12 Month review - Ute and Camper (and modifications)

Hello all
My how time flies, it was the beginning of November last year that I headed North to Hervey Bay in Queensland to collect my Camper.
It has been a relatively quiet 6 months or so but I have continued to try to fine tune things to suit my needs.

The Ute.........
2012 Great Wall V200 Diesel, 6 speed manual 4 X 4 

With the speedometer sitting on 41,469km after 15 months it certainly hasn't been standing still for long.
Since the first couple of Warranty problems, addressed in the 6 month review there have been no further problems, and the Great Wall is proving to be a capable, reliable and economical work horse.

Mt Useful fire Tower

   Running around locally and empty I am getting 8-8.5 l/100 km, on my last trip away, from Home up over the great Dividing Range on windy and hilly gravel roads to Mansfield, and on to Moama just across the border the economy was 10.7 l/100 km with the camper fully loaded for an extended trip away.
I like to travel slowly and enjoy the trip, so unless I am holding up traffic I usually sit on about 90kph. 
From Moama to Ivanhoe economy was 10.5 l/100km this was after filling the extra water tank, so I was now carrying 95 litres of water.
Broken Hill to Mildura was 12.3 l/100km driving into a reasonably brisk offset headwind with the camper on and full tanks.
I still find the Great Wall to be a comfortable vehicle to drive, with a bit of weight in the back to settle it down. I can do reasonable distances in a day without ending up with "numb bum syndrome"  
The local Dealer seems to be OK and reasonably helpful, but I do find the servicing cost to be more in the Prestige car price range. I have just been quoted $700 for the 45000km service! And at these prices they expect me to continue getting services at the Dealership after Warranty runs out..........................................get real! They are dreaming................

Eaglevale, Wonnangatta River Victoria

A snorkel has just been released by TJM to fit the Great Wall Diesel so I will be getting one of these fitted shortly. I don't want to ford the deepest rivers, but the benefit is the motor is getting cleaner, cooler air via a snorkel, with the added benefit of not having to worry to much about the creek and river crossings up North. At just under $700 fitted, and as I like the dirt roads it will be a worthwhile purchase.

The Camper.............
2012 Palomino Bronco B600T

Well, this Camper just continues to surprise me. I keep hitting it with wind, rain, corrugations, dirt roads, tracks dust and heat..................It just continues to perform without hesitation.
 

Kingwell Bridge Wonnangatta River

 Any questions, dumb or not, Kevin and Tania at Palomino RV Australia in Hervey Bay do not hesitate to offer assistance, even after 12 months..........I wish I could get that sort of service at some other business's I could mention, that are sadly lacking any sort of customer service.

Palomino RV Australia 

Everything is a compromise, so I look at my Ute and Camper combination as an evolutionary thing. There will always be a tweak here or there to make things better and a little easier to live with.  
In the New Year the Camper will become my home, so I am always looking for ways to make life easier.
The internal table is something I don't use at all, so I made an outdoor table out of MDF.

table can be pushed in to make into a shelf

 The table slides inside the rectangular cross braces underneath the Camper. The table is hinged in the middle, this way I can have a shelf, or a table, which folds flat to stow inside the lockers, and no table legs to trip on.

As a table

On the trip just completed around Broken Hill I had a day or two over 36C, I have had quite hot days before and on this particular day there was not a breath of wind and very hot. I have a 9ft Dometic awning on the passenger side but the sun beat down most of the day on the divers  side of the Camper. I could feel the heat radiating off the wall inside the Camper.

36c and no wind to cool things down

 This little project is being done as I write this. I need to be able to shelter the non awning side of the camper from direct sunlight on very hot days where sometimes there isn't a lot of trees.
Problem solved, a quick trip to Bunnings, purchase a 3 metre x 3 metre x 3 metre triangular sun sail. $19.98. A chap a few doors away does awning/tent repairs, so I will get him to sew a rope along one side of the triangle. this will allow me to utilise the awning rail already fitted to the drivers side of the camper.

http://www.bunnings.com.au/marquee-3-x-3m-beige-triangle-shade-sail_p3304493

A peg through the lower corner into the ground to secure it should do the trick of keeping a lot of direct sunlight from the side of the camper. I will post a picture when I get to use it.

