20' Series Macca_75's 20.64.1 OB

[Macca_75]

So following on from my initial thread - http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/shopping-list-and-thoughts.9216/

we now have the van and have used it 3 times since Xmas.

1st time was at Glenmaggie where we used it for 5 days "off grid"

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Then SWMBO and myself went to Phillip island for a quick weekend getaway without the kids (no pic of the van )

Next up was a 8 day stay over at Shortpoint Caravan park at Merimbula - https://www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/nsw/south-coast/big4-nrma-merimbula-beach-holiday-park - absolutly great park for kids and adults alike.

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Things still to do:
1) AFK - discussion started here - http://www.expandasdownunder.com/th...-which-model-and-what-should-i-look-for.9837/
2) Order a cover for the van. Ended up ordering http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Heavy-Du...471820?hash=item2c9cd0834c:g:4LYAAOSwuzRXclRT

I know there is a list of other "things to do" before our next trip so I'll try and post them up here and check them off as we get through them.

We are also starting to look at where to next for a quick weekend getway. Thinking off grid someway down past Apollo bay.

 

[Dobbie]

Wow. You're certainly using it....well done.

A piece of advice.....always take a notebook and a tape measure with you when away.

A quiet drink late in the day prompts many many thoughts ....most of which cost money....but most of the ideas generated are based on making a good experience even better.

I've replied re AFK......and, by the way, do you have any surprises in store for Easter?

 

[Drover]

Be interested in the free camping in the Apollo Bat district, may end up down there if I turn left at Nhill later on...................may turn right, I don't plan very much.

 

[Macca_75]

Wow. You're certainly using it....well done.

A piece of advice.....always take a notebook and a tape measure with you when away.

A quiet drink late in the day prompts many many thoughts ....most of which cost money....but most of the ideas generated are based on making a good experience even better.

I've replied re AFK......and, by the way, do you have any surprises in store for Easter?

Already have the notepad and pen - thats how we got the list

AFK and caravan cover were the 2 big ticket items (in terms of $$$) - plus some smaller things like clothes line (I attached one of the SS wire ones on the awning arms - but as we found out it's not much use if the awning isn't out + 17' of line is used really quickly with 5 beach towels and bathers on a daily basis. From memory we needed new pillows (as the ones I bought were to soft), a kettle, outdoor table and other small issues like that.

 

[bigcol]

love it

 

[Macca_75]

OK, so here is the list of things to do before the next outting

• AFK (will get the Aussie Travellers from Bayswater Jayco the first chance I get to go there)
• Caravan cover - already ordered
• Portable Clothesline (for when Annexe is not out)
• Pillows (the ones we have are to soft)
• Matress topper
• Hose bags (not sure yet, but I need something to keep the drinking water hose and grey water hoses neater in the boot tunnel)
• USB for Movies (thinking a WiFi router with a Kodi box and Chromecast for the TV - kids can stream from Kodi direct to iPads)
• Fruit Hanging basket - we love to have fruit available for the kids whenever they want - big bowl takes up to much space on the bench. I am thinking for putting a hook through the cupboard where the drifter panel is mounted and hanging the basket from there.
• More Towels/Blankets
• Shelves for Hanging cupboard.
• Mat on Stove (we have a small scratch already on the glass top as we use it as bench space)
• Shelf stacker for Pantry
• Outdoor table - have already figure out the who I am going to transport/store table - just need to get around to doing it
• Kettle - thinking 12v so we can use when free camping as well.

Like I mentioned some pretty minor issues to just get right.

 

[Derm]

OK, so here is the list of things to do before the next outting

• AFK (will get the Aussie Travellers from Bayswater Jayco the first chance I get to go there)
• Caravan cover - already ordered
• Portable Clothesline (for when Annexe is not out)
• Pillows (the ones we have are to soft)
• Matress topper
• Hose bags (not sure yet, but I need something to keep the drinking water hose and grey water hoses neater in the boot tunnel)
• USB for Movies (thinking a WiFi router with a Kodi box and Chromecast for the TV - kids can stream from Kodi direct to iPads)
• Fruit Hanging basket - we love to have fruit available for the kids whenever they want - big bowl takes up to much space on the bench. I am thinking for putting a hook through the cupboard where the drifter panel is mounted and hanging the basket from there.
• More Towels/Blankets
• Shelves for Hanging cupboard.
• Mat on Stove (we have a small scratch already on the glass top as we use it as bench space)
• Shelf stacker for Pantry
• Outdoor table - have already figure out the who I am going to transport/store table - just need to get around to doing it
• Kettle - thinking 12v so we can use when free camping as well.

Like I mentioned some pretty minor issues to just get right.

Hi Macca,
In our old 17.56 we were able to slide the waste hose down the steel chassis box channel from the rear near where the bumper bar is attached. The drinking water line we have a mesh hose bag which fits inside the spare wheel when we travel which I then place a strap across, worked a treat.
Cheers,
Derm

 

[Bellbirdweb]

OK, so here is the list of things to do before the next outting

• Kettle - thinking 12v so we can use when free camping as well.

I'd suggest an old style stovetop kettle for your gas stove instead of a 12v kettle.

The 12v ones are painfully slow, and will suck lots of power out of your battery, whereas on the stove is quick and easy.

We got one of these http://www.kmart.com.au/product/stainless-steel-kettle/1024823

 

[Macca_75]

Hi Macca,
In our old 17.56 we were able to slide the waste hose down the steel chassis box channel from the rear near where the bumper bar is attached. The drinking water line we have a mesh hose bag which fits inside the spare wheel when we travel which I then place a strap across, worked a treat.
Cheers,
Derm

Something for me to check out - thanks

 

[Macca_75]

I'd suggest an old style stovetop kettle for your gas stove instead of a 12v kettle.

