First mods
We’ve now spent a few nights trying the caravan out in the driveway, had our first real trip, are planning our first free camping weekend and our first longer trip as well. So it seemed like a good time to implement some changes. Some we have planned from the outset and some based on our early learning.
Awning Repair
First cab off the rank is a repair. As mentioned in our previous post, we managed to lose the toggle/knob that switches the awning from roll-out to roll-in. We think, but can’t be sure, we took it off with a tree branch. However we did it, it’s gone. We searched online for about a week and found nothing. We could source the entire spring assembly or a knob from a different model, but not the item we needed. Talk about annoying, having to spend a couple hundred bucks to replace a $2 item. Anyway, I wasn’t about to spend that money unnecessarily, so I had to MacGyver a solution. The result is probably over-size, but it works and can be operated using the rod supplied with the awning. I just hope it lasts, at least until we can source the real thing.
Power Outlets
We also made a number of small changes to the van, but the main one was electrical.
As standard, the van comes with one double socket outlet (or GPO) and one double USB outlet at the club lounge. We ordered a second one of each at the opposite end of the lounge as we knew we’d be wanting to work at the table and needed to power our laptops and monitors. What we didn’t consider was what we would do if free camping. Obviously our laptops have batteries but our monitors do not. Also, I have difficulty working on the small laptop screen. We could – and probably will at some point – buy a generator and run from that. But for shorter periods, quiet times or smaller loads an inverter is a better solution. An inverter produces 240v AC from a 12v DC source.
When we really start travelling the way we hope to, a whole of van inverter setup is on the cards. This provides 240v to all of the standard socket outlets – except for a few that power the really hungry appliances like the stove, fridge, air conditioner and hot water heater. That may entail a move to Li Ion batteries and possibly more solar as well. It all depends on how much off-grid camping we do. For now however, a small unit will suffice. These small units plug into standard 12v (cigarette lighter) outlets… but we didn’t have any!
I guess, technically, we do have a couple of cigarette lighter outlets available where the two TVs are powered. They aren’t really located conveniently for working at the table though. So, we thought we’d convert the two USB outlets into 12v outlets as we knew similar profile units were available. Apparently, so common are these units that we were able to source them from Bunnings. They even carried the same brand as used in the caravan. So now we have two 12v cigarette outlets at the club lounge and no USB outlets. Should we need USB, the inverter has two or we could use one designed for a car lighter. If we do switch to a whole of van inverter at some point I’ll restore the USB outlets.
Other Modifications
Some other modifications we have made are much simpler. These include:
- Adding a wall clock
- Lining the bedside cubbies and drawers with felt
- Adding clear storage containers in the kitchen and bathroom
- Hanging a mop, broom and dustpan in the bathroom
Accessories / Caravan / Customisation / DIY
McLaren Vale – Sep 2019 
Point Sturt – Oct 2019 
2 comments on “First mods”
Looking forward to hearing how your inverter works
We have tried it, so we know it works, but all we ran was a light. It is supposed to provide 200 watts of power, so should be up to the task. I guess we’ll see.