The Camping Thread - Page 37

BENT_8 · 22-04-2021, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

I wonder if making it fold up so the weight is closer to the back of the van rather than hang out the rear if that would help?
You'd still have to look to pack light things in it but would help with the stability a little.

I doubt you could do it as the weight of adding strength for a hinge setup would counter any saving.

BENT_8 · 22-04-2021, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

If it was me I would be taking it off and,if you need a bit extra storage put box only about 3-400 mm out and mount the spare wheel under the back of the van.If you can’t put the wheel under,maybe mount the wheel as close as possible to the van and have 2 smaller boxes either side of the wheel.If you have 2 boxes you could make them a bit higher for lightweight bits and bobs.PS I reckon if you stood on that bumper,you would lift the front off the ground because of the overhang

Cant change the box height as it has to stay below the level of the bed base when folded down, as it is theres onlt 2" between top of box and bed base which i put two lengths of 4×2 across for added support as the bed base isnt over strong.
Next time im away i'll take a few pics to help explain the situation when in use.

BENT_8 · 22-04-2021, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

yes and no on both comments Tf100.

BENT 8 did quote this hence my post :
The plan moving forward is to have the springs reset, a wheel alignment and discuss an axle load upgrade by a company at Wingfield who specialise in that stuff.

I'm not sure by the under carriage pic BENT could confirm - at the front shackle pin is that a "strut" shock that is painted light grey as per the spring pack mate ?

Considering there is the mention of "swaying" due to the additional weight of that steel box at the back - my mention of a heavier shock (if it has them) was purely a helper even though shocks are for damping control of the spring upgrading to a heavier shock will help a little when experiencing side winds etc....
Just helping out. IF I'm wrong with my assumptions all and good.

Certainly worth consideration, so ill run that past them when i take it in.

BENT_8 · 22-04-2021, 05:19 PM

Right side suspension

Left side suspension up close

Shock absorber

Compliance plate

Thoughts?

prydey · 22-04-2021, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

I doubt you could do it as the weight of adding strength for a hinge setup would counter any saving.

That sounds familiar

BENT_8 · 22-04-2021, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

That sounds familiar

That is very sharp Rob, didn't even consider that when i wrote it..

Might have to get the CofG measured too.

prydey · 22-04-2021, 05:26 PM

Looking at the compliance plate, GTM is already at axle group weight, so you'll have to look at an upgrade to the axle rating to increase your payload.

Bit like mine those numbers. Virtually impossible to keep it legal.

Tassie f100 · 22-04-2021, 05:31 PM

Thanks for that Bent8.I have seen a few trailer suspension set ups,but never before seen and independent susp using a leaf spring.Anyway first time for everything.I would be thinking that the tyre wear will be caused by an alignment issue with that wheel rather than because of different ride height on the other side

BENT_8 · 22-04-2021, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Looking at the compliance plate, GTM is already at axle group weight, so you'll have to look at an upgrade to the axle rating to increase your payload.

Bit like mine those numbers. Virtually impossible to keep it legal.

Yes, thats the conclusion i came too, this has some good info on having it done.

https://rvdaily.com.au/how-to-get-a-...hats-involved/

BENT_8 · 22-04-2021, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Thanks for that Bent8.I have seen a few trailer suspension set ups,but never before seen and independent susp using a leaf spring.Anyway first time for everything.I would be thinking that the tyre wear will be caused by an alignment issue with that wheel rather than because of different ride height on the other side

Was a first for me too and i've worked on a few in the van yard.

Agreed on the likelihood of the wear, but figured while i'm taking it down there to have the alignment done i might as well get it levelled up again.

When setup i just use a leveling ramp and it barely needs that but would be good to get it right for my OCD..lol

Just got to get all the stars to line up, a lull in work which isnt looking likely lately, the ok to take time off and a time when they are free to A/look at it and B/do whats necessary.

**FTE217** · 22-04-2021, 07:04 PM

BENT, pm me the stamping numbers of the shock.
It looks familiar but want to be sure.
Plenty of room for a bigger shock with the same mountings.

prydey · 23-04-2021, 02:29 PM

Last weekend of school holidays so took a couple of days off work to spend some time outdoors with the family again.

**FTE217** · 23-04-2021, 02:43 PM

Great family times forever in the memory banks for all.

blueoval · 23-04-2021, 03:37 PM

Priceless times really. Nice work Rob

prydey · 23-04-2021, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

Priceless times really. Nice work Rob

Shav, I would highly recommend this place for a trial run of any set up. Not that far from you and I believe you mentioned you know the owner already. Good place to just unwind, with back up of power, water and facilities if needed.

My wife lost her father in November last year so she enjoys just distancing herself from life for a few days as well. Thinking of you mate.