The 12v ones are painfully slow, and will suck lots of power out of your battery, whereas on the stove is quick and easy.

We got one of these http://www.kmart.com.au/product/stainless-steel-kettle/1024823

Another option to think about - although we are thinking along the lines of setting up (and leaving out) on the picnic tables for this kind of think.

Options, so many options....

 

[twscoot]

Something for me to check out - thanks

Have a look here @Macca_75. Post #45.

 

[Macca_75]

Have a look here @Macca_75. Post #45.

Love it. Going to have a closer look Sunday if i get time. I have heaps of left over PVC pipe lying around from my other hobby.

 

[Dobbie]

I love your list...better get another notebook!

and agree with recommendations for sullage pipe and old style kettle for gas rather than 12v. A small (new safe design) gas stove is great for that and has lots of uses for outside cooking options...about $30 ...kettle $10?

also.....re fruit basket hanger...we use an old style mini hammock from our real camping days. It's a very very small hammock with the usual strings but it can hang up anywhere...inside outside etc. it's great for keeping the airflow around potatoes and onions as well and sits high, usually strung up under the awning to keep the animals at bay. I've no idea if they're still available.

and...good luck with hose bag. We bought three...two separate hose lengths and a big one for the sullage but got rid of them after one use. It was a pain to have to get them back into the bags then they leaked. We have since just used a mesh rack where the spare was on the draw bar and toss them onto that, along with any wood we collect along the way. The hoses can leak all they like there and they're easily accessible.

and...don't be tempted to get a wind up power thingy.....same problem as the cord has to be unwound fully to use, then you have to get it back on the reel. Another pain to do.

Mat on the stove...suggest a microfibe tea towel or a non stick mat. Both give protection and are easily cleaned.


You're really moving on with this van lark!

 

[Macca_75]

I love your list...better get another notebook!

and agree with recommendations for sullage pipe and old style kettle for gas rather than 12v. A small (new safe design) gas stove is great for that and has lots of uses for outside cooking options...about $30 ...kettle $10?

also.....re fruit basket hanger...we use an old style mini hammock from our real camping days. It's a very very small hammock with the usual strings but it can hang up anywhere...inside outside etc. it's great for keeping the airflow around potatoes and onions as well and sits high, usually strung up under the awning to keep the animals at bay. I've no idea if they're still available.

and...good luck with hose bag. We bought three...two separate hose lengths and a big one for the sullage but got rid of them after one use. It was a pain to have to get them back into the bags then they leaked. We have since just used a mesh rack where the spare was on the draw bar and toss them onto that, along with any wood we collect along the way. The hoses can leak all they like there and they're easily accessible.

and...don't be tempted to get a wind up power thingy.....same problem as the cord has to be unwound fully to use, then you have to get it back on the reel. Another pain to do.

Mat on the stove...suggest a microfibe tea towel or a non stick mat. Both give protection and are easily cleaned.


You're really moving on with this van lark!

For power cords have a look at

Will have to see if a small hammock is available as an option for a fruit basket. It will be inside, more just to clear up bench space than anything.

Also saw the wine glass holders in @twscoot thread - I'll add it to my to do list

I would love to move the spare wheel and install a wire cage in the A frame - but that is beyond my DIY ability.

 

[Dobbie]

I just saw that rvpartsexpress ...they sell online....have a bracket for relocating the spare wheel to the rear bar. I haven't seen it but it may be ok.

I was looking for some other stuff and I've bought from them before all all was good.

Check the specs....we've had two done and this looks to be the same.

(I can't do the link ...sorry...it's beyond me and my iPad)

Edit. Just checked and it's a bracket for a spare wheel....not a drop down.

Somebody here was making them for a while....can't recall who it was. I'm sure they can be made up easily and are available.

 

[bigfut]

Looks like a great setup!

For your cover for the stove, I recommend the anti slip mat you use for drawers. It stays put and gives adequate protection to the stove top.

For cables and water hoses, I got a few of the large eco shopping bags (the fabric type) from the supermarket, as I didnt fancy paying $20+ a bag from the caravan shop. I have one for power, water hose, guy ropes/pegs, and sullage hose.
To stop leaking, I connect the sullage hose onto itself with the quick connector, problem solved.

 

[Drover]

great stuff.......................

Lets see..........hose bags......made my own out of some old shade cloth, as good as store bought but like store bought they can be a damn pain to use so mostly nowadays just like the power cords I roll them up and shove them in an Aldi chilly bag, cheaper and I don't have to fight the blasted things................would prefer to run the sullage hose alongside the chassis but can't......

Wind up water hose or power cord reels are great, at first..............Aldi bag works better....

Fruit bag I would go for a calico hanging shoe bag, won't swing around as you roll down the road...................

Stove top has a place mat to cover it, one thats solid not with little holes........$3 at Target.

12v kettle is too expensive, $300 for an extra battery, another solar panel plus the cost of the kettle......slow and power hungry, go the old gas kettle......

Clothes line, BCF or supercheap for the standard foldable van clothes line, cheap as chips.....

Outdoor table make sure it has 4 individual legs not just the ones that have the legs joined together at the bottom, cant explain any better, because they are not real stable on most camp surfaces.

 

[megcam]

I can recommend this cheap mod to help avoid scratches to the glass cover http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/cheap-stove-top-protector.8584/#post-146348

 

[Macca_75]

I can recommend this cheap mod to help avoid scratches to the glass cover http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/cheap-stove-top-protector.8584/#post-146348

Great idea. Onto it this week.

 

[Crusty181]

A piece of advice.....always take a notebook and a tape measure with you when away ....
A quiet drink late in the day prompts many many thoughts

Is that cause we're all bigger, stronger and better looking when we're tanked .... the tape to measure by just how much ???