Heres how you can keep your rv cool in the summer months with  Sheildcoats Thermobond refective roof paint. I know what you thinking “how does painting the roof help?”, well here`s what Sheildcoat have to say about thermobond,

http://www.shieldcoat.com.au/assets/File/The%20Simple%20Stuff%20-%20Thermobond%20HRC.pdf.

Heres how I went about preparing the surface for the reflective thermobond coating, firstly you have to make sure that the surface area is clean of all dirt. I just used a bucket of water and added Liquid suger soap and applied this with a household broom. You can use high pressure cleaners but I found that the trusty bucket works wonders and it is frugal if you have water restrictions.
Once the roof was clean and alowed to dry, you then have to seal the roof by using Shieldseal witch druys in about 2 hours, I used two coats of this. I used a rollar with a foam applicator for my application (athough sheildcoat say use air spray gun gives more even application), as my sl200 roof had crazy cracking all through the fibreglass coating and this made it easier to get into those cracks. Just make sure that you do a good job with both the cleaning and the sheildseal as this makes for a better foundation for the top coat (thermobond itsself).

Sl200 Roof before thermobond

SL200 roof berfore thermobond 1

Applying the thermobond took me two days and I have noticed a massive difference in the cabin temp. The main factor for me was touching the roof hatches, both before and after the thermobond went on. Before I would burn my hand if left on the hatch, and now after three coats i am able to hold my hand on the hatch for minutes without the same fate. Sheildcoat states that 57 percent of the sun rays if applied to there specs should be reflected. I myself have gain up to 8 degrees in the cabin temperature. And the aircon unit does not struggle any further when the degrees hit about 35. Thermobond comes in a 15 litre bucket with resealable lid, so no waste and no fuss, so this summer why not try it out.

SL200 roof painted with Thermobond

100% Pure New Zealand

New Zealand, my home for 30 years a small country with a big heart, and the bonus friendly attitude of the locals really makes this place unique. I have traveled all over New Zealand both camping and in Motorhomes, and have found the relaxed way of life very appealing. So why not come and enjoy some of the wonders of the ever charming  –  

Aotearoa (Land of the long white cloud).

Now, Legend has it that New Zealand was fished from the sea. Fact has it that New Zealand was the last land mass on earth to be discovered, making New Zealand the youngest country on earth…

About

Tourism New Zealand’s official Facebook page. For more information visit: http://www.facebook.com/#!/purenewzealand?sk=info

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Looking for all the latest information about holidaying in New Zealand? Planning your next holiday or vacation to New Zealand? Or have you already been and want to share your experience? Join this page and experience New Zealand.
 
You can expect to see posts of images, videos, blogs, competitions and more. We encourage you to share your experiences, stories, adventures, tips and memories

For more information and links please vist www.newzealand.com

Leyburn Rv campsite Queensland

Leyburn, this Rv hide away is so peaceful you will think you have dropped of the face of the earth and found your own piece of paradise. With the wide open spaces and picturesque surrounding hills, make this the perfect spot to rest and relax.Leyburn is located just 40ks north west of Warrick in the sunny state of Queensland.

The access the park itself is over a weight limited bridge, so you will have to be under 15 ton, but we crossed the bridge with 11 ton and made it in safely. Inside Leyburn’s Rv stop over you will find 2 aches of well maintained grassland drainage of the site is   with dirt roads for the access (4WD vechicles are not required to access this freebee), also a river runs beside the campsite and is also enjoyed by the local wildlife.

Fires are welcome at Leyburn, up to 1 meter in diameter but please if you can contain yours lets do so in order to preserve thjis beautifull place.The amenities consist of 1 flush toilet which has dawn lighting for extra security, Town water supply for filling those Rv tanks and also power and the use there off can be arranged ask at the local store. If you dont have a shower on board your Rv, you can use the ones in the local tennis court for a small fee of 2 dollars.

Leyburn Rv Campsite Amenities

The locals welcome us campers and have a small general store to purchase those necessities i.e. bread, milk and even have takeaway, fish and chips, burgers. Here are some of the shots that I took of the site and surounding area.This home away from home may seem a little of the beaten track, but if you make the journey it will be well worth it. 

Leyburn Rv Campsite Skyline

Leyburn Campfires are welcome

Solar regulators how to choose between Pulse Width (PWM)  or  MPPT (Multi Power Point tracking). we can now look at sourcing Charger controllers or solar regulators for your systems batteries. Before I explain the differences between (PWM) and (MPPT) we need to find out what unit is going to suit out system.

