Adam and Amys 17.56-2OB

[Ligedy]

That's awesome. Great van Adam. Love the fact Fraser is doable in a 17.56-2OB. I grew up at Hervey Bay and been thinking about getting back over to Fraser with the family after many years of absence. Everyone I've spoken to so far said leave the panda at HB. Now I've got you post to prove it.

Definitely on the list for 2014 now.

How does the clarion go for Bluetooth range outside the van? And did you upgrade the external speakers too?

Cheers Ligedy.

 

[Adam79]

Thankyou @legedy. The bluetooth seems to work fine from outside the van. We were away last weekend and had stereo on for happy hour and my wife was able to control it from about 10m away. I haven't replaced the outside speakers yet, as im still looking for a decent weather proof set. Might see you at Fraser next year, we go every year in september school holidays week before to get a good spot and week during. We love that place.

 

[Hubble80]

Thankyou @legedy. The bluetooth seems to work fine from outside the van. We were away last weekend and had stereo on for happy hour and my wife was able to control it from about 10m away. I haven't replaced the outside speakers yet, as im still looking for a decent weather proof set. Might see you at Fraser next year, we go every year in september school holidays week before to get a good spot and week during. We love that place.

Found this which may be of interest ... http://www.fusionelectronics.com/marine/products/speakers

 

[MastoCamper]

Hey @Adam79,

I replaced my externals with 6" waterproof fusions (see thread http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/mastos-16-49-1b.3104/), got them for a good price from http://www.cassellmarine.com.au/, sensational sound for the price,

cheers,

 

[benandjordansmum]

@Adam79, what brand of silicone spray did u use?I have read a few conflicting stories on brands that cause the sand and dirt to stick more.

 

[Adam79]

@benandjordansmum. I didn't use any silicone spray on any part of the van as sand/dust sicks to it like know what. I used inox spray on electrical. I am fanatic about cleaning when I get home so all wheels come off to access brakes, everything is cleaned then lubricated to prevent rust. I also use lanolin on the drawbar and chassis. You would be hard pressed to find any sand on the van when I'm finished. I also have the stone guard the wide mud flaps on the drawbar which stoped 90% of the sand spray. hope this helps.

 

[benandjordansmum]

@benandjordansmum. I didn't use any silicone spray on any part of the van as sand/dust sicks to it like know what. I used inox spray on electrical. I am fanatic about cleaning when I get home so all wheels come off to access brakes, everything is cleaned then lubricated to prevent rust. I also use lanolin on the drawbar and chassis. You would be hard pressed to find any sand on the van when I'm finished. I also have the stone guard the wide mud flaps on the drawbar which stoped 90% of the sand spray. hope this helps.

Sorry I meant lanolin spray. Did U spray all the metal under the van? I am pretty fussy as well when we come home and spend hours under everything also, but don't know much about brakes and wheels and other stuff under there!!!

 

[Adam79]

Had five minutes spare today so I thought I would stick in some sensor LED lights in the fridge and pantry. Im sick of fumbling round once the kids are asleep to get a beer only to get back to your chair to find you've pulled out a lemonade.

 

[17triton]

Nice lights there Adam, where did you pick them up from? And whats this "lemonade" that you speak of?

 

[Adam79]

@17triton. The lights came from a bathroom reno I just completed, they were in the vanity unit to be put in the draws. Brand is SWISH designer products. I thought they would be perfect for the van, the owner didn't want them. As for the lemonade, all cans feel the same in the dark.

 

[macca]

@17triton. The lights came from a bathroom reno I just completed, they were in the vanity unit to be put in the draws. Brand is SWISH designer products. I thought they would be perfect for the van, the owner didn't want them. As for the lemonade, all cans feel the same in the dark.
View attachment 19906

Not Asahi 1 Litre cans

 

[Adam79]

New bed ends work a treat. No more wet beds.

 

[dagree]

They look great

 

[benandjordansmum]

View attachment 21908
New bed ends work a treat. No more wet beds.

What bed ends did you guys end up getting and how do they fix to the bed lid?

 

[Adam79]

@benandjordansmum . We went back to not just canvas at Caboolture. $700 for the two ends. They attach with the original push on clips. I had extra eyelets put in near the locks, bottom corners and middles so can put an bit of stretchy rope through to give a bit more support in windy conditions.

 

[Marv_mart]

Having just upgraded from the Penguin to the Expanda 14.44-5 OB and not being out in really wet weather yet, are wet bed ends a real problem? Have the 'Privacy Screens' so assume these might help with keeping the bed end dry. Bottom part of canvas is water proof. Are these bed ends a necessity? Light rain we experienced on our trip to Mornington a month ago did not pose a problem.

 

[Adam79]

@Marv_mart. I think all of the expanda owners have a similar problem with the mattress getting wet/damp when you get persistent rain. The problem is that the mattresses touch the seam where the canvas meets the vinyl this causes a wicking effect, it is very unpleasant sleeping in the wet spot. We have the mesh privacy screens as well, having these up doesn't stop the water. Alot of member here have gone down the same path. Just do a search on wet
bedends. Hope this helps.

 

[Marv_mart]

In the light rain we experienced, the Privacy screen seemed to take the brunt of the rain and forced it to dribble down the screen and away from the mattress. Our bed end has water proof canvas on the bottom 20cm or so, how does the moisture get in? Water proof spray the seams so no wicking in? Will have a closer look when we get our van out of storage for our June LWE away. As I said before, have not had to endure heavy wet weather yet.

 

[Adam79]

Starting to get my outdoor shower set up for free camping at Christmas. We will be able to keep the van tank water for drinking and bathing the young ones. Bought a country comfort instant hot water unit and made a removable bracket to mount on the side of the van to use creek/bore water.

Just need to run another 12volt plug to this side of the van and wire up the pump.

 

[cruza driver]

How hot does the unit get being close to the side of the van @Adam79 ?