Since the modifications to my 3 way absorption fridge, covered in the 6 month review, my fridge continues to think it is a freezer........on 12 volt or 240 volt and temperatures under 30c it keeps freezing everything even with the fans turned off.
My solution has been to just turn it off while driving and also at night when plugged into 240 volts. I only like to travel a couple of hours in one day at most, so the fridge keeps cold for that time switched off, with the benefit getting a bit of extra charge into the battery without the fridge draining all the power while driving.

On my last trip 2 potential problems arose, the first one being the Wineguard antenna mechanism became quite gritty in operation, especially rotating the Aerial. A shower of rain resolved this problem washing away the dust binding the mechanism.
The second potential problem was a rough spot and clunking noise when raising or lowering the pop up roof. As the roof raising gear is against the headboard of the ute, I could not check it out without removing the camper from the ute.

roof raising mechanism

I had visions of being stuck with the roof unable to be raised or lowered as every day the winding mechanism got worse. I persevered until arriving home and upon removing the camper fearing a failure or overhaul of the mechanism was pleasantly surprised.

the offending screw

One of the screws had worked its way loose after thousands of kilometres and was hitting against the ajoining tube as the roof was wound up or down. I already had the 18v cordless drill out, to lower the legs of the camper, so this was fixed in about 10 seconds.

Water - With 40 litres of water in the camper tank and another 55 litres in a bladder behind the seats in the ute, I have purchased an additional 12v shower. This one is now used to transfer water, I have cut the shower head off and can now pump water from a river into either tank using the 12v pump. If the camper tank need filling I can drain the in cab bladder into a bucket and pump from the bucket to the camper tank refilling it. 
This enables me to carry 95 litres of water with the ability to refill from any source and transfer between tanks also.
The last trip away to Broken Hill gave me a good opportunity to test everything out, I have aimed for self sufficiency without the need for Caravan Parks and the expenses that come with them. My laptop, Television and everything else can be run and charged from the battery pack, and the battery pack can be replenished from either the 200w solar panels or from the vehicle while driving, although I must admit a nice long hot shower every few days in a Caravan Park is a welcome experience. 

The Combination.........
How they go together.........

There is not a lot more I can foresee doing to the combination, but in saying that something always comes up. The ute and camper are a happy combination and work well together. I have traveled many kilometres of gravel and corrugated roads in the last year and everything seems to work as desired. 
The biggest hurdle I have is trying to fit all my worldly possessions in, as I head off in the New Year into the unknown. I think I will have to be brutal and minimalistic.
My plan at this stage is to do a couple of shorter trip over the Christmas period, probably up around the Snowy mountains area, then late January, after School holidays end, head over towards South Australia spending Summer exploring the York and Eyre Peninsulas.
As the weather cools start heading North, spending a few weeks in the West and East Mc Donald Ranges around Alice Springs. As the weather continues to cool down a bit head further North to Katherine, before turning East along the Savannah Way and hopefully popping out at Cairns around November sometime.........
I hope to catch the Morning Glory cloud formations (roll clouds) at Karumba in September after spending a while relaxing at Lorella Springs beforehand http://www.lorellasprings.com.au/

my travels over the years

 After that I don't know................but i can tell you that there are good times ahead and hopefully lots of good photos too, so stay tuned, there is a lot of Queensland I haven't seen, but I am itching to head back to the West Coast. Time will tell where I end up.
Game on, look out Australia here I come......................
bye for now


  

Cobb Highway, The long Paddock, Wilcannia, Broken Hill

Hello all
I have headed off for a break to clear my head to Outback New South Wales. 
by the time I loaded up the camper, shopped, fueled up and so on it was a late departure. Night one was Top Gardens free camp at Walhalla. I decided to head over the mountains instead of through Melbourne. After a cold night in Walhalla a slow trip along the Thompson Valley Road to Matlock followed. 

