Murphy strikes!

[Swisslulu]

Does Murphy work in threes? As we were packing up to leave Lake Keepit, Erich rolled the van off the levelling ramp and I noticed a cascade of water from under the van. Never a good experience! Turned out that there was a large amount of water accumulated on the metal protecting the drinking water tank. Our destination was Gunnedah so we decided to proceed as planned. On arrival at the RV low cost camp, beside the Showgrounds ($12 power and water with a dump point) Erich again prostrated himself under the van (this is becoming a habit!) and decided the problem was the silicon sealing the inlet to the drinking water tank. Removed the old silicon, dried it all off and went for the town driving tour. When we got back all was still dry so applied a liberal amount of silicon and reattached the inlet hose. He will perhaps add some more silicon tomorrow and then tighten the hose clamps.

Then he discovered that the Cable that connected the battery charger to the batteries had shorted at the Anderson plug. No idea when this happened. Couldn't find our insulating tape so another trip to the hardware store. Methinks another night here is in order to allow the silicon to go off before we refill the drinking water tank.

Is this normal normal travelling procedure? Our previous trips have been max 5 weeks and we have had no issues.

Better here than on the Great Central Road in a month's time!

[Mrcoolabah1au]

Sound like you run over a chinaman' s grave if you had three you should have a good trip now

[Swisslulu]

Let's hope so Nini!

[dapope]

Keep my fingers crossed for you.
Cost us a days labour plus weld to get our tank fixed, as it had chafed and split on the frame.

[T1 Terry]

I think the problem at the Anderson plug was possibly a bad crimp of the lug onto the cable creating a high resistance joint. the cable got hot and melted the insulation, not necessarily a sort but could have become one with the bare cable floating around. I'll wait for Erich's reply email with more photos

[generdawg]

...Is this normal normal travelling procedure?

Yes Les, the shakedown trip last for thirteen continuous months to exhaust the warranty. After that it's just normal wear and tear not covered by guarantee.

[T1 Terry]

Is this normal normal travelling procedure? Our previous trips have been max 5 weeks and we have had no issues.

now, if I could go away for 5 weeks and have no issues, I would think I'd won lotto or something
Mobile accommodation constantly moves within itself while you are travelling, these things are just part of sorting out what has moved when it shouldn't have, then securing it so it doesn't move next time. Once you get them all sorted, it will be time to upgrade to something else, what would you do with your spare time if wasn't fixing things that broke

[Swisslulu]

Being on the road has certainly been a steep learning curve for us. Erich has gone from computer guru to Mr Fixit. The Anderson plug has been sorted and a timber shelter fashioned to protect it and the cabling from stuff moving around in the front boot. Removed the inlet into the water tank, removed all the old silicon, reapplied fresh silicon and remounted the inlet pipe. Filled the tank today and now have fingers crossed. Planning to head to Pilliga Sculptures free camp tomorrow and then on to Pilliga Bore Baths from there.

[Ros20549]

HI Lesley hope that Chinaman has now found a new home you will love Pilliga Bore have a good soak it will do you both the world of good. We stayed there a couple of years ago we plan on going back later this year, just be careful if you get rain, ground can get very boggie very quick...

Cheers Ros.

[BruceS]

.................. and the Yowies......... gotta watch them Yowies........ must be nearly mating season too........