Track Trailer Forum

Re the anderson plug on the front, if you measure the voltage and find it is at battery voltage that shows it is directly connected to the battery. To connect a portable panel you will need a solar regulator/controller, mppt types are best. I prefer victron gear, well made well priced and very configurable and reliable and you can monitor all devices from one app.

If you add a dc-dc charger on the cable coming from the car alternator you will need another anderson plug or similar connected to the battery for the portable panel and regulator.

You can have solar via regulator (eg 60 watts on roof) and alternator dc-dc charge connected to the battery at the same time. The agm battery will control the voltages and draw what it needs and slow down when full.

hope that helps,
Ray

absolutely no problem as long as normal maintenance is done, replace shock and suspension rubbers , check suspension bolts and alignment.

Our mkII has done well over 130,000km and still as good as new, albeit with new brake assemblies as well as rubber bushes and bearings.

Ray

on our mark II we do need to press the buttons firmly, lifting the door a little also helps. Lubricating the latch inside the door sounds like a good idea, maybe a white lithium car door lube.

Ray

Perfect, thanks

thanks for the details, I will keep it in mind for the eventual selling day detailing.

Yes, please tell us if the paint is still there after a gravelly trip.

Ray

Thanks for the update, to be clear can you tell us again which products ended up working well so we/I don't make the same mistake.

thanks, Ray

certainly possible to do it accidentaly if the hatch closes and the latch on one side or both swing around and catch on their hooks. First thing we did was make sure we could climb out the top hatches. I have also put magnets on the overcentre catches to hold them open.

To make a way of holding it closed; perhaps the strap could be brought in and attached to a hook.

We have had our Tvan for 14 years, well over 130,000 km's and it still looks good.

The main problem we have is when thinking about what comes next we can't find anything that does  everything as well. Light to tow and goes anywhere, annexe provides snug protection in cold wet or windy weather. Looks we will have to keep it. It suits our fairly mild climate with the addition of a diesel heater. It does have canvas which needs to be dried well and doesn't provide a secure locked up sleeping space when setup. Not perfect for all situations but is very good.

Ray

couldn't make the photos work,   see the facebook page instead

Just adding some traffic to the forum re changing our heater from a portable setup to a fixed installation.
 
It was previously built into a bunnings toolbox with a checkerplate cover and lawnmower muffler
with the incoming air drawn over the muffler to preheat before going thru the heater. Worked very well but took a few minutes to setup and pack up each time which, makes an extra job on a travelling trip.

Now it is always ready to switch on but may use a bit more fuel to get the same heat but the the fuel tank is now 4.5 litres instead of 3 litres.

If photos didn't stick I'll add another post.

Ray

We bought the Inmarsat Isatphone years ago, vouchers are expensive so we just carry it to make free emergency OOO calls and receive free sms messages from kids.

Ray

I agree, I am still happy to contribute to costs.

Ray

Phew, well done to come through as well as you did.
Seems it is often the LH rear wheel that has studs come loose, maybe that was a factor.
thanks for the followup.
Ray

wow, now you had better tell us the story, good to hear no one hurt but the scratches won't buff out on the rig.
Ray

Andrew, we have a 2009 mk2 and are very happy with it. It is amongst the lightest tvans made at 780 kg and its relatively simple systems are very reliable and suit us well. As we approach our mid seventies we are looking for what comes next but we haven't found it yet.

Ray