Advice for a novice - Please!

PurgaEd · Veteran Member

Advice for a novice - Please!

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Are you having solar fitted to your van? Inverter? The guys in tech section will help you ou I am sure with advice on these subjects.

As for crockery, we have the Corelle brand, pretty hardy stuff. Mugs, sometimes a personal choice. The minimum of pots, we have two, and a steamer. We also have one large pot for stews etc. one large frypan, and one small. We also have a Weber Baby Q - invaluable, roasts, grills, cakes - whatever you can cook in oven can be done, and lots more! The one with the temperature gauge is the best.

Good luck with it all, hope to see you on the road sometime, somewhere!

Radar · Guru

PurgaEd hi

First off welcome I m sure you will find good and not so good information on here.

Another PO by the name of Dougwe is at the moment looking into Gold star Caravans follow his posting for a answer.

Now as I have written before when the question is asked when buying your caravan get the best batteries and solar panels equipment you can afford, once you have road tested that maybe you will need to look at an inverter for your casual use of your 240 volt appliances.

Last but not lest the generator hang off buying one until you at the most done trips and only then relook at that area, whole new ball game open up, one where am I going to store it, not good idea on bumper adds weight there, on draw bar possible. In the car will it be to heavy to lift out and then there is the noise of it. Most people are not happy with them outside there caravans and place them so everyone can here them. The salesman said they are quite try running one with friends over for afternoon tea or while you having a rest in the afternoon.

That bring me back to your set up first solar so you can expand it easy, second one battery and maybe a second if your needs require it, third inverter/inverters a big one for bigger job a small one for phone/computers.

Then and only then go and spend money on a really good one a generator.

I hope I have you in some way and when you have parked near me I have help you. Ralph.

D and D · Guru

Like Jules, we also have Corelle crockery, great stuff and reasonably priced at Big W or online. We have all our cupboards lined with non-slip material like this: bit.ly/1mVhiaT, you can buy it from stacks of places and we also use it in between things. We have a Honda 2kVa generator that is more than big enough to power what we have although we don't use it much as we have heaps of solar generation and 3 big deep cell batteries. Our air conditioning is a domestic split system (Kelvinator) which is cheaper, quieter and more energy efficient than most of the roof mounted units I've seen and a diesel heater is great, particularly on those cold mornings. We also have a Weber Baby Q but I'd recommend getting the larger 200 model preferably with the high dome lid and you can get a full size barby plate for them from Aldi for about $30 I think it was.

We have a 5.5 kg washing machine that uses a stack of water and requires 240V to run. We were only going to use in emergencies until we saw what some people dump into CP laundries and small town laundromats - now we only use our own washing machine.

If you can afford it, satellite TV is great but make sure you get a digital satellite finder tuned to the Optus C1 satellite. Internet connection through Telstra and using the 4G Advanced Wifi modem.

Smart phone with the Wikicamps app and the Camps 7 book guide to free campsites. If you're a member of the RAA you can buy it there and get a discount. There are more sites online that are also useful such as the sub-forum here on free and budget sites or www.caravancaravan.com.au/

Search through the threads on the forum remembering that nothing here is gospel - we all have our own ways of doing things as will you but there is heaps of really good advice available here for free that should point you in the right direction.

PurgaEd · Veteran Member

Hi

Thanks for the response. biggrin

Yes the van is being built with two solar panels and two 100 amp hour deep cycle batteries.

I'll pass on the crockery / pots advice to my wife.

Cheers - Keith aka PurgaEd

Vic41 · Guru

Welcome to the forum PurgaEd, smile

As well as the Tech Section look on Handy Hints section.

Also, click on the word "Search" on the blue bar at the top of the page and when the search box appears type in the subject you are interested in they are some good and helpful past threads on different things.

Happy travels and hope the Goldstar meets your expectations. smile

PurgaEd · Veteran Member

Hi Ralph

Thanks for the advice.

If you look at the Goldstar website www.goldstarrv.com.au then click on models and then look at the 19' 6" with en suite.

You then option up the base model.

So I have got the Bonus Pack - 2 x 100 watt solar panels, extra 100amp/hr deep cycle battery, roll out awning and roof top air-con and I have ordered the Ibis Air Command.

I've also taken everything else except the aluminium chassis - stuck with the steel and the additional weight.

I've also added the outside drop down table and gas bayonet point.