 

lunch stop at Woods Point

Woods Point

 It was a nice clear day so the mountain scenery was welcome, it was onward through Woods Point to night two at Skipworth Reserve on the beautiful Goulbourn River. This area is a great spot. It's on the northern side of the Ranges, hence better weather, numerous well kept campsites all freshly mown and near new spotless longdrop toilets alongside a plentiful supply of fresh mountain water........what more could you ask.

 The downside of this area is that it does get busy on weekends and holidays. After a very peaceful evening at Skipworth Reserve I headed over to Shepparton for a much needed shower. 

From Shepparton it was on to Echuca then to Deniliquin, the Ute capital of the World.

Ute on a pole in Deniliquin

After  a windy night in Deniliquin and the threat of rain I continued heading north in search of some warm weather. It was a short day, only covering 124km to Hay for the night. After having a look at the Hay Showgrounds campsite,and deciding to give it a miss, I chose to have a look at Sandy Point free camp a short way out of town. This is a great little spot, with spotless flushing toilets, gas barbeques, right next to the Murrumbidgee River and a short walk to town. Best of all it is free, so along with 16 other rigs it was a uneventful night.

Hay Bridge on the Murrumbidgee

 The afternoon was spent chilling out in the sunshine. After a leisurely pack up next morning I headed North again towards Ivanhoe. The next stretch was across the Hay Plains, reputed to be the flattest place in the southern hemisphere. I can vouch for this as over a 200km stretch the altitude on my satellite navigation only varied 6 metres. Although flat I thought it was pretty uninteresting countryside. I think the Gibber Plains of South Australia are fair more scenic than this area.

Sunset Viewing Area Hay Plains

One Tree Hotel was a welcome break from the monotomy of the Hay Plains. The existing One Tree Hotel is the second building of that name to occupy the site. The first hotel was destroyed by fire in 1903. The hotel was re-built in the same manner as the original structure (by the provisions of the insurance policy). The license of the One Tree Hotel was relinquished in 1942 by its last publican.

One Tree Hotel

 

One Tree Hotel

I had planned to overnight in Ivanhoe, 200km north of Hay, but Decided to push on , not liking the look of Ivanhoe much. This next stretch was 188km of dirt, which was in good condition and was able to sit on about 80kph most of the way. The countryside is starting to get a bit more scenic thank goodness.  That night was spent in Victory Caravan Park in Wilcannia, I was a bit apprehensive about staying here as the town has a bit of a reputation, but all good so far, and for a powered grassy site for $15 and clean, although tired amenities, I can't complain.

An uneventful drive along the Barrier Highway was then completed to Broken Hill.

After a restock at Broken Hill I headed out to Silverton for a couple of days. I camped at Penrose Park at Silverton, $10 unpowered $15 powered fairly rundown but cheap and with 100 cockatoos for company it certainly wasn't quiet.......and only a couple of minutes walk to the Historic settlement of Silverton.

Silverton Schoolhouse built 1888

 

Silverton Church 1889

Silverton is full of Artists and Art Galleries, call me old fashioned but I don't understand Art and think most Art is a product of bad drugs.....an example of my assumption is below.

A jeep with bottle tops glued all over it

a dunny at the front door

Silverton Pub

There are a lot of interesting old buildings in Silverton, most dating back to the 1880's.

Municipal Chambers

Abandoned? house

old Gaol now a Museum

War Memorial Youth Camp

After a relaxing couple of days in Silverton it was time to move on......first it was out to Mundi Mundi Lookout. Mundi Mundi Plain stretches from Silverton in the East to well into South Australia. It is a stark featureless flat Plain, so flat that you can see the curvature of the earth.

Mundi Mundi Plain

 After a short run into Broken Hill to restock supplies, it was out to Memindee.

