Fit out for free camping

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Fit out for free camping

jimricho · Guru

I think you're going to need more than a little bit of finance up your sleeve to fit out for free camping, especially with that wish list. I'll leave it to others to comment on the maintenance issues that could arise from a rig that old. Likewise free camping without an en-suite.

If the van only has over-rider brakes I'd check the cost of retro-fitting electric brakes, also factor in the cost of fitting the controller.

A small 12v TV/DVD would be adequate and the usual "sound system" in a van is car radio/CD unit. I don't have "hands on" experience with satellite TV so I'll let the experts comment on the VAST system. That said, I'd be inclined just to go with the antenna option until you see if a VAST system is warranted in your case.

Re the solar panels, I'll leave that one to the solar experts but keep in mind that you'll most likely need the facility to recharge the "house" battery in the van from the tug while travelling. You'll also need to factor in the cost of a "smart" charger for use when power is available.

A UHF is useful to have, especially if travelling in convoy with (an)other traveller(s), but keep in mind that it is of very limited use as a means of summoning help in a breakdown or emergency.

Think this one through very carefully, don't rush or set yourself a time limit as doing so may force you into a decision that later proves less than wise. You will need to factor in a few short "shakedown" trips from home before you commit yourself to full time on the road.

With all due respect, you wouldn't be the first on this forum to find out that a cheap rig could be expensive in the long term.

Jim

PS: Never fall in love with anything that doesn't eat and poo as doing so will cloud your judgement.

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

Elle on Wheels wrote:
Hi All
I am probably asking questions that have been asked 100 times before.
I'll go along with what Jim has already said
I am looking at a early 80's Viscount which is in good nick but basic. I want to live in it full time and will be solo travelling and doing lots of free camping.
In my opinion a van this old may have a few problems, with free camping you will need a toilet/shower tent and some water containers.
I would like to have a tv and an adequate sound system (nothing fancy) so would I be better off putting in a VAST system rather than a arial etc?
We run a VAST Sat system they are great, never without tv wherever you are.
The van I'm looking at has a 12v system but no solar. Am I better off buying a foldout system or should I have a solar system installed in the van?
Installing new in the van would be expensive, you may need to rewire the whole van.
The van has an awning but no annex . I want to have extra room for the dogs so should I look for a 2nd hand annex or buy a tent?
Try to get an annex, dogs in a tent in WA is not a good idea because of the heat.
I want to get my ute ready for the road - I'm in WA- so who should I go to to get a uhf etc installed?
If you can get up to Perth metro area, phone this guy and he will come to you, he fits all the truckies radio's, but will not come that far down south, I think Mandurah is his limit 0432 494 551 mob or 9499 1720 home, flyridezaudio@yahoo.com
I hear electric brakes mentioned all the time. The van I end up buying will probably not have elec brakes. Do I need to get them fitted?
Depends on the size and weight of the van
I aim to be on the road by March next year at the latest.
Again, do as jim suggest's, a few short trips before the big one, just to sort out the problem bits.
Thanks for your patience with my very repitive questions.

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Thanks guys

the van has been well looked after and is in good nick and I trust the people selling it - they took me through everything and for a novice it seems like a reasonable way to begin. Sounds like a fold out solar panel is the go. I will buy a shower tent and a portapot and see how that goes. I will also look around for a 2nd hand annex but these days you can get good large tents with lots of windows etc and it would be an extra room for me as well to spread out in. I'm signing up for a training weekend and will probably go on a couple as well as taking some short trips by myself to test things out and get used to the van. My time line is roughly March so that give me opportunity for sevaral short trips and lots of practice - especially reversing.

lilly31 · Guru

Elle on Wheels wrote:
Thanks guys

the van has been well looked after and is in good nick and I trust the people selling it - they took me through everything and for a novice it seems like a reasonable way to begin. Sounds like a fold out solar panel is the go. I will buy a shower tent and a portapot and see how that goes. I will also look around for a 2nd hand annex but these days you can get good large tents with lots of windows etc and it would be an extra room for me as well to spread out in. I'm signing up for a training weekend and will probably go on a couple as well as taking some short trips by myself to test things out and get used to the van. My time line is roughly March so that give me opportunity for sevaral short trips and lots of practice - especially reversing.

