Well, son and son-i-l have given Lulu a going over, and Gypsy, as she needs some repairs before I can sell her.
Gypsy, the little camper trailer, has a little crack in the top, which is a bugger as I didn't want to spend any more money on her before selling her. But they've worked out the cheapest/easiest way to repair it.
Sorry, I didn't take a photo for show and tell.
They'll also take off the jockey wheel which I bought, and put it on Lulu, the little Nipper. It currently has an older style jockey wheel that you have to take off after hook up. The almost new turn type on will be much easier for me to handle. Dan will put the leg affair which was originally on it, back on.
He'll also put air bags in the coils of the car to help with the load. They put the scales under the jockey wheel and decided the load needs to go to the back, and it should be minimal. So things like my tool bag will stay in the car. I don't intend on taking a mountain of stuff anyway.
I can apparently take Lulu to the dump to weigh her till I get used to how much I can carry.
Lulu came with an annex, but I won't be using it. Un-necessary weight. Poles are in a pole carrier, so that can come off too. I have a lighweight en suite tent if I'm staying put for awhile somewhere. It also came with a roll out awning, but it doesn't have a cover for when it's rolled up, so I guess I'll have to take that off when not in use, as it may get wet and mouldy.
An earlier owner made the brekky nook into a permanent single bed, with the table still there, so one has to sit kind-of side on to the table. A couple of girlfriends are eager to trip with me at times, so I'll leave it as a single bed. But it'll probably all have to be raised to fit the porta loo under there. Some Dan-ifying will fix that. Mind you, I don't know how I'll go with the loo if a girlfriend is with me. I like to have the loo nearby at night.
It also came with a TV aerial, and a microwave. I won't use the microwave so that'll be less weight. I do like the idea of having a TV with me though, so I'll have to sort that.
What it doesn't have is an internal battery. There's provision for it so another thing I'll have to buy. Dan reckons the tyres need replacing, so more money there too.
There's also a small solar panel which attaches to the roof and trickle feeds the battery.
I'd also like to get a reversing camera, so I may as well go for one that also has GPS. More money! Oh well, you can't take it with you!
milo said
05:22 PM Aug 25, 2011
sounds like your having fun
dazren said
05:58 PM Aug 25, 2011
Beth, can you post a picture of the van ??? so we can see what type of Roll-Out awning is on it, as they do not all need to have a cover when they are rolled up, they require very little looking after and the amount of shade they give you greatly increases your living space, in short if it is possible ''keep it'' dazren
jules47 said
06:02 PM Aug 25, 2011
Sounds pretty good Beth - the way I see it is buying second hand, you are not going to get a everything you want, but if you are at least 96% there - no problems, and seems that is your scenario. And I am sure that a bit of "Danifying" will get you well on the way to being just what you need.
Good luck with it all. cheers(see you next Fri arvo?)
Happywanderer said
06:08 PM Aug 25, 2011
Is the annexe walled Beth. Either way I would be keeping it. I can't wait to get one for Myrtle. Imagine sitting by a river or lake in the evening sun under the awning or in the annexe, would be so peaceful. Also if it is walled and you take friends with you it can be used as an extra room, throw your mattresses out there and sort of sleep under the stars.
Beth54 said
06:33 PM Aug 25, 2011
dazren wrote:
Beth, can you post a picture of the van ??? so we can see what type of Roll-Out awning is on it, as they do not all need to have a cover when they are rolled up, they require very little looking after and the amount of shade they give you greatly increases your living space, in short if it is possible ''keep it'' dazren
Dazren, for some reason I can't upload photos. The little thing just keeps whizzing around. But I can change my avatar.
My sister has since told me it's okay to leave it on while I'm travelling, and just store it while it's parked up. It's proper canvas, not those new vinyl type ones, hence why I thought it'd go mouldy.
Marj, yes it has walls. There was a photo on his ad but I neglected to download that one. I'll see if I can find a similar picture.
Sis also said to maybe just take a wall if it can be fitted without putting up the whole annex. I do like to sit outside and when it's a bit windy, it's good to have a wall. I also prefer to cook outside.
Marj, my days of throwing a mattress on the ground are over! I'd never get up again!
But I think I'll get one of those outdoor recliner lounges.
Beth54 said
06:34 PM Aug 25, 2011
jules47 wrote:
Sounds pretty good Beth - the way I see it is buying second hand, you are not going to get a everything you want, but if you are at least 96% there - no problems, and seems that is your scenario. And I am sure that a bit of "Danifying" will get you well on the way to being just what you need.
Good luck with it all. cheers(see you next Fri arvo?)
Yes Jules, see you next Friday. I'm thinking about staying over, as it's a long way home in the dark for me.
Ma said
06:42 PM Aug 25, 2011
We could always make it on Friday morning if that would suit you better Beth, just get in touch with the other two and whatever you want I will fit in with
Beth54 said
06:45 PM Aug 25, 2011
Ma wrote:
We could always make it on Friday morning if that would suit you better Beth, just get in touch with the other two and whatever you want I will fit in with
That would be better for me Elaine. I thought there was a reason for it being the arvo. I'll see what the others think.
Ma said
06:50 PM Aug 25, 2011
No problems this end Beth. Tell the others it's OK with me just let me know what time.
bill12 said
07:32 PM Aug 25, 2011
I am fitting a gps with a reversing camera , and will tell you how it goes.The mirrors on the HJ are useless and the camera seems like the odvious thing to fix the blank spot behind the vehicle. Will post the results.Bill
Cupie said
07:45 PM Aug 25, 2011
Beth .. re a few issues you raise ..
GPS .. always said that I didn't want one but .. the price of less than $100 & lifetime free maps at Hervey Norman got me. It's fantastic! But to download maps gobbles up hundreds of megabites! (I even picked up a couple of 1w hand held 40 ch UHF sets for $48 & a mate is giving me a redundant vehicle 40ch UHF set too .. have to practice my breaker breaker stuff I suppose)
Nature calls at night ... I always use the nearest tree (just joking) But I recall something about the hoi poloy ladies of old just using balloon shaped dresses .. but we won't go into that. All a matter of technique I suppose.
As for walls in the outdoor area, if you know someone with reasonable sewing skills it's easy to run up lightweight walls from fawn coloured shade cloth. Gives privacy & wind break as well.
For cooking outside I recon that you can't beat the propane powered cookers. Cost around $15 each if you shop around & a bit over $1 a can for the gas. I have a couple & keep lookikg out for the double ones. They exist but I can't find an outlet in Aussie. Sone female exporter in China will sell them to me by the cantainer load. But that's about the best I can do so far.
Elle on Wheels said
08:10 PM Aug 25, 2011
Hey Beth good luck with Lulu you must be over the moon. I agree with the comments that an annex is a good thing to have. The idea about shade cloth is great also. If I don't end up with an annex i will certainly look at rigging up something from shadecloth. Look forward to hearing about your first trip. Ellen
jules47 said
08:16 PM Aug 25, 2011
Beth I would keep the annex - I carry mine in the car - can be very handy if you are settled in somewhere for a spell. Also a place to store things, and give you a bit of privacy - mine has separate walls, can put all up or one at a time, so good for shade .
Beth54 said
09:27 PM Aug 25, 2011
Had trouble getting back on here. Laptop had a spack attack. Seems okay now, but I think I'll get it looked at as it's done it a few times. It's still under warranty.
So...thanks Bill, that'd be good.
Ma, yes, it's okay with Jules and Travel Bug, so the AM it is!
Cupie,,,I have a two burner gas stove already, but I might get one of those anyway. Lightweight and easy. Except when it freezes as my friends did on a very cold morning.
I'll be checking out HN too.
If the weather gets that windy, I'll be sitting inside anyway. One of the reasons I changed to a caravan.
Esmeralda said
09:37 PM Aug 25, 2011
Beth definitely keep the awning. I decided against putting a new one on when the insurance company was paying, and now regret it. Here in Charleville has been quite warm and no much shade for a long period each day and could do with an awning. Now shopping for a new awning - I think I have found one that goes on the van and not on the pop top roof which won't effect the weight like the old one did.
Beth54 said
09:46 PM Aug 25, 2011
Esmeralda wrote:
Beth