With a Hyland coupling and all the above, it's under $50,000. Vanguard, On the Move, Elite etc - all about $70,000 because of dealer markup.

ATM with the steel chassis and dual trailing arm independent coil and shockie suspension is 2400kgs.

I'm guessing (but will find out) that I'll need to get an Anderson plug fitted to my ute.

Towing it with a 2011 Ford Ranger PK 4x4TD - 3 tonne capacity so my ATM is around where I wanted it.

I'll bear in mind your comments about the generator but I'm a tad confused there; I thought it was a SOP piece of equipment.

Cheers

Keith

-- Edited by PurgaEd on Thursday 28th of August 2014 03:49:47 PM

-- Edited by PurgaEd on Thursday 28th of August 2014 10:54:04 PM

PurgaEd · Veteran Member

Thanks Vic - will do smile

Radar · Guru

PurgaEd

Yes I own one it was birthday present from my son, he was desperate to buy me a present for a dad that has more then he needs found this generator in a flyer in the letter box. Local hardware shop.

I used it on one trip out in desert to charge up 3 batteries for my friends and myself as we did not have solar in our tents we were camped for a few days and our second batteries were getting low.

Next time after 10 weeks on our travels a fellow traveller was needing to do some maintance as I had over filled the fuel tank I loaned him it to run a grinder, really after 11 weeks this year of not using it, might find a permanate spot in the shed for it. Two times in 10 years, I must a mitt I am not on the road full time and I will use a van park when things get a bit low, water is my biggest problem.

No it not a sop of equipment, there was sixty caravans at one site I was at and 4 generators, 3 being rude as to fellow RV's in a free camp site up North Queensland.

It sounds like you are on the right track setting your van up, it really does sound nice. Ralph

-- Edited by Radar on Thursday 28th of August 2014 04:59:45 PM

wendyv · Guru

Keith,
another hassle with genset is the need to carry petrol for it.
We have melamine type plates and bowls; a couple of plastic bowls for salads.
Have a set of 3 saucepans that store inside each other. The largest is big enough to make soup in. Have an ordinary frying pan. Have an electric frypan which is invaluable - we have an external power point and I do roasts, make flatbreads etc in it. In the caravanning days, when we camped more in the bush, carried (inside the 4WD) a camp oven too.

the rocket · Guru

Hi PurgaEd, Welcome to theplayground. There are some good posts on generators so just type in generator in the search box.

We bought a Yamaha 2400 about 4 mths. ago because we were told Yamaha and Honda were the quietest on the market. We were free camping awhile back and people had them and they were quiet compared to the generator next door. when it is going we have to go out. can't hear tv or even think straight so something like that would be an absolute nightmare when free camping for you and others. Can't tell you how we have found ours as it is still in the box. have been ill the last 3 mths. and not gone anywhere. Also, we got a 4yr. warranty. the only brand to give that option. we have solar panels and they are enough to power phone recharge, computer recharge, camera recharge. we got the generator because if it is very hot we wanted the option to run air conditing and we needed this size. it is heavy about 30kgs (from memory). We have 3 way fridge and gas stove. Good luck. lots of good people on here who are willing to help anyway they can. Enjoy.

-- Edited by the rocket on Thursday 28th of August 2014 05:41:20 PM

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Shut the front gate!!

Welcome to the gang Keith, enjoy here and out in the playground.

Yes I have been researching CV's on the net only so far and have been very keen on the "Gold Star" Flavour and very keen. I will fly over for a ganda and chat soon. As you I am looking at the 1960 too with the bonus deal as well, also recliner seats with the continuous hot water service.

I did however as a first port of call, call into another dealer in Pakenham today who is of a similar flavour as I have now, to let them have first say and was very impressed with their 19'6'' model full caravan so will not be ruling them out either. If you are reading this Mr D keep me in mind and my super dooper Avan Sportliner Trade-in cos that could be the difference. Oh! as you have read my posts, the twins do not go with the trade-in, they stay with me.

As for the Generator, I am concentrating on having enough Solar Power to keep the batteries powered but do have a 20i Honda Generator already for those not so sunny days.

PurgaEd · Veteran Member

Thanks Doug - appreciate the feedback.

PurgaEd · Veteran Member

Thank you Rocket - there's so much of a learning curve in front of me it's frightening! As with all the others who I have responded, I appreciate your thoughts. Cheers - Keith

the rocket · Guru

Dougwe wrote:
Shut the front gate!!

