We are on the way back to Melbourne, dont want to but have to get back to work.
We thought we had it all worked out, but I now know just how green we were!
We have learned so much over the last four and a half weeks.
First of all free camping in roadside stops is only for us in desperate situations, our first night out was at a stop in Culcairn, with a busy highway on one side, and an active railway line on the other side.
Lesson 1, be more selective where you stop.
We knew we had the correct ball weight, but the rig still felt a little nervous, we over interpreted this, and I was hanging on tight, and trying to correct every movement. Later I relaxed, and let the rig ride it out, just so much easier.
Lesson 2, Learn to interpret the signals your rig is giving you, and dont over react.
Once we took a critical look at our rig, we worked out that our tow ball was about six inches (150mm) too low, this means the load is being carried on the front wheels of the van, after a run there is a significant difference in the temperature of the front and back tyres. We identified this after a casual comment from a fellow camper.
Lesson 3, pay attention to vehicle set up.
Lesson 4, pay attention to what others tell you.
Dont struggle with things, talk to the people around you, invariably they will have faced the same issues and solved them.
When we started out we were setting the stabiliser legs vertical, when we walked around in the van, the van was moving. Again a comment from a neighbour suggested setting the legs at an angle (front one way, back the other), and it was like chalk and cheese.
Lesson 5, do not set your legs up vertically, but on an angle.
Speed, while initially we were very nervous, and our speed was relatively low, our fuel consumption was fantastic, (13.8l/100k, towing a high 3.3t van), as we became more confident our speed rose, and our fuel consumption deteriorated (now 14.4l / 100k).
Also as our speed rose, the effect of being passed by a large vehicle became more pronounced. Basically above 95k we were sucked towards the passing vehicle, and at 105k it is quite pronounced. The bigger a gap you can create between yourself and the passing vehicle reduces the impact.
Lesson 6. Watch your mirrors, be aware when a vehicle is going to pass you, and create as much of a gap as you can, in other words hug the fog line, if you can.
Yes, the standard D4 hitch is a plow! made to suit pommy vans. The Aussie made 'Mitch Hitch" seems to be the preferred option. and i reckon 14's is darn good for 3.3t.
-- Edited by Pedro_The_Swift on Wednesday 13th of August 2014 07:36:18 PM
