Track Trailer Forum

OK Brainstrust, a teaser for you to ponder...     Something for me to do as we head into another lockdown 

I would like to mount a 12V 22" TV/DVD player in our Mk2 Tvan.  I am sure others have already done this.  I remember seeing a post of one setup that swiveled and rotated and stored against the roof.  Another that swiveled and stored against the window.  And another setup that looked like a removable split bracket with the TV able to be removed and stored separately.  I would love to see how others have installed TVs in their Tvans with details of the brackets used and any other helpful comments.  Also, any comments and recommendations for a removable antenna would help.

Cheers
Dave & Deb

We are considering updating the AM/FM radio installed in our 2007 Mk2 Murranji to something that will support Bluetooth remote speaker etc.  Does anyone have a recommendation of make and model that will slot into the existing position? 

Following some discussion on the FaceBook site...... We are Wanting To Buy the additional Annex walls for our Mk11 Tvan.  This is the long wall and the end wall at the tent end.  We already have the roof, kitchen end wall, draft skirt and all the poles and guy-ropes.  So if you have what we are looking for and don't use it and would like to convert it to cash, please give me a call.
Cheers
Dave 0408 106 699 

I am planning to line the inside of the pod hatch while we are all quarantined.  Can anyone tell me what the fuzzy fabric is called on the head lining in a Tvan?  Also, can you direct me to where I mighty buy it online or in Melbourne area?

Here are some pics of an additional shade sail we had made for our Mk II Tvan for when there is no other shade available.    Forward poles are slid into galv. saddles on the stone guards.  There is a hole above the roof-top solar panel and an additional SS "D" fixed to the fibreglass hatch.  I have a plan diagram if anyone is interested.

I have finished the Tvan Diesel Heater project for upcoming cooler trips.  I opted to make the heater totally portable as it weighs about 30kg when 10Litre tank is full, so it does not have to come on summer or tropical trips.  I purchased the 5W Diesel Parking Heater off eBay from China for less than $300.  The instructions are written in Chingrish and are totally incomprehensible.  However, the exploded diagram and some common sense got it all together. 

I folded the mounting frame from aluminium checker-plate and sized it all to fit under the transom where it can be chained and locked to the Tvan for security if necessary.  The hot air outlet hose is removable and just pokes through the door zipper opening.  It can also be redirected to the adjacent ensuite/shower tent if required.  I also mounted an external Anderson plug on the stone deflectors near the batteries and made an extension lead for 12V power.  There is a fuse in the assembly that came with the kit.  The digital thermostat and control head is mounted inside the Tvan above the battery charger.  The lead between the heater and the thermostat just tucks in behind the canvas when attached to the transom.

The complete apparatus fits inside the ply carry box for easy travel in the back of our Landcruiser.  Fuel consumption by the heater is light and it does not have to be on for very long to heat up the inside of the Tvan and tent.  A light curtain that we have across the transom (for warmth and privacy when sleeping) covers the display lights on the thermostat head which are quite bright.

This has been a worthwhile modification and will extend our comfortable use of our Tvan over cooler months.

I cannot find the Gallery tab?  I have logged out and back in but it does not appear under General Discussion tab as previously.  What am I missing here?

We have a 2007 Mk2 Murranji Tvan fitted with standard lights for that time.  I have already changed the bedhead lights for Narva map reading LED lights.  Are there replacement LED fittings for the two swivel lights located over the Transom that match the bases of the installed lights?   Cheers  Dave

We have a 2007 Mk2 Murranji and would like to purchase the Annex long wall and Kitchen wall to suit.  We are located in Melbourne.  Cheers  Dave 0408 106 699

Happy New Year Everyone!    I have discovered a problem with the locking cap on one of the water tanks on the Tvan.  Turning the key makes no difference to the locking mechanism, it remains locked.  That is, the cap just spins freely despite the key being turned anti-clockwise to unlock it.  After much gnashing of teeth and swearing and a lot of luck, I got the cap off but now I don't want to put it back on and find myself in the same predicament.
Has anyone else had a problem with these caps?  I have given it a good drink of WD40, dropped it on the concrete a few times but the internal mechanism still does not engage when the key is turned.  There is no visible way the pull it apart that I can see.  Any ideas?? 