Welcome to the gang Keith, enjoy here and out in the playground.

Yes I have been researching CV's on the net only so far and have been very keen on the "Gold Star" Flavour and very keen. I will fly over for a ganda and chat soon. As you I am looking at the 1960 too with the bonus deal as well, also recliner seats with the continuous hot water service.

I did however as a first port of call, call into another dealer in Pakenham today who is of a similar flavour as I have now, to let them have first say and was very impressed with their 19'6'' model full caravan so will not be ruling them out either. If you are reading this Mr D keep me in mind and my super dooper Avan Sportliner Trade-in cos that could be the difference. Oh! as you have read my posts, the twins do not go with the trade-in, they stay with me.

As for the Generator, I am concentrating on having enough Solar Power to keep the batteries powered but do have a 20i Honda Generator already for those not so sunny days.

"shut the front gate" - Dougwe - u r so "ontrend". shut the front gate.

johnno48 · Veteran Member

Are these vans made in Australia? they look very much like a Chinese import, I hope that I am wrong.

Cloak · Guru

Dougwe wrote:
I did however as a first port of call, call into another dealer in Pakenham today who is of a similar flavour as I have now, to let them have first say and was very impressed with their 19'6'' model full caravan so will not be ruling them out either. If you are reading this Mr D keep me in mind and my super dooper Avan Sportliner Trade-in cos that could be the difference. Oh! as you have read my posts, the twins do not go with the trade-in, they stay with me.

Oh so they don't mind a drop in to look at the models?

I asked Jayco and they told me to go to a dealer. Trouble is none of the dealers near me have parking on site.

rosco532 · Senior Member

johnno48 wrote:
Are these vans made in Australia? they look very much like a Chinese import, I hope that I am wrong.

On another site some-one asked the same question about them being a Chinese import.....The reply came back that they were ''Assembled'' in Au.....He never actually denied that the components wern't imported from China

You are welcome to go and watch them assemble them.

PurgaEd · Veteran Member

Re built or not built in China

This is a direct quote, word for word from the owner of the Goldstar RV, Robbie Gianfrotta, received tonight by text message when I asked the question, "Are you telling me the vans are not built in Australia?";

"We build all our caravans and semi trailers in mainland China we merely finish them off here. We own the business there and have done for many years. Flat packing caravans and assembly locally is not an option to us. We produce using machinery and little man power. Hence everything fits properly and is near perfect. I thought you were aware of this. Robbie".

He can't be more upfront than that and I can't afford $70 plus thousand for a new van and couldn't find what I wanted in a second hand van.

These next lines (in red) are lifted directly off the Goldstar website which is black and white that the vans are made in China and there's no attempt to hide the fact.

Our Company has deep roots in the off shore manufacturing sector.
Some 12 years ago we began manufacturing a budget Camper Trailer in the City of Sanmen in China. Our growth from being merely an importer from several companies to owning and operating our own facilities has been significant.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Cloak wrote:
Dougwe wrote:
I did however as a first port of call, call into another dealer in Pakenham today who is of a similar flavour as I have now, to let them have first say and was very impressed with their 19'6'' model full caravan so will not be ruling them out either. If you are reading this Mr D keep me in mind and my super dooper Avan Sportliner Trade-in cos that could be the difference. Oh! as you have read my posts, the twins do not go with the trade-in, they stay with me.

Oh so they don't mind a drop in to look at the models?

I asked Jayco and they told me to go to a dealer. Trouble is none of the dealers near me have parking on site.

This mob have the factory on one block and showroom on the next block with heaps of vans in the yard for viewing. Didn't ask about looking through the factory at this stage.

rosco532 · Senior Member

Another one here I haven't had much to do with but they looked pretty good.......Dealer on the way to Bribie...

