Caravan and Motorhome Books

Existing Corrections
Original corrections and updates are now included where relevant in all copies of my books including and subsequent to Edition 1.12. (Edition number is top right of page 2).

P.9. para 10. 'A good source of second hand vehicles is the CMCA's 'The Wanderer' magazine - and web site www.cmca.net.au

P.57. Para 4. The Help Line number for Telstra e-mail and Internet problems has been changed to 133 933. (This also needs changing in Appendix 2).

P. 38. Para 7. The previous restriction on the use of gas cylinders marked '4' has been removed.

P.38. Para 2. There is now a revised Gas Code. The new Code is AS 5601-2002.

P. 30, Under 'Large Campervans/Small Motorhomes, for the line starting 'Small TV', the Hours/Day reading should be '2' not '21' as printed.

P.27. Re AGM batteries. Worldwide experience is showing that these batteries are rugged and reliable. Full details of their pros and cons, care and feeding etc are in Motorhome Electrics'.

P.26. A number of three-step regulators are now available on the Australian market. Fuller details are included in 'Motorhome Electrics'. An update re these units will shortly be added to this web site.

Page 24. The Electrics book mentioned at the bottom of this page is now available. Details elsewhere on this web site.
Chapter 5. General comment. The Tropical Range of Electrolux three-way refrigerators have greatly improved performance running on gas - particularly when installed with Electrolux's roof located vent. These later 'fridges also have less need to be totally level.

P.17. para 7. Re interior heating. The well-established German Eberspacher Co now have an Australian agent for its excellent diesel-power space heaters and also water heaters. Contact Yard Engineering, 15 Brentwood Drive, Glen Waverley, Vic 3150. Tel: (03) 9561 2852. www.eberspacher.com

P.65. Para 5. The BOM site noted for cyclone warnings is www.bom.gov.au.
The US Navy site noted is now at www.npmoc.navy.mil. When site opens click on either 'Satellite Images' or 'Joint Typhoon Warning Centre' - then click on whatever image or pix is required. Do NOT attempt to enter any of the sites listed on the R/H side of the 'page' or you'll get caught up in a quagmire of US security rigmarole - and will probably have the CIA on your back!.

Page 73. A further source of Fruit Fly info restricted zones can be found on www.agric.nsw.gov.au/fruitfly

Page 79. Appendix 1. To list of likely needs (under 'Food (basics') add Vegemite!

P. 82. The address of Quirk's Victory Light is now 6/17 Green St, Botany NSW 2019. email: quirks@one.net.au Web site is www.quirks.com.au

The address of the Twelve Volt Shop is now Unit 4/12 Kewdale Rd, Welshpool, WA 6106. telephone (08) 9458 1212.
Email: sales@12volt.com.au. Web Site www.12volt.com.au

Updates (March 2003)

Fifth-wheelers

Since the first edition was written there has been considerable and growing interest in so-called fifth-wheel caravans. These are part caravan/part motorhome in that the towing vehicle carries 20-25% of their weight (as with a semi-trailer). They partially overhang the towing vehicle. These vehicles are acceptable for full membership requirements of the CMCA (Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia Ltd).

Fifth-wheel vehicles combine the mobility benefits of a caravan with the on-road stability of a motorhome. The concept is extremely popular in the USA but those built there are usually extremely heavy and are usually coupled to mega-4WDs such as the Ford 350 series.

Those built in Australia are much lighter and (in several instances) probably better made.

There only real drawback is that they need to be mated with a single cab ute or one of the humungus US vehicles noted above, thus precluding family use.

Engines

There is a continuing move towards turbo charging diesel engines. If considering a diesel-engine vehicle, I strongly recommend buying a turbo version if available.

Lighting

The last year or two has seen the introduction of interior and other lights built from clusters of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). These are extremely efficient, resulting in a lot of light for little power.

Hella has a range of brake, side and tail lights based on LED technology, and several companies have LED torches etc. It is still early days and many examples are still very costly. This is however the probably way of the future in lighting.

Refrigerators

The tropical-rated Electrolux (Dometic) range increases to gain favour. It is now converting those many people who previously claimed gas refrigerators do not work well in really hot places. This range does but, as noted in my books, MUST be correctly installed.

The tropical-rated units can be identified by a 'T' in the box on the right of the word 'Climate' at the bottom of the specification label on the unit.

Communications

The Iridium satellite system is now operating in Australia under the Telstra label. Whilst supplies last, the larger of the two available Motorola handsets are a bargain. People living and/or working in places where there is no terrestrial or other mobile coverage may be eligible for a substantial government rebate. Telstra and other 'phone shops' have details.

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