Kimberley Karavan in tight spots

Yep - love this rig. 110,000k and still feels like new. BTW those tyres have done 100,000ks

Hullo GaryW

I am interested to know what tyres you have fitted that have managed 100,000km. Our 200 Cruiser has same km as yours and on the third set of tyres.

Checked with our tyre dealer yesterday and still very limited choices. I keep a close watch on LCOOL and apart from Coopers and Mickey Thompsons the only real option is Bridgestone D694LT.

I was a very happy user of Michellin on our 100 Series - regularly able to get 100,000km+ from the ATX tyres. Michellin don't have anything to fit 17" Cruiser rims, but saw Michellin on a newish F-truck with 18" rims yesterday.

We have 200 Series rims and tyres on our van also, so when I next change tyres there will be 11 tyres to purchase. I have been using all 11 wheels/tyres to wear them out in the hope that there will be a better choice than the Dunlops.

Your advice would be appreciated.

Regards, Jack

Mine are MT Baja ATZs 4 Ribs 285/70/R17

Couldn't be happier with them.

Bear in mind I bought 8 of them but the 100,000k is close to the correct figure. Even if I said the tyres had only done 80,000k it would be fantastic performance.

They cost me $300 ea. in 2008 No Idea what they would cost today.

Point taken.

Its really showing how the Karavan sits behind the tow vehicle and can go where it goes. You couldn't get in there with a conventional van.

Sorry if that point wasn't clear.

That I will believe.

Our Chesney pop top camper went up into the hills years ago and it wasn't an off road job. Only paid $1000 for it.

Try another video.

Phil

I agree, give me an old tug with a real van on a tight track, This is not special. I do soft stuff like this every day in my shiny Prado.

Geoff

Hi Geoff

They don't make them as tough as that any more. Lots of corrugations on cross ply tyres and not one problem. There were two things wrong with it. It was a bugger to fold in the canvas as it was lowered with lots of dust getting in and the tow bar was too short. But it went where ever the car went. Maybe not as flexible as a 4wd with a t-van though.

These young pups with their remote controlled cars do not know what real 4wding was like. Maybe not the 4wd stuff but taking 2wd cars and vans/trailers into the bush with no tracks.

Sorry Garry This was really tongue in cheek. Yes its a top van and I hope you enjoy the 200. Even without all the scratches like ours. Myself I prefer the automatic diesel in the 100 and now days I also prefer a quiet exhaust. Been through the V8's and the rumbling exhaust. Even had a cop in a GTR5000 chase me in my kingswood for 5 miles and I didn't even know he was chasing me. He got me when we slowed for cows on the road. I was just touring and minding my own business. And then he didn't book me. Just wanted to check out the car.

You enjoy it mate.

Geoff and I will not take the mickey out of you.

Hooroo

Phil

Its the 240v Dometic B1900S - Haven't used it much yet so can't comment. Obviously needs the geny to work when off the grid.

Had thought the 12v one was useless for purpose. Have you guys thought of joining KKOG - Karavan Owners Group? Can provide value

The B1900S is noisy. Our new kit has the B3300+ and varies the fan speed as an inverter. Had a 2006 KK for nearly five years before though

Thanks for the follow up John. I have only had my KK for 4 months, so just about to start the aircon under warranty battle. Have thought about the KKOG group - prob join in the next month or two.
Apart from the aircon the KK has lived up to expectations. Lithium batteries, solar and fuel cell meet the deliverables as far as sustainability are concerned.
Cheers mate,
ern

I was a member of KKOG before they started charging fees and went all official. Completely understand why they did that but it didn't suit our needs.

I thought KKOG might keep a non members forum going and keep membership for the more "clubby" elements.

Was disappointed to leave. They are largely a nice bunch of people.

Might join one day.

Reckon we prolly know each other Gary, or at least by name. I kicked the original KKOG off. I know of quite a few who didn't keep up the membership after the change, but there is a healthy membership list now. Quite a percentage of Karavan owners.

Ernie, the Kimberley supplied batteries are pretty expensive I believe. I have a 200a/h Lithium in our BT and plenty of charging capacity with four x 135 watt panels or a 60a/h charger, or even both at a pinch. I never thought a 12v or 24v a/c could ever do much more than blow air.

Thanks Gary,
The evidence so far suggests your comment re capability of a 12/24V A.C. is spot on. yet to get comment or feedback from KK.

Just thought I betta post follow up.
My partner's brother is a aircon installer, mechanic, know it all, perfectionist.
I took my KK to perth and allowed him to sit on the roof and perform some diagnostics on the aircon. He checked the basics like thermostat, etc then started on the gas. It was the gas. In short we reached his objective of a 10 degree temp drop from input air to output air inside the van. Previously it was 2 degrees. He reckons coz its a small unit gas had to be just right.
The bloody thing blows cool air now and I am happy. The inside of the van cools down. Its not great but it might keep my partner happy, and I won't tell her brother he is a know it all bas&^%rd coz he'd love that.
Ern

Gday JohnR,
Yep everything re KK is expensive. I have 240 Lithium and about 280 solar.
Mate, cant remember what lithium battery option cost was... thint it was $700.00...don't quote me. Got the efoy fuel cell which is expensive but cheap to recharge and a fantastic unit does the same as a generator... Gotta say pretty happy. the whole unit (van) is pretty close to energy self sustainable as spec'd. not like the missus. ....:)