hints wanted-round aussie trip plan.

Submitted: Wednesday, Jul 17, 2013 at 21:07

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mike g2

Hi all, am planning a round aussie trip , most likely end of next yr. will be in fiat/jayco MHome. most likely will follow coast with some inland in riverina area, commence WA, go via eastern states, Qld, NT and ret to Perth. Am looking for general advice on this trip plan. have concept of using earlier trip to Sydney and ret as a guide to vehicle fuel use and general costs. This is a much bigger trip and we intend to stop/stay more often and make use of occasional free camps. have set up unit with a solar panel to keep internal home battery happy.
looking at feedback from anyone having done similar trip in recent years.
Qns: ? run unit at nite on 2x battery ( will consider set up) with recharge from cell in day... save taking and running a genny.
? worth getting a sat dish vs local ariel
any suggested dos and donts
? guide to est costs

and so on.
Thanks,
MG.

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Reply By: GimmeeIsolation - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 21:01

Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 21:01

So many variables there Mike,
Size of idiot box, how long u watch it, how important it is to be watching it every night instead of reading/talking/, wiring on your system, internal lighting, how early you go to bed saving energy (electricity), fuel costs can be reduced across the Nullabor by pulling up if you find yourself punching into the strong wind and leave early next morning before wind picks up again.
Recommend keeping an eye on mirrors if you do not already if you are plodding along with everybody coming around you, some are in such a rush they will come around you on a bend even so knowing whats there can be a life saver.
Check tyre condition regularly, lift the bonnet and check before setting out or at end of your days driving but of course you have to wait for the radiator to cool or see through your overflow bottle.
Have car checked over before you go by a reliable non rip-off mechanic if you are not confident but if you get a workshop manual that will show you how to check brake pads, wheel bearings, hoses, belts etc.and can take with you, check second hand stores for manual.
Get the Jayco wheel bearings done or do yourself, very easy and good to know how.
I would not get the cheapest tyres you can, decent tyres will go all the way around without a problem, seen that many times, cheap tyres can cause major accidents.
Take some basic spares, belt and hoses, fuel filter etc
Maybe spend some time in your van before you go watching the idiot box and using lights, or just turn them on and go inside and then turn off when you normally hit the sack and check with a voltmeter what is left.
It is actually very easy going around Oz, its harder on your car doing stop-starts around the city. Once you are on your way and a few weeks into the trip you will wonder what all the worry was about. Dont drive tired - most important mate.
You can always get something along the way that you think you really want changed, it cheaper over east or in S.A. than here anyway.
Enjoy your trip and safe travels.

AnswerID: 515201