Camper and giant park bench

Junction Mine ruins

This lease was pegged in 1884 and the Broken Hill Junction Silver Mining Co. was formed  in 1886. The wooden headframe, the oldest remaining on the Line of Lode, was erected over Browne Shaft in the 1890s and has been modified several times.

giant park bench overlooking Broken Hill

It was time for a few days rest and recreation at Lake Pamamaroo, with the forecast of 28c to 32c for the next four of five days.

Camp at Lake Pamamaroo

a bit of laundry while the roast cooks

late afternoon

Lake Pamamaroo

my own little beach

late afternoon Lake Pamamaroo

The sunsets here are spectacular over the water, the last time I was in the area in April the insects and bugs were thick and one of the worst I have experienced but this time are basically non existent. Apart from a few flies during the day and a rare mosquitoe visit but nothing like last time, which makes sitting watching the sun go down a bit more pleasant.

sunset over Lake Pamamaroo

sunset Lake Pamamaroo

 I tore myself away from Lake Pamamaroo as lazing around in the sun, I know it's a tough job but someone has to do it, I was getting quite badly sunburnt. So I packed up after a few days and headed back into Broken Hill to replenish supplies. That night was spent at Lakeview Caravan Park with their welcoming showers. Late afternoon while watching 4 feral kittens appear out from the saltbush to get a feed from the park rubbish, my neighbours from out at Lake Pamamaroo drove in and set up nearby. I spent an enjoyable couple of hours chatting with Brian and Sharon the next morning before getting a late start to Mildura.

It was an easy run to Wentworth but it was getting quite late, I decided to consult Wikicamps and headed for Merbein Common. While this was quite a nice camp it was a bit to close to Merbein for my liking, and although quite busy with other campers, it was right next to a dirt track (read dusty) and the local lovers lane with vehicles racing past all hours.

I moved on to Mildura for the night.

Today was a tough one, I drove 15km today to my next destination, Psyche Bend on the Murray.

camp at Psyche Bend

 It was 32c today so the afternoon was spent relaxing in the shade admiring the view of the River.

Psyche Bend

Psyche Bend

Psyche Bend

reflections at Psyche Bend

The forecast tomorrow  is 36c and gusty winds so I am staying put for a day or two. Well it did get to 36C and a scorching day was spent watching the river traffic. Solar panels don't work at peak efficiency in very hot weather and with the freezer struggling to keep up the battery took a bit of a hammering. The cool wind change didn't arrive until about midnight and although getting low by morning the battery lasted through the heat.

Next morning I decided to head off, I had originally planned to be away 2 weeks and that was up today and I am still 700km from home. Oh well..............maybe next week haha.

Camp tonight is Robinvale and a much needed shower, distance today was a massive 84km, I am slotting in well to my nomadic lifestyle which begins in earnest after Christmas. I am working my way towards longer stops and shorter traveling distances but old habits die hard, but I am getting there slowly.

The transit leg home has begun and it was a long day from Robinvale to Echuca.

I am not liking the cooler weather as I head South. After leaving Echuca it was a stop at Aysons Reserve just near Elmore. I was very tempted to stop the night but it was only about 10.30am.....so I pushed on to Rushworth and tonight is Nagambie.

I am sitting here looking at the weather map..............19c and showers at home..............hhmmmm. I am looking at options to stay this side of the divide until the weather clears.

 After a bit of a wander around the Goldfields Region it was off home to attend to a few things which draws this trip to an end.

Stay tuned though as I have a 'big one' in the pipeline.

I intend doing quite a few High Country trips over Summer but come February, when School
Holidays Finish I hope to head over to the York and Eyre Peninsulas in South Australia to spend the rest of Summer before heading North up through Alice Springs to spend a week or two. After Alice I hope to head for Katherine before turning right towards the Gulf and the Savannah Way to Cairns until about October/November. A good six or seven months traveling the Gulf country.

In the next week or so I will try to get my 12 month review of my Camper and Ute online also.

Bye for now....