Not sure what the price for them is down your way....

http://www.jbcaravans.com.au/

Cheers

Dougwe · Chief one feather

PurgaEd wrote:
Re built or not built in China
This is a direct quote, word for word from the owner of the Goldstar RV, Robbie Gianfrotta, received tonight by text message when I asked the question, "Are you telling me the vans are not built in Australia?";
"We build all our caravans and semi trailers in mainland China we merely finish them off here. We own the business there and have done for many years. Flat packing caravans and assembly locally is not an option to us. We produce using machinery and little man power. Hence everything fits properly and is near perfect. I thought you were aware of this. Robbie".
He can't be more upfront than that and I can't afford $70 plus thousand for a new van and couldn't find what I wanted in a second hand van.
These next lines (in red) are lifted directly off the Goldstar website which is black and white that the vans are made in China and there's no attempt to hide the fact.
Our Company has deep roots in the off shore manufacturing sector.
Some 12 years ago we began manufacturing a budget Camper Trailer in the City of Sanmen in China. Our growth from being merely an importer from several companies to owning and operating our own facilities has been significant.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback.

They are completely upfront about the china part of the business. A lot of things are made in China anyway. No harm in looking and buying if they tick all the boxes I spose. I will still go look as I'll never never know if I never never go. Mmmm heard that somewhere. Agree they are a lot cheaper than other new vans that's for sure. I haven't actually heard anything negative about them so far. They have also ticked most of my boxes and who knows, might even tick the last couple when I actually see them and speak to Robbie.

Glenelg · Guru

i went up to Old Reynella yesterday to have a look at them, very very nice & very modern. i'm jealous. nearly sold my carpet cleaning setup while there.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Thanks for the phone call re your visit to them Dave. Good to see we have great members on this forum willing to go out there way to check things without even being asked and then go to the trouble and cost to ring someone they have never met to pass on the info gained.

Look forward to meeting you on my visit to the city of churches Dave, even though it will be quick visit.

Enjoy your new toy Keith when you get it .

PurgaEd · Veteran Member

Thanks Doug - I have a huge learning curve in front of me but the expectation of the challenge has the blood pumping! Cheers - Keith

PurgaEd · Veteran Member

Thanks for that reply Dave - I spoke to the owner of one in Toowoomba and she said here 21 footer was amazing - so I'm really pleased that you've given them a good wrap up! Cheers - Keith

-- Edited by PurgaEd on Friday 29th of August 2014 04:17:46 PM

Glenelg · Guru

will have a drink at greens guys with your new vans. it's a pleasure to help.

villatranquilla · Guru

whenever possible buy things that are 'square' or 'oblong' plates, buckets bowls etc - makes packing easier

Dougwe · Chief one feather

PurgaEd wrote:
Thanks Doug - I have a huge learning curve in front of me but the expectation of the challenge has the blood pumping! Cheers - Keith

Dave has red stuff pumping as well but not blood, it's called Red wine biggrin It's red so all good.

Phil C · Guru

Hi PurgaEd and welcome to the madhouse. You will meet some very interesting characters here (including ME!)

We did a similar thing when we decided on this lifestyle, went for a 20 foot Jayco Starcraft (suited our budget) with 2 110AH batteries, 150W solar panel, ESC, annex, and a few other add ons.

Being an ex electrician I added 2 small 12V fans, changed the electrical distribution panel, installed a rearview camera, 2500W inverter, a few extra shelves and we live in the van 24/7. Have done so for the past 18 months.

We tow with a Ford XL Ranger (2012) with WDH. The towing is easy, we sit on 80 to 90 clicks and get good economy (ave 14 L per 100KMs).

Small space, if you can overcome this one living in a van is a doddle.
Setup, chocks, 4 jacks, level, awning roll out. Rip the lid off a coldy.
I leave the van hitched up in free camps, deters any would be thieves and makes for an easy getaway if needed.
I have an extra 9KG gas bottle, and use the gas for fridge and HWS in free camp
Also have a 2KVA Honda generator (cost a bit more but brilliant machine) which I hardly use.
Most times the solar will provide enough juice for battery to power up TV, lighting, and the electric blanket at night via the inverter.
We carry drinking water in 10 litre casks (in the ute), and 2 x 86 (I think) tanks under the van for washing us and the dishes every second day, every 4th day we use a caravan park to charge the batts and freshen up a bit.

Nearly forgot.. we have an induction cook plate as well as butane for the cuppa, we use plastic plates etc for eating, Im trying to convince my wife to ditch the aluminium saucepans for a set of the square nested lot that are induction friendly. We have a kick butt induction frypan (scampan??) the essential coffee machine and small percolator for the flame, gotta have good coffee stuff....

Thats about it, hope that helps.

Safe travels

-- Edited by Phil C on Saturday 30th of August 2014 12:20:24 PM

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.