Hi elle

Like you i am getting ready to head off next autumn ... I am doing small trip's to work out what i need and dont need ... As for annex if you go to ebay or trading post on a regular basics you will find some second hand one that may suit you .. ..I have just brought a camper trailer second hand on trading post after months of looking ... I will probley upgrade to a small van (pop top) in next year or so ....but with limited money at this stage the camper trailer will give me my freedom for now .....

jimricho · Guru

Elle on Wheels wrote:
Thanks guys

the van has been well looked after and is in good nick and I trust the people selling it - they took me through everything and for a novice it seems like a reasonable way to begin. Sounds like a fold out solar panel is the go. I will buy a shower tent and a portapot and see how that goes. I will also look around for a 2nd hand annex but these days you can get good large tents with lots of windows etc and it would be an extra room for me as well to spread out in. I'm signing up for a training weekend and will probably go on a couple as well as taking some short trips by myself to test things out and get used to the van. My time line is roughly March so that give me opportunity for sevaral short trips and lots of practice - especially reversing.

See if you can get someone with a bit of electrical knowledge to check out what may be needed to set up for 12volt power. It may already have everthing you need. I would regard being able to recharge the van's "house" battery from both the car when travelling, and from 240v when on a powered site or at home, to be at least equal priority to a solar panel.

A large tent can be a real pain to set up if by yourself, I've been there done that!

Happywanderer · The Master

Have to agree with Richo on the large tent. Wouldn't a pull out awning with zip on walls be better. You can get similiar from Ironman 4x4 on ebay. There was a second hand one going the other day with walls about 250.00. That was a good buy as the awning on its own new is 295.00
Also be careful with the fold up suitcase style of solar panel. I intend getting one myself down the track but was with someone the other day and theirs blew over in the wind cracking the glass.
Just make sure it is well tied down.

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Hey all thanks for your advice. Think I forgot to mention the van has a new pull out awning which i had a good try at and think I will be able to master or mistress it after a couple of go's - that was another selling point. I wonder if it is possible to get an annex which fits with the awning.

The van has a basic 12v system and also a plug which connects up to the tow vehicle to charge the battery while driving.

Thanks for the advice about the solar panel HW and will make sure I tie it down.... that is when and if i get one.

I have talked to a couple of advisors and it looks like I would not have to spend too much on it.

chers

lilly31 · Guru

Sound good elle ... you be on your way before you know it ....

jimricho · Guru

In getting your ute ready you'll need to check that the wiring for charging the house battery from the ute is wired separately to the 12v fridge wiring. (I'm assuming a 3 way fridge) If the 12v fridge wiring is used for charging the house battery the fridge will quickly flatten it when it is switched to 12v. For the same reason do not wire a 3way fridge a the house battery.

Both circuits need to be connected to the main (ute's) battery each via a relay to ensure that the ute's 12v is automatically disconnected from the van's circuits when the engine is not running. The preferred option for the charging circuit is to use a dual battery system controller instead of a basic relay to ensure that the ute's battery gets priority over the "house" battery when charging. The charging circuit is best wired using 8 gauge cable to ensure adequate voltage to charge the battery.

An alternative to the dual battery controller is a DC-DC battery charger such as a Ctek D250S, if your budget extends this far it is a very elegant solution as it will optimise the charging of the house battery and you'll probably "get away" with lighter wiring (e.g 6mm) in the tug. The Ctek should be installed in the van close to the house battery rather than in the ute. If your budget doesn't extend this far at this stage you can see how you go and fit it later if you find you're having problems getting your house battery to adequately charge from the ute.

An alternative to the relay in the fridge circuit is a device known as a "Fridge Switch" that is installed in the van and detects if the van is on the move or stationary. If stationary it disconnects the fridge and reconnects it when the van is back on the move.

Many folks don't bother with either the relay or the "Fridge Switch" in the fridge circuit, instead relying on their memory to switch the fridge off if stopping for more than a few minutes and then back on again before getting back on the road. They have more faith in their memory than I do in mine!

No doubt you're on a limited budget (who ain't!) but I'd suggest giving top priority to get this aspect right over wish list niceties such as inverters, satellite dishes, etc.

If you're having difficulty getting your head around some of this you may need to run it past someone familiar with caravan electrical set-ups.

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

Happywanderer wrote:
Have to agree with Richo on the large tent. Wouldn't a pull out awning with zip on walls be better. You can get similiar from Ironman 4x4 on ebay. There was a second hand one going the other day with walls about 250.00. That was a good buy as the awning on its own new is 295.00
Also be careful with the fold up suitcase style of solar panel. I intend getting one myself down the track but was with someone the other day and theirs blew over in the wind cracking the glass.
Just make sure it is well tied down.

HW & Elle, do not buy glass solar panel's get the lighter to carry plastic type.

Jacko · Veteran Member

_wombat_ wrote:
HW & Elle, do not buy glass solar panel's get the lighter to carry plastic type.