A good place to start is by taking the AMPS from your (PV) or solar panels. Lets say that number comes to 15 AMPS. What we then do is get a solar regulator that will exceed that 15 amp limit say the say the Morningstar 20A from solar online -  Below I have explained the two main types of solar regulators.

 
Pulse width Regulators
 

There are many types of regulators on the market which are simply x on/x off or pulse with controllers (PWM) are sold state.

 These types of controllers will do the job, but they will only charge the batteries in a limited way, not using any type of battery sensing voltage. This can can if left unchecked cause issues in the long run for the batteries. They do sense what voltage you have an the batteries, and or limit the ammount of PV volatge from the solar array. Hence they may over charge a lead acid battery causing the electrolite to evaporate or turn into sulpur oxide hense exposing the lead plates, causing them to bend or buckle under the added temperature. This will most probibly cause a open circuit fault or in the worst case (may explode if it comes in contact with a naked flame).

Solar Regulators MPPT (Multi Power Point Tracking)

There MPPT regulators do all that the above (PWM) regulators do with two main advantages, the first being these will monitor and deliver the maximum voltage to your batteries from the array basicly giving you 30% power for your systems needs.
The other is a 3 stage charging option witch means stating of at (bulk) chatge until the batteries reach a voltage of 14.4, then switching to a absorb or aceptence charge at that voltage for a min of 3 hours or 180mins, but the regulator will sense the battery volatge and switch to float at 13.6 volts to maintain the batteries. This means you are less likely to damage your battery bank.

Also as an addition to these more up market MPPT regulators they will have an option for a Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) will will also regulate the chatge via temp as well as voltage.

If you have the money go with the Multi Power Point Tracking option, if you want to know more about multi point tracking click on the Page below:

I have fitted both of these regulators bought from the friendly staff at Solaronline;

Bluesky SB3024DI (MPPT) Solar regulator

The Bluesky Sb3024di  30amp (rated)

Xantrex XW 60A (MPPT) From Solaronline

The Xantrex XW 60A MPPT Solar Booster Regulator  (60amp) rated

Watt and amps Formula Rv solar power

Watts and Amps what does it mean, when trying to choose your Rv or Motorhome Solar Power requirements.  This will include what equipment you will need such as; equipment draw in amps and the watts over voltage conversions.  This simple formula is designed to help you gauge what power needs you require for you rvs system. 

Terms used:

Voltage – Weather you are running at 12/24 volt or 240 volt
Amps    - Current draw of the unit you are running per hr
Watts    – Watts used by your appliance or accessories

First and foremost you need to determine what you are going to run on your solar system. To do this you need to make a list of the equipment you’re wanting to run and what power type they are/or require (i.e. 12 volt or 240 volt).

 How to determine your Rv solar power needs,  here is some of my list to help you on your way.

LCD TV 23 inch.                                  12 volt
500 watt Pure Sinewave Inverter     12 volt
LED lights x 8                                      12 volt

Wayco Fridge freezer   12/24 volt/240 volt

You may have more on your list but that does not matter at all. This will allow you to safely choose how many batteries, solar panels you will require to run on your rv solar system. What you want to have in your motorhome is why we are all different, you can have what ever you want in your RV as long as you match the solar system output to the equipment you wish to run.

It is also best to over estimate the power usage of your system as degrading of amps can occur if you have long runs in the conduit (wires to and from the solar panels and your batteries). Simply just follow the formula and advice below and you wont have any worries.

You then have to find out how many watts each of the units will use:
 

For instant the Wayco fridge of mine uses 65 watts to run so all we need to do is divide our 65 watts by the voltage we want to use, which in this case is 12 volts and you get 5.4 amps per hour.

See the figure below:

65 watts
———-   =   5.4 Amps per Hr
 12 volts

If you are unable to use this formula it will take you to a Watts into Amps converter page. It is very simple to use, just add the voltage and the watts into the correct boxes and it will calculate the AMPS for you.

Heres the link to the inverter, http://www.supercircuits.com/resources/tools/Volts-Watts-Amps-Converter

* Special Note: I cant find what watts my unit uses?

No problem, if you cant find the watts perhaps the AMPS are already listed on the unit instead. If this fails do a search on the model number of the unit in your internet browser, most websites will give you the specs of the unit online.

Goodluck and I wish you all the best for your solar system designs.

Rv Solar Panels are not all made Equal

Solar Panels and the choices, Brand and wattage, How do we choose which is right for us. Well there are many solar panel types and sizes, all will use the suns Uv rays and covert them into usable 12 volt power but not all panels are made equal. Please let me explain.

