suggest RACV would be the same with their top cover. We estimate it cost them about $1500 with towing etc. Covers our membership for about 12 years.
Happywanderer said
01:58 PM Dec 9, 2010
So our top cover in RACV is Extra Care at $132.00, no sorry that is the next one up from the basic.
Our top cover is Total care at $181.00 , gosh that is 100.00 higher than the basic. Can't afford that at the moment.
May have to pay the basic for now as it is due, then when I get my campervan I will upgrade.
Beth54 said
06:43 PM Dec 9, 2010
Happywanderer wrote:
So our top cover in RACV is Extra Care at $132.00, no sorry that is the next one up from the basic.
Our top cover is Total care at $181.00 , gosh that is 100.00 higher than the basic. Can't afford that at the moment. May have to pay the basic for now as it is due, then when I get my campervan I will upgrade.
Yes, it's a bit tight for sure, but worth the peace of mind Marj. I waited until just before I went on my first long trip with Gypsy. It's around $160 in Qld.
Cee said
07:02 PM Dec 9, 2010
Happywanderer wrote:
So our top cover in RACV is Extra Care at $132.00, no sorry that is the next one up from the basic.
Our top cover is Total care at $181.00 , gosh that is 100.00 higher than the basic. Can't afford that at the moment. May have to pay the basic for now as it is due, then when I get my campervan I will upgrade.
I recently upgraded to the premium cover ($160 in SA) as I plan to take my first trip next month. I think it's definitely worth the extra when towing as there is quite an increase as to what you are covered for (espescially when towing), I agree that it's probably best to wait to upgrade until you are ready to start towing.
Keep Smiling :)
Thunderone said
08:27 PM Dec 9, 2010
Hi Everyone, Thankyou for your reply's, All states are linked together with Road Service these days,premium varies depending whether you are a classic,basic,or gold member,so I suggest you check it out first,just remember,that if you upgrade to premium care,you must be more than 100 k's from home and cannot claim for 24 hours after joining or upgrading. Some readers have made a point about price and right value in litres from the bowsers,Weights and measures department of fair trading do random checks on bowsers,but I must say it has dropped off tremendersely over the last few years,if you feel you have been ripped off,then contact the ACCC,and let them know. Another thing you should check,is to see if your car can run on e10, or bio diesel,if not then use 95 octane,or genuine diesel.it may be a bit dearer,but will save you thousands in repairs.All company sites will only be selling e10 by next July(2010),in the 91 octane,independants can still sell genuine unleaded petrol,after July,the jury is still out on them,there is not many vehicles in australia that have been designed to run on e10.So expect more problems,also e10 attracts water,so change your fuel filter more regularly,and never fill your car when a tanker is delivering fuel to the service station,because it does stir up the bottom of the tank being delivered to. Australia is already having problems with the supply of e10 fuel,the production is not fast enough to keep up with supply governed by law by the federal government,also the state governments are not inline with the federal government regime,so watch this space. Forewarned is fore armed,so happy adventures,and I will keep you updated. Cheers,Thunderone.
Thunderone said
08:29 PM Dec 9, 2010
Sorry,July 2011.deadline for company sites.
Gerty Dancer said
08:45 PM Dec 9, 2010
Another State border problem...
Here in the ACT I noticed a price jump for unleaded petrol. Turns out that NSW is only allowed to sell E-10 now, so unleaded petrol for the ACT has to come from Melbourne, at extra expense.
My car is ok for E10, but not all servo's here sell it... will make sure next time before I buy more fuel!
Thunderone said
09:00 PM Dec 9, 2010
Independant service stations in NSW,still sell genuine unleaded petrol,so if you need,take a quik trip to Queenbeyan after the rain,
Cheers.
HeadnHome said
10:24 AM Dec 11, 2010
how do you find out if your car can run on e10?
peter and rose said
11:09 AM Dec 11, 2010
Re Breakdowns. We are just starting out First trip in a 16ft expanda. We insured our van through APIA and it also covers for towing, accomodation and hire car australia wide. I am waiting for the policy document to check if this coverage is sufficient. Your own policies may cover the same and they will use whatever tow facilities there are availible in the area Racq, NRMA Racv etc. So just thinking maybe some are paying twice for the same coverage??
jandas fun said
11:22 AM Dec 11, 2010
Haven't read the apia policy, but would suggest that their cover activates after an "accident' not a mechanical breakdown. Suggest that everyone reads their policies.
edited for spelling mistake (again)
Johnw
-- Edited by jandas fun on Saturday 11th of December 2010 11:23:20 AM
Happywanderer said
09:45 PM Dec 11, 2010
Interesting one HeadnHome, Last year when I was up in Bundy I spent a lot of time trying to avoid E10 (I think it was called) and searching for unleaded as didn't want to do any damage to my car. How are we supposed to know if our car can take it??
