Hi from Newcastle

[Curryhouse]

Have been a reader for awhile but only very recently posted a msg. Especially enjoy the how-to forums. Lots of clever vanners around with some great tips and projects. Wife and I are empty nesters but with two small dogs as surrogate kids. We have a 2006 12.37 Expanda bought three years ago but we have only been away on a few short trips within a few hours of Newcastle (Southwest Rocks, Belmont and most recently Forster). Intent is to see if we enjoy the caravaning life in the lead-up to retirement (a year or so away yet). Tug is a Toyota Kluger. Don't have plans to go off-road or to get a bigger van......but plans often change. Our next trip away is to Seal Rocks in February with some family and friends. Have done a couple of mods to the van - installed a radio in the top of the wardrobe and speakers either side of the window beside the robe; and replaced a couple of outside globes with LED lights. Next project is to install a reversing camera.

Cheers and beers,
Neil & Sheryl

 

[Pace]

G'day and welcome,great that your into it now in lieu of being on the side line. Plans, hmmmm they'll change and my bet is so will the tug and a easy to setup van too.
Grey nomads in the wind I'm thinking here, looking forward to that part of Mrs Pace and I life.

Pace.

 

[CJ1177]

:welcome: Welcome to the forum it's great to see another novocastrian on the forum, you will certainly find plenty of useful stuff around the forum.
We only just got back from south west rocks a week ago, it was our first time there & loved it & we definitely plan on going back, there are heaps of great weekend getaways around the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie area both in the city, mountains & bush

 

[Burnsy]

Howdy neighbour and welcome!

 

[jacbaz]

Welcome @Curryhouse we have a 12 footer and currently touring Tassie ... Have had BIG discussions about upgrading but love this little van - May very we'll be able to suffice with what we have (May need a couple of additions) ... Very windy roads and small van handles well ... Will (hopefully) post a trip report on the weekend!

 

[Curryhouse]

Welcome @Curryhouse we have a 12 footer and currently touring Tassie ... Have had BIG discussions about upgrading but love this little van - May very we'll be able to suffice with what we have (May need a couple of additions) ... Very windy roads and small van handles well ... Will (hopefully) post a trip report on the weekend!

Hi jacbaz, Tassie is definitely on our list of places to visit. Hadn't thought about taking the van over but got talking to a couple at Forster who had a mother of a van and truck to pull it and they were planning on going across on the ferry. Look forward to reading about your adventures.

 

[Bushman]

:welcome: Curryhouse

 

[hamish22]

:welcome:

 

[17triton]

Welcome @Curryhouse it seems every second member comes from Newcastle ???

 

[blacky]

G'day and welcome,great that your into it now in lieu of being on the side line. Plans, hmmmm they'll change and my bet is so will the tug and a easy to setup van too.
Grey nomads in the wind I'm thinking here, looking forward to that part of Mrs Pace and I life.

Pace.

Haha im looking forward to that too...and im only 27!!! I tell the fellas at the mine that i own a caravan; therefore, am semi-retired! Lovin' it

 

[hamish22]

Welcome @Curryhouse it seems every second member comes from Newcastle ???

Beautiful Beaches, A big Lake, Great Fishing, Great People, Port Stephens to the Left, Vineyards to the right, Great Caravan Parks and far enough away from the hussle and bussle of the big smoke to not count!

 

[Burnsy]

Beautiful Beaches, A big Lake, Great Fishing, Great People, Port Stephens to the Left, Vineyards to the right, Great Caravan Parks and far enough away from the hussle and bussle of the big smoke to not count!

Oh yeah!

 

[Curryhouse]

Have to agree with @hamish22 - the Hunter is a great place to live and for those out-of-towners, to visit.
Went to the opening of the new Jayco site/showroom at Heatherbrae (not far from the old Hexham site north of Newcastle) on the weekend. Said in my original post I wasn't looking to upgrade but after looking at the range of models and the features available, it was oh so tempting........
Was my first time in a Jayco parts shop and I was interested in the prices. A 240VAC double powerpoint (clipsal) caught my eye - at $70, I near had heart failure. I couldn't pick any obvious differences from one I could buy at a hardware shop (not that I am an eleco). Two replacement LED globes (for tail lights) in a pack were around $34. Are these indicative of prices at Jayco shops?

 

[hamish22]

The double power point would probably have bee a double pole, but you can still pick them up in clipsal brand for way less.

And you are right, don't know if it's just the newcastle shop only but they do sell accessories with damn good mark up.

 

[BUSH PALACE]

Welcome aboard , love the name !!!!!!

 

[Curryhouse]

Lived in Curry St; Curryhouse just seemed to fit. Besides, I love a hot and spicy curry :flame:

 

[dakky68]

Welcome @Curryhouse it seems every second member comes from Newcastle ???

Another Novocastrian checking in :encouragement:

 

[hamish22]

Another Novocastrian checking in :encouragement:

WOW, there is a few of us now, Welcome!

 

[dakky68]

And since there are so many of us in here, can anyone recommend a good (but reasonably priced) auto electrician? Installing the Tekonsha P3 and a couple of other things...

 

[Burnsy]

And since there are so many of us in here, can anyone recommend a good (but reasonably priced) auto electrician? Installing the Tekonsha P3 and a couple of other things...

Gibbo's are good...ive bought a bit off them and they seem switched on! Pardon the pun....