We are planning to take some time off in June and head up towards Broken Hill from Melbourne for a look around.  We have never been up that way before and would appreciate some advice on places to stay, must sees, must avoids and any other points of interest in the area?   

I have a Mk II Murranji with two 12V 115AH lead acid batteries up the front.  I usually leave the Tvan plugged in to 240V power when in storage in the garage.  There is a Mascot 12V 10Amp three step charger fitted in the Tvan to manage charging and conditioning the batteries. 
We were away last weekend at the Victorian Tvan-athering (great weekend, thanks Connie & Baron) when I discovered that I had virtually no voltage.  I had checked it before leaving but probably while it was on the charger (doh)     On closer examination it was discovered that the cells were very thirsty.  Fluid levels were topped up and additional solar panels deployed to charge the batteries.  All working OK when the sun was shining.
On returning home. I put it back on the charger overnight.  Batteries showed 12V this morning so I disconnected the charger to see if they would hold the charge.  Down to 5V this evening   

The charger stages are ORANGE = 10Amps;  YELLOW = 14.7V;  GREEN = 13.7V Ready/Standby

So, for all those that understand these electrical things, a few questions:
1.  Are the batteries stuffed?  How do you test each one?
2.  Is it just a matter of leaving these batteries charging longer?  (and checking the fluid levels more often!)?
3.  If I need to replace one battery can I buy a different sort and put it beside the remaining existing one?
4.  If I need to replace one or two of these batteries, what sort do you recommend and why?  Will they fit?  Where do you recommend purchasing from in Melbourne (SE suburbs)
5.  Does leaving the battery charger on boil the batteries dry?  (I thought the charger looked after this sort of thing?)  Is there a problem with the charger?
6.  How often does everyone check their battery levels? (I checked these about two months ago)
7.  How do others manage charging and not cooking batteries?
7.  What do you think about sealed batteries? Pros and cons?? 

Looking forward to being enlightened on this topic.

Thanks
Dave

Just back from Melb Cup Day out and noticed one of the two 115AH batteries at the front of our 2007 Murranji is making a buzzing noise.  Had this phenomenum cofirmed by someone who hadn't been playing up all day.  Turned off the 240v charger and the noise eventually stops.

Is this nornal?  Is it dangerous?  This is the first time I have heard this noise.  Has anyone ever experienced this before?  I have turned off the charger but have no idea of what is going on.  Maybe time for a nap and hope someone can set me straight.

As departure date for our trip to the Kimberleys approaches and the packing really gets started, my thoughts have wandered off to quiets sips or reasonable red wine around the camp fire.     SWMBO says I can't take bottles (she is right of course), so I am thinking good old wine casks (or Goon Sacks as the teenagers call them).     Now I am happy to buy either 1lt, 2lt, 4lt or even 5lt casks but don't forsee the need for copious quantities of engine de-greaser while travelling, so what I am looking for is reasonable quaffers, Shiraz, Cab Sav, Merlot or any other blend that my fellow forum members may care to recommend.  Has anyone found a good boxed red to try?
Cheers
Dave & Deb

I have a perfectly good AT35 Coupling and Keyed Locking Assembly for sale off my November 2007 Tvan.  Make me an offer. 

Davandeb

G'day All (sounds like Paul Hogan)

We are based in Melbourne.  We have had our '07 Murranji for about 12 months now and are starting to become familiar with it.  Lots of little weekend trips so far trying to get ready for a big trip to the Kimberleys for 3 months later this year (its coming up a lot faster than it was last year!!!)  We are very grateful to the forum gurus for getting back up as we consider the collective knowledge here a gold mine of ideas.  I had some mods up on the old forum in the Gallery and hope to put up some more soon.  Even when you can't get away the Tvan provide a great source of pondering and what-ifs that a bloke can contempale in his man-cave.  Hope to meet you all out there somewhere.

D&D