Edited for spelling mistakes.
-- Edited by Happywanderer on Sunday 12th of December 2010 11:54:56 AM
Thunderone said
10:30 PM Dec 11, 2010
The man is right,the insurance policy only covers if you have an accident,It does not cover Roadside assist,also you can google to find if your vehicle can run e10,
Cheers.
ken thomas said
04:26 PM Jan 5, 2011
Hello happywanderer When you upgrade to total care with RACV check the fine print as I think it only applies to cars and caravans that are under 21' Great piece of mind
Happywanderer said
07:50 PM Jan 5, 2011
Will do Ken, thanks for that great bit of advice.
Cruising Granny said
10:20 PM Jan 5, 2011
During my first month in Adelaide I almost killed my precious Landcruiser Rosy with 98Vortex.
Until I arrived here I'd never heard of this fuel. Apparently there's now a Vortex diesel as well.
The bowser configuration was also foreign to me.
So after all those kilometres I put 40 litres of this high octane, unleaded PETROL into my diesel vehicle. I even drove it about 8 kms before she choked.
Fortunately I have RAA maximum membership.
The injectors are mechanical, Rosy suffered no long-term ill effects.
It cost me $230 to have the fuel drained, the filter changed, and everything cleaned out.
I felt very inadequate over my mistake, but apparently, I'm "not the first".
I have contacted Caltex about my error because the RAA mechanic told me he'd attended 3 or 4 others who had fueled up at this servo and done the same thing.
The mechanic who worked on my car also nearly made the same error at another Caltex servo when he refueled Rosy so that I could get her home.
There is so much signage, advertising and promotion material around the roadhouses and service stations it pays to make sure what we're pouring into our vehicles.
Delta18 said
09:24 AM Jan 6, 2011
With RACWA there are 3 levels of roadside assist coverage, the Basic, Classic (I think it is called) and the Top cover which I am not sure of the name. (Ultimate maybe)
For road travellers, the Classic is the one to have, extended towage, accomodation and the option to have yourselves AND your vehicle returned home if repairs cannot be completed within 48 hours are among the benefits. You must be 100km or more from home.
As far as I see, the Top(Ultimate) membership is only of value if you travel overseas as it covers medical issues while offshore.
Cheers Neil
Beth54 said
01:54 PM Jan 6, 2011
I got a bit worried when reading some of these comments about checking if E10 was okay to use.
Ever since buying Lucy in March '09, I've used E10 fuel. I was of the understanding that it could be used in all new unleaded vehicles.
I hadn't even discussed it with the mechanics at my service centre! How silly was I!
Luckily, yes, it's fine for my Hyundai i30.
Cruising Granny said
03:23 PM Jan 6, 2011
I had RACWA Ultimate roadside cover which is the top cover they offer.
I had to call the RACQ a couple of times when the door latch on my caravan broke. I was very happy with the cover.
All states recognise the other state's RAC or RAA or whatever. Thank goodness something is national at last.
Happywanderer said
03:26 PM Jan 6, 2011
Beth, I was asking someone about the E10 the other day, they said it is fine to use but make sure you get the filter changed at every service.
Not sure if that is right for your vehicle but worth checking.
Beth54 said
06:19 PM Jan 6, 2011
Happywanderer wrote:
Beth, I was asking someone about the E10 the other day, they said it is fine to use but make sure you get the filter changed at every service. Not sure if that is right for your vehicle but worth checking.
Yes, I guess that'd be right. I'll ask when I next go for a service. Thanks Marj.
Thunderone said
02:24 AM Mar 4, 2011
Now I gues we have a quandary?
Reading the service stations gazzette this afternoon,03.03.2011,australia cannot supply enough ethanol.(10 % ethanol in unleaded,),so at least 150 service stations in QLD have had to revert to normal regular unleaded,,amazing.
Also as I predicted,NSW government legislation did NOT GO through,HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO JULY 2012,and the bill in federal parliment at this very day has NOT been passed.So in actual fact,the the states bills that have been introduced,override the federal parliment,
Also with the fact that 80% of biofuel is now non existant,most companies are going to have to revert to normal fuel outputs,the oil companies will love this,as their profits now will double,because they do not have the impost.but let us see if the price of fuel comes down,?
yeh,yeh,yeh,I would call it Giddaffi enterprises,lol,just to make a n even more mockary of the fuel companies,
Getting back to the real world.
Many service stations sell real unleaded,for the same price that supermarket giants are selling e10,
So doesn't that tell you something?
Now that the supermarket giants cannot get e10?oh sorry,91 ,unleaded,
are they going to advertise the same fuel for less?
if they don't?they will be in breach of the law,
not only that,but they cannot sell 91 from e10 tanks,
This is a whole debarckle,I wonder how the federal government is going to handle this.
