Birdsville Diary

The corrugated tracks sure take their toll, on my first Outback trip with the CT the terminal screws inside the plug rattled out!

Hi Brian

Frank spotted something that caught his eye. It turned out to be a rusted old drum.

The reflections picture was taken at the free camping area at Chinchilla Weir on our way home.

Chinchilla-Weir

Regards

Derek.

Hi Trevor

A few small problems with the van.

1) 7 pin plug smashed by rocks. - Fixed at bush camp.
2) Pin hole leak in water hose from rocks. - Fixed with silicone at Birdsville CP.
3) Major dust inside cupboards under fridge and sink from poorly fitted cabinets and sealing done by manufacturer to holes in cabinets behind the fridge. I have just finished removing the fridge and sealing 6 large holes that were cut for a/c pipes, water hoses and fridge 240V plug. There was also a large gap between the van outer skin and the lower shelf that the fridge sits on. I have used 400g of sealant and some HD foam to close the gaps and holes. I am quite certain it is now dust proof. This was the first time that I had to travel behind 4 cars on dirt roads for 200 km hence the first time I have had such major dust. Previous trips the dust was minimal and I could not tell where it was coming in.
4) Stone chips on draw bar and gas bottles - Will touch up soon.

It was a great trip and these are small problems.

Regards

Derek.

Derek,

I had similar dramas with water tank pipes but like you I think these are small price to pay for luxury camp out there. With the dust sealing, I had no probs at all, do you have the small pop up vent in roof that pressurises the whole inside of the van? I was surprised at how much of a difference this little vent makes.

Regards, Trevor.

Hi Trevor

I tried the top vent but following 4 cars it was pulling in dust so I closed it.



Regards

Derek

I was following two vehicles myself, but I was a lot further between them than what I see in the picci. I was closer to
1,1/2-2km back most of the time but still within UHF range of front vehicle. Conditions seem pretty similar to what I see in the picci. It's all a learning curve each time we go out there, I am sure.

Regards, Trevor.

Hi Brenton

It was rather deserted the day we were there.

The 'PSV' Pressure Safety Valve reduced the pressures in a flash and down to 18 psi on the dot.

My tyre pressure monitors worked 100% on the car but I had to fit 15mm metal valve extenders on the van as the valve stems are very short and the rim / van was creating interference and I was getting a sensor drop out every now and again.

Regards

Derek.