Darling Wombat that is not the ideal advice. Darling Wombat the amorphous solar panels are greater than twice the surface area of a glass crystalline panel. Darling another thing with amorphous solar panels their performance in cold weather is abysmal. Darling is the cold weather with low insolation hours you need everything you can get. Darling crystalline solar panels is the way to fly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insolation

Jacko · Veteran Member

Elle on Wheels wrote:
Hi All
I am probably asking questions that have been asked 100 times before.
I am looking at a early 80's Viscount which is in good nick but basic. I want to live in it full time and will be solo travelling and doing lots of free camping.
Darling get the van checked out by a caravan repairer. Possibly cost you a $100 but well worth it.
I would like to have a tv and an adequate sound system (nothing fancy) so would I be better off putting in a VAST system rather than a arial etc?
Darling Jacko has a VAST system and loves it, but darling generally with a good TV aerial system Jacko finds good digital TV in most locations. Darling you also need to consider extra power usage with VAST.
The van I'm looking at has a 12v system but no solar. Am I better off buying a foldout system or should I have a solar system installed in the van?
Darling much better installed works all the time. Darling 2 off 140W panels and a Ctek D250S Dual would be a magic little system for you darling. Ctek 250S Dual to charge your batteries when travelling with poor weather and works as MPPT regulator as well. Darling great value for money for combined unit.
The van has an awning but no annex . I want to have extra room for the dogs so should I look for a 2nd hand annex or buy a tent?
Darling an annexe would be better.
I want to get my ute ready for the road - I'm in WA- so who should I go to to get a uhf etc installed?
Darling Jacko finds the UHF is a waste of time. Darling is generally all bad language and other RV'ers don't talk.
I hear electric brakes mentioned all the time. The van I end up buying will probably not have elec brakes. Do I need to get them fitted?
Darling electric brakes in Jacko's humble opinion are essential. Jacko has bad memories from over ride brake days.
I aim to be on the road by March next year at the latest.
Darling is a great life, but I do fear for you a little not having an onboard shower and toilet. Darling suggest you look at getting a hot water system fitted like the little one. Darling from memory Camec have a teeny weeny little gas hot water system called a Henry. Darling hot water on tap is essential for basic living.
Thanks for your patience with my very repetitive questions.
Darling the better you can get setup the better you will be. Darling if you are not reasonably well setup power wise and comfort wise your mental state can quickly deteriate and depression set in. Darling Jacko has seen this first hand with other travellers trying to do thing to basic.

jimricho · Guru

Jacko wrote:
Darling much better installed works all the time. Darling 2 off 140W panels and a Ctek D250S Dual would be a magic little system for you darling. Ctek 250S Dual to charge your batteries when travelling with poor weather and works as MPPT regulator as well. Darling great value for money for combined unit.

That's good info about the Ctek working as an MPPT regulator that I wasn't aware of.

thanks,

Jim

Jacko · Veteran Member

Darling Jim here is the link to the D250S Dual. Darling all the manuals are on the bottom right hand in PDF. Darling these work like magic for vehicle and solar charging. Jacko fitted one for when there is little sun and Jacko needs to top the batteries. Darling Jacko loathes having to use the gennie. Darling I have the Ctek 250S Dual connected with some jiggery pokery Jacko made so use it as a 240V battery charger if Jacko gets desperate when stopped at a spot and no sun Jacko is forced to fire up the gennie. Darling imagine if Jacko froze with no Mr. Webasto because batteries were down. Darling the gorgeous guys on RVtravel helped Jacko heaps with this. http://www.ctek.com/int/en/chargers/D250S%20DUAL

jimricho · Guru

thanks again, I had seen info on the D250S but not the D250S Dual. Looks like an ideal set-up and I can see how a basic switchmode power supply of adequate capacity could be incorporated as well.

I mostly stay on powered sites but I may be spending a bit of time unpowered next year so I'm gathering my thoughts on what's available.

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Wow - thanks so much everyone for all this great advice. After consideration I have decided to buy this little beauty and I will take it to a caravan place in Perth to get it rigged up according to the advice here which I will print off so I can make sure I iclude everything.

Jim I've seen cteks advertised on ebay so will get one off there and get it wired up.

Jacko I am not sure if I can afford to have a couple of panels installed but will check out the cost - there is a 200w panel on ebay for about $400 so this might do the job but I really think I will have to stick with a fold out panel.

I will check out the ho****er but was going to go with a shower tent and a little pump that runs off the battery and a bucket of hot water. But I note your advice about not being too basic. I've budgeted for regular nights in a van park.

Would someone be able to PM me about the best places or people in Perth to take the van and ute to get the electrics set up? The sooner I get it done the sooner I can take it out for trial runs.

Thanks once again - all this is very encouraging.

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

Elle, if you are staying in a caravan park here in Perth contact Kye Mason on 0428897746 he will come to you and has reasonable prices, most of the caravan dealers charge like winded bulls.