_wombat_ said
07:56 AM Mar 4, 2011
Hi Thunderone,
I have a 1994 Toyota 80 series towing a 22ft van, we live in WA, we are in Vic at the current time, should I be useing this Vortex diesel fuel?
Have not heard of this fuel in WA but have seen it here in Vic, there is a fuel in WA called BIO deisel and my mechanic said not to ues it, is it the same situation here in Vic with Vortex?
GrumpyOne said
10:40 AM Mar 4, 2011
Cruising Granny wrote:
During my first month in Adelaide I almost killed my precious Landcruiser Rosy with 98Vortex. Until I arrived here I'd never heard of this fuel. Apparently there's now a Vortex diesel as well. The bowser configuration was also foreign to me. So after all those kilometres I put 40 litres of this high octane, unleaded PETROL into my diesel vehicle. I even drove it about 8 kms before she choked. Fortunately I have RAA maximum membership. The injectors are mechanical, Rosy suffered no long-term ill effects. It cost me $230 to have the fuel drained, the filter changed, and everything cleaned out. I felt very inadequate over my mistake, but apparently, I'm "not the first". I have contacted Caltex about my error because the RAA mechanic told me he'd attended 3 or 4 others who had fueled up at this servo and done the same thing. The mechanic who worked on my car also nearly made the same error at another Caltex servo when he refueled Rosy so that I could get her home. There is so much signage, advertising and promotion material around the roadhouses and service stations it pays to make sure what we're pouring into our vehicles.
Hey Guys n Gals,
I agree whole heartedly here CG, I hate fueling up at Caltex, I never know which is the Dieso and which is the ULP...I wish they would standardise the name to plain old Diesel so that we all know and can easily identify the correct pump.
On a different note, I refuse to use Woolies servos as I have had nothing but bad fuel from them, they have smaller tanks than the rest of the servos and refill more frequently so the sediment etc in the bottom of the tank is constantly stirred up and never has a chance to settle.
Also they nearly always have a lrger amount of water in their fuel than you would come to expect, luckily I have a water seperator as well as a fuel filter on my diesel.
Thunderone many thanks for your input, it's nice to get this information from someone with the experience that you have....coming from th horses mouth so to speak is always a true gift.
Hoo Roo Happy Days Grumpster
GrumpyOne said
10:43 AM Mar 4, 2011
Thunderone wrote:
Now I gues we have a quandary? Reading the service stations gazzette this afternoon,03.03.2011,australia cannot supply enough ethanol.(10 % ethanol in unleaded,),so at least 150 service stations in QLD have had to revert to normal regular unleaded,,amazing. Also as I predicted,NSW government legislation did NOT GO through,HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO JULY 2012,and the bill in federal parliment at this very day has NOT been passed.So in actual fact,the the states bills that have been introduced,override the federal parliment, Also with the fact that 80% of biofuel is now non existant,most companies are going to have to revert to normal fuel outputs,the oil companies will love this,as their profits now will double,because they do not have the impost.but let us see if the price of fuel comes down,? yeh,yeh,yeh,I would call it Giddaffi enterprises,lol,just to make a n even more mockary of the fuel companies, Getting back to the real world. Many service stations sell real unleaded,for the same price that supermarket giants are selling e10, So doesn't that tell you something? Now that the supermarket giants cannot get e10?oh sorry,91 ,unleaded,
are they going to advertise the same fuel for less? if they don't?they will be in breach of the law, not only that,but they cannot sell 91 from e10 tanks, This is a whole debarckle,I wonder how the federal government is going to handle this.
A BIG broom under that big grey carpet will be the treatment.....just like anything else that gets too hard...beside the oil companies will arrange everything to their own advantage as usual......
I know we are are not stupid,but as a mechanic working for the the NRMA and service station,and RTA,in NSW,I come across this all the time,(today being the latest),300 litres of unleaded in a diesel tank.
Most company sites have their diesel pumps with a pull over latch,but small ones don't,and if you are in small towns,please be sure to read the bowser label before pumping,(because you will have to pay for the fuel you have bought),also most company sites have their price on the bottom of their bowsers,,not the top like country independant service stations.
I am also finding many travellers with caravans are overloading the front of their caravans,so as to put extra stress on the draw bar,and hence bending them,or even breaking them,Please check the load limit on your towball,in most cases it is between 50 to 150 kilos,depending on the towbar,heavy duty ones can go to 180 kilo's,on the ball.Usually there will be a label or plate on your towbar and maximum weight it can tow,overall.
Also,we have nomads from all over the country,who do breakdown,and sometimes have to help them by having them stay in our holding yard,for a couple of days,which can be unpleasant,as most depot's do not have ammenities for showering ,etc.