**Beastie** · 23-04-2021, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Last weekend of school holidays so took a couple of days off work to spend some time outdoors with the family again.

image

Who won...

prydey · 23-04-2021, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beastie

Who won...

My daughter is 12. I think we were both about as good as each other

raised by monkeys · 24-04-2021, 07:43 AM

We set up there NY 2019/20 great spot. Great for the skids to have plenty of safe space and dog friendly too.

prydey · 24-04-2021, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

We set up there NY 2019/20 great spot. Great for the skids to have plenty of safe space and dog friendly too.

It's only an hour down the road for us so we come here quite often.

Citroënbender · 09-05-2021, 04:47 AM

More of a caravan issue, but this raised my eyebrows. Articulated caravan hitch missing half its C-clips on the universal joint.

blueoval · 11-05-2021, 12:15 PM

Quick trip out to Trig Campground Deep Creek. Resident Roo coming to inspect our campsite.

Photo 8-5-21, 3 22 21 pm by S B, on Flickr

Photo 8-5-21, 3 22 46 pm by S B, on Flickr

Photo 8-5-21, 3 19 18 pm by S B, on Flickr

Photo 8-5-21, 3 18 58 pm by S B, on Flickr

Milky Way shot

Photo 9-5-21, 1 56 44 am by S B, on Flickr

prydey · 11-05-2021, 12:31 PM

Awesome!

**FTE217** · 11-05-2021, 12:40 PM

very cool !

sgt_doofey · 14-06-2021, 10:25 AM

I've just had a chance to properly test out my battery setup over the last 24 hours with my Kings fridge. Used it as a drinks fridge for a BBQ with friends last night. I've broken the 240v power adapter for the fridge so now can only run it from battery. (Helpful hint, don't drop the adapter or it'll break!)

I've also bought one of those power meters off of ebay so I can measure what the fridge draw is. In the last 24 hours, it consumed 8.72Ah. It is poor weather here too, cold and overcast with temps in the low teens. That would mean that the fridge doesn't have to work hard at all.

My solar panel is connected too and the battery is currently down to 12.8V. I'll have to see how it goes today with charging as it's again overcast with a couple of showers. Fridge is still on with drinks in it. It's set to 3 degrees.

I'm curious about what the power draw would be like in summer when the temperatures are a lot hotter. I'll see about measuring it when it's warmer again.

I guess people talk about average power draws but I assume it would be beneficial to know what different draws there are based on season?

My budget setup if anyone cares: http://fordforums.com.au/showthread....58#post6545358

slowsnake · 14-06-2021, 10:57 AM

My 40L Waco used to pull 3.4 amps, it was in an insulated bag, once everything was cold, or frozen, it would still draw the same amps.

Cheers King Billy.

prydey · 14-06-2021, 11:00 AM

I should have been in Naracoorte this weekend but had to cancel due to getting crook. Not happy.

sgt_doofey · 14-06-2021, 11:23 AM

Just plugged the meter in to the solar side and the 150w panel is generating just a shade under 1A in these poor conditions.
It looks like it would be enough to sustain me for a few days, but without any decent sunlight, the 75Ah battery would eventually go flat. A bigger solar panel would probably allow you to be self sufficient a lot longer in poor conditions.

roKWiz · 14-06-2021, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

Just plugged the meter in to the solar side and the 150w panel is generating just a shade under 1A in these poor conditions.
It looks like it would be enough to sustain me for a few days, but without any decent sunlight, the 75Ah battery would eventually go flat. A bigger solar panel would probably allow you to be self sufficient a lot longer in poor conditions.

Amorphous panels work so much better in low light, cloud cover and shading than monocrystalline ones.
I use canon Unisolar panels on the boat and motorhome. Not sure you can even still buy them. I live offgrid mostly.

sgt_doofey · 14-06-2021, 05:43 PM

Solar panel generated 5.78Ah of power, so looks like I have a deficit of about 3A per day in winter.

So, theoretically speaking, with my 75Ah battery with a usable power of 37.5Ah (50%), I should get roughly 10-12 days before running out of juice.

Like I said above, I'd like to compare that to summer when it rolls around!

BENT_8 · 14-06-2021, 07:12 PM

Took the Family for a drive up to Balhanna for lunch today via the freeway, headed back along the Onkaparinga scenic driving stopping at Melba's and the Toy Factory.
Decided to stop in at Chalks and Rocky Paddock, the first time ive been to one of our camp destinations since my best mate passed away, broke my heart to think we'll never be there together again.

Got next weekend booked at Karoonda with a few mates to see the silo art and light show, not sure how that'll feel but we'll be there for each other.

Picked old mates ashes up last fortnight, planning to take them up to Lake Bonney on first weekend in July as a final trip for him to the place he loved the most, that will be brutal.

Im seriously considering giving camping away after that, not sure i can continue to enjoy it without him, it was our thing.