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Thanks Wombat.... I wonder why h o t w a t e r got censored in my last post - the mind boggles at possible alternative rude meanings for that, even I am stumped.

I am in Denmark and the van is halfway between Denmark and Perth. My plan was to pick it up and leave it somewhere in Perth while it was being checked out and fitted up.

I will actually need to store it in Perth so does anyone know if there are there any van parks that charge a basic storage fee and then a nightly rental for the nights you actually stay? Anywhere in a 100km range of Perth would be fine. I used to have an arrangement like this in a country SA town where I kept a van permanantly at the park for a small rent and then paid extra when I stayed. It would be nice to use the van whle I am in Perth. It's not feasible for me to have the van on my property as it is extremely steep and I often have to go to Perth at very short notice and get there quickly so towing it up and back would not be the best option. I could leave it at a neighbouring flat property I guess if stuck.

I have booked into a global gypsies caravan training course on the 5th of November. Gawd help all those in my rear path as I practice reversing.

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Hey Jacko and Jim I've checked out ctek on ebay - there is a CTEK DC TO DC & SOLAR BATTERY CHARGER 12V D250S DUAL and a

CTEK DC TO DC DUAL BATTERY MANAGER 12V SMARTPASS . The 1st is $290 and the 2nd is $350. Which is the best one for my needs? I am assuming the 2nd.

cheers

jimricho · Guru

Elle on Wheels wrote:
Hey Jacko and Jim I've checked out ctek on ebay - there is a CTEK DC TO DC & SOLAR BATTERY CHARGER 12V D250S DUAL and a

CTEK DC TO DC DUAL BATTERY MANAGER 12V SMARTPASS . The 1st is $290 and the 2nd is $350. Which is the best one for my needs? I am assuming the 2nd.

cheers

I don't have "hands on" with either product so I'd need to check the data sheets of both before commenting. Jacko is most likely more familiar with these than I am.

I do own two Ctek (240v) chargers and can recommend the Ctek brand on that basis.

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

Elle, not sure of any C park that has that arrangement, I suggest you google C/parks in Perth and send them all an email asking your question, about parking your van in their park and using it when you are in Perth, don't forget to ask for thier charges.

Jacko · Veteran Member

Elle on Wheels wrote:
Hey Jacko and Jim I've checked out ctek on ebay - there is a CTEK DC TO DC & SOLAR BATTERY CHARGER 12V D250S DUAL and a

CTEK DC TO DC DUAL BATTERY MANAGER 12V SMARTPASS . The 1st is $290 and the 2nd is $350. Which is the best one for my needs? I am assuming the 2nd.

cheers
Darling this is the unit you want
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CTEK-DC-DC-SOLAR-BATTERY-CHARGER-12V-D250S-DUAL-/110754551991?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19c97c58b7

Darling that is the Ctek D250S DUAL. Darling has a built in solar regulator as well. Darling you do need 120W of solar to ensure full and proper operation. Darling the 200W panel is likely to be a 24V panel and unsuitable to your requirements. Darling you need a 12V panel.

03_troopy · Guru

200w is also available in 12v configuration to.
http://www.solarenergystore.com.au/index.php/200-watt-solar-panel.html

Happywanderer · The Master

Elle on Wheels wrote:
Thanks Wombat.... I wonder why h o t w a t e r got censored in my last post - the mind boggles at possible alternative rude meanings for that, even I am stumped.

Think about it Elle, its an easy one to work out. Just look at the letters that were blocked out.

I have to agree with the others on here. Don't try to get going with only the basics, it is too depressing. I am still trying to get Myrtle fitted out properly. Thats why I am going out to Greens Lake quite a lot. I really can only go away for about 3 days at a time at the moment and need to come home and get sorted again.

Something always seems to go wrong on each trip and I have more to do. Still working on it all and can only hope I have it all sorted by the time I head up north next winter.

jonathan · Guru

Hi Marj ..

.. and what you're doing is what I would have suggested .. You're able to work through different problems/situations and not feel too far from home. These things, good and bad are just normal .. some are harder than others and some might need just the right touch to fix ..

You're doing it good Marj ..

Jon

Happywanderer · The Master

Thank you Jonathan, great to get a good bit of encouragement from a friend.

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Happywanderer wrote:
Elle on Wheels wrote:
Thanks Wombat.... I wonder why h o t w a t e r got censored in my last post - the mind boggles at possible alternative rude meanings for that, even I am stumped.

Think about it Elle, its an easy one to work out. Just look at the letters that were blocked out.
T'what ever could you possibly mean HW? I wish my mind was as agile as the censor.... and your's. And I thought you were such a non-rude person.

jimricho · Guru

AHA! now we know the solution to the problem....simply spell it "hoT'whater"!