You can beat this,the NRMA,RACQ,VACC,etc, all states agreement.etc,have a premuim membership,so it does not matter which state you are in,you are covered,and if over 100 kilometres from home,you can stay at a hotel,or motel,have your vehicle towed,and caravan,to the nearest depot,have it repaired and on your way again.it makes for a very pleasant journey,and in most cases provides for a hire car for the time your vehicle and/ or caravan is listed on the membership.
So all nomads,have a great trip to wherever,
any questions?
you can reply to me here.
Cheers.
The placard on my (factory/dealer fitted) towbar states a maximum ball weight of 250kg with a weight distribution hitch. This is a limit determined by the towbar and obviously refers only to the vehicle. The specified maximum towball weight of the caravan is a separate issue and obviously it should not be exceeded regardless of the vehicle's limit. Another thread on the subject of overloaded caravans was posted in the last day or so.
The comment about the fuel is a timely reminder to always check that we have picked up the correct hose before filling.
Another issue is the quality of fuel, especially diesel, at "no name" servos. Would be interested in any thoughts you have, drawing on your NRMA experience.
Keep Smiling :)
Thankyou for your reply's,
All states are linked together with Road Service these days,premium varies depending whether you are a classic,basic,or gold member,so I suggest you check it out first,just remember,that if you upgrade to premium care,you must be more than 100 k's from home and cannot claim for 24 hours after joining or upgrading.
Some readers have made a point about price and right value in litres from the bowsers,Weights and measures department of fair trading do random checks on bowsers,but I must say it has dropped off tremendersely over the last few years,if you feel you have been ripped off,then contact the ACCC,and let them know.
Another thing you should check,is to see if your car can run on e10, or bio diesel,if not then use 95 octane,or genuine diesel.it may be a bit dearer,but will save you thousands in repairs.All company sites will only be selling e10 by next July(2010),in the 91 octane,independants can still sell genuine unleaded petrol,after July,the jury is still out on them,there is not many vehicles in australia that have been designed to run on e10.So expect more problems,also e10 attracts water,so change your fuel filter more regularly,and never fill your car when a tanker is delivering fuel to the service station,because it does stir up the bottom of the tank being delivered to.
Australia is already having problems with the supply of e10 fuel,the production is not fast enough to keep up with supply governed by law by the federal government,also the state governments are not inline with the federal government regime,so watch this space.
Forewarned is fore armed,so happy adventures,and I will keep you updated.
Cheers,Thunderone.
We are just starting out First trip in a 16ft expanda.
We insured our van through APIA and it also covers for towing, accomodation and hire car australia wide. I am waiting for the policy document to check if this coverage is sufficient. Your own policies may cover the same and they will use whatever tow facilities there are availible in the area Racq, NRMA Racv etc. So just thinking maybe some are paying twice for the same coverage??
edited for spelling mistake (again)
Johnw
-- Edited by jandas fun on Saturday 11th of December 2010 11:23:20 AM
How are we supposed to know if our car can take it??
Edited for spelling mistakes.
-- Edited by Happywanderer on Sunday 12th of December 2010 11:54:56 AM
When you upgrade to total care with RACV check the fine print as I think it only applies to cars and caravans that are under 21'
Great piece of mind
For road travellers, the Classic is the one to have, extended towage, accomodation and the option to have yourselves AND your vehicle returned home if repairs cannot be completed within 48 hours are among the benefits. You must be 100km or more from home.
As far as I see, the Top(Ultimate) membership is only of value if you travel overseas as it covers medical issues while offshore.
Cheers Neil
Ever since buying Lucy in March '09, I've used E10 fuel. I was of the understanding that it could be used in all new unleaded vehicles.
I hadn't even discussed it with the mechanics at my service centre! How silly was I!
Luckily, yes, it's fine for my Hyundai i30.
I have a 1994 Toyota 80 series towing a 22ft van, we live in WA, we are in Vic at the current time, should I be useing this Vortex diesel fuel?
Have not heard of this fuel in WA but have seen it here in Vic, there is a fuel in WA called BIO deisel and my mechanic said not to ues it, is it the same situation here in Vic with Vortex?
I agree whole heartedly here CG, I hate fueling up at Caltex, I never know which is the Dieso and which is the ULP...I wish they would standardise the name to plain old Diesel so that we all know and can easily identify the correct pump.
On a different note, I refuse to use Woolies servos as I have had nothing but bad fuel from them, they have smaller tanks than the rest of the servos and refill more frequently so the sediment etc in the bottom of the tank is constantly stirred up and never has a chance to settle.
Also they nearly always have a lrger amount of water in their fuel than you would come to expect, luckily I have a water seperator as well as a fuel filter on my diesel.
Thunderone many thanks for your input, it's nice to get this information from someone with the experience that you have....coming from th horses mouth so to speak is always a true gift.
Hoo Roo Happy Days
Grumpster
We the motorist will get screwed again..!!!