There a lot of ways you can get solar panels and from many different sources and brands Such as Sharp or BP solar. You can buy the solar cells themselves (wire them together) purchase a suitable frame, and assemble, connect them in a frame of your choice then cover with glass or you can purchase either the “black panel” or the “blue panel”.

Option 1 – Monocrystalline Black panels are cheaper to purchase but can be affected by low light and incorrect positioning of the panels. These panels will still do the job but they do have there draw backs. These panels are normally more in the watts department but don’t be fooled by the output of the panel.

Option 2 – Polycrystalline Blue or Green panels on the other hand are quite a bit more expensive but the benefits of these panels is that they are shade tolerant (which simply means will work better in the early and late evenings compared to the Black type).

In my humble option, I would suggest you go with the Polycrystalline (shade tollerant) panel you will thank yourself in the long run. I have installed 3 x 125watt at 7.16 amps max sharp panels in  (which have been superseded to 130watts now) in parallel (which means mulipling the amps 7.16amps x 3 panels) in my parents setup which will produce at max 21.4 amps to the batteries.

Parham, RV friendly Campsite

Parham rv campsite a quiet place just 70`s north west of Adelaide about 2ks out on a tarsealed road, then just a short while on rough road around 500 meters you will find on the left, Parham free campsite rest area. The area itself is massive, we had 19 meters of Truck and Tralier so it is large enough to support big rigs. Water supplied onsite is pleasent to the taste and also (free). Toilets are provided (flushing) and well maintained.

Parham - Rv Motorhome Parking, South Australia

Parham - Rv Camping Area, South Australia

Parham - Rv Big Rig Area, South Australia

The parking area is a not tarsealed, (as you can see in the pictures) but you will find it provides a firm base for you motorhome and also retainning the ability to pitch a tent or awning for a bit of extra shade. Does tend to get a bit on the windy side, which is pleasant in the heat and it seems to keep the flies at bay also. There are some shaded areas created by trees that you may pitch a tent and it be still there in the morning.

Parham - Toilet Facilities, South Australia

We stayed at this location for the maximum stay in a Motorhome with trailer at 19 meters and did not have to unhitch your trailers for the entire stay, which can be a pain in other more expensive campsites. We did how ever move to the other side of the area, the north end of the site by the toilets was better for both breese and less of those flying beasties.

TV signal was tested on a Ommi 3000 and digital Samsung 16 inch LCD, we managed to get all 7 and Nine, Ten, SBS, ABC. Indoor antenna would get major channels, with some fiddling.

Parham - Rv Campsite Beach Access, South Australia

Generators and the like are permitted for a limited time to say charge your Motorhome or caravan batteries or cool your freezer down, but don’t except to run them all day long. No motorbikes on the beaches or surrounding areas as they are maintaining the scrub and tree line to help save the dunes.

*Note: When visiting Parham -  Take fly Repellent

Parham - Beach Access, South Australia

But once the day nears its end, you can take a walk down the beach and watch the sunset over the horizon which is simply spectacular, in fact you seem to get a different shot every night.  A wonderful thing to be doing after a glass of wine, with that special person as you walk along in the cool.

Parham - Rv Campsite Sunset, South Australia

Palm Beach Tourist Park Gold Coast Accomodation

Palm Beach Tourist Park just feels like, a home away from home on the gold coast.  They are much more relaxed about things than other Caravan Parks. There is plenty of room for your rv or motorhome not to mention the tent sites and cabins, villas. I have stayed here many times and the feel of the place is fantastic. You are warmly greeted when you enter the office, by either of the two owners; that to me makes all the difference (customer service).

Palm Beach Tourist Park Budget Cabins

What do I mean by that, well there budget cabins have a well postioned deck and out door chairs, table for you to use to soak up the atmosphere, but are kust vasic cabins, but wont be charged the earth and or stung for cleaning unless you leave the cabin in a mess, (heaven forbid). A twenty dollar key bond is also required, but you have that returned to you when you depart the park.

The budget cabins are suited to 4 people with a double bed and two bunks, they have all the kitchen facilities including jug, toaster microwave, TV, cutlery and even washing up liquid. You dont even have to pack the kitchen sink . But you will have to bring your own linen and the food and drink that you eat, although they will provide linen for you at a cost.

Palm Beach Tourist Park Villas

As for the cost of the cabins well, they are $70 dollar for 2 adults and just $5 dollars for children. If you are camping you are able to get powered sites for $25 dollars a day and if you have a motorhome you will pay the same amount unless you have aircon in the RV then you will pay $5 dollars extra per night.

They also have the security gate at the entrance of the park and 4 pools to choose from; a BBQ area with gas operation. And you are a quick walk from the surfers beach if you prefer the ocean to the pools. If you have to be camping or in a motorhome there is a massive area for this as well, also having three large amenities in different locations for the campers to use which are key operated (for your security). If you have the choice and you want a comfortable stay without burning a hole in your pocket I would have to recommend Palm beach tourist park on the gold coast, just down the road from tallebudgera Creek.

Palm Beach will also arrange storage of your motorhome or Rv in safe surroundings at a cost of $27.50 a week or 110 per month (please check there current prices online), you will even be able to keep your fridge or freezer running for the duration of your stay from $47.50 a week or 190 per month.  

Click here for more information from there website http://www.palmpark.com.au/.

Enjoy your travels on the Gold Coast.

Calliope rv campsite is situated just one kilometer off the main A1 highway west of Gladstone and south of Rockhampton, it has a massive area for both tent sites and Rv or Motorhomes alike. Calliope`s camp grounds are scattered covered with shade by surrounding trees as well as having spots so that you may charge those batteries for your solar systems. Weather you are interested in just stopping for the night or two this place has many things to see and do like; great bush walks, miles of river to explore and wildlife if you are interested in birds. Also just 2 k`s from the Calliope crossroads for fuel and supplies.

I took my SL200 man bus that I had converted into a motorhome and that is 11.4 meters in length and 2.2 meters wide and had no problem fitting in, also my parents have a Hino truck and tralier that they have also converted and that is a total of 19.4 meters they also had no trouble getting into calliope, there is a road that runs the entire outside of  calliope camp ground and sites are easy accessible from that road. Also there is no need to turn around if you think you may have trouble doing doing so, just mearly follow the road around again to the exit. 

Plenty of nature to enjoy and explore in, this place is a great stepping stone if you are heading further up north and need the time to rest and recharge before heading off again. Dont forget to check out the calliope historical village and the museum is just of the bruce highway north. Check it out you never know what gems you  might find. So pack a lunch and head on up for the weekend stay the night enjoy the piece and quite, have a fish and relax.

Note: You will find the calliope campsite in the camps 4 and 5 booklets in the Queensland section for more detailed directions.

If you are interested in fishing then cast a line out in the river and try your luck. Boats and kayaks are welcomed in the park so don’t forget to pack your swimmers so that you can enjoy the lovely scenery alone the river side.

Plenty of bins are provided by the local council ane are located in several handy spots for you to deposit that rubbish, they are empty regularly and lawns are keep down and well presented.

Calliope free campsite Amenities

Plenty of shade
Plenty of space for big rigs
Riverside camping
Toilets Mens and womens
Under cover seating
Access to river

 
The Beachside Caravan Park is located right on the ocean in yeppoon, approximately 100k`s east from Rockhampton queensland, Australia. Accommodation ranged from $18 to $22 dollars for a powered site a night, suitable for 10 meter vehicles or less. You will have a nice contrete slab to place your outdoor furniture or park on if it gets a bit wet. The grounds were well maintained when we stayed, all rubbish bins were empted promptly.

The caretaker was very obliging as, he stated that we were able to have a look at the site to make sure that Rv would fit in to the available spot prior to booking in. The camp site itself was very well set out giving a lot of space between the rv and motorhomes and it was so peaceful that we stayed another couple of nights - un planed.  

So in my opinion bring your caravan or motorhome and if you are not so inclined you are most welcome to still enjoy the camping experience tenting. Cabins were also availble on the beach front for $100 dollars and up but please check for correct on and off peak times.  And when you sit out of an evening, make sure you take in the breath taking views of the beach below and enjoy the sun and surf just a short walk across the beautifull white sand.  After your dip there are many BBQ areas with free gas BBQs and plenty of seating and cover from the sun.  

Yeppoon itself has many things to experience like cafes, clubs and boutiques for your shopping pleasure, If you wish to get out and let your hair down for a night of dancing and dining with fine wine, this might just be the place for you.
If you’re interested in motorsport however, what would be better than to visit The Peter Brock Experience. See the old LC six cylinder Torana XU1 that Peter Brock drove to victory at Bathurst over the larger and more common V8 Falcons of the time, all the way through to the awesome A9X and the first of the commodores, a true treat for the whole family just minutes away.

Beachside Caravan Park Yeppoon Amenities

BBQs (gas)
Toilets
Under cover seating
Men’s and women’s Separate Hot showers
Laundry mat (3 dollars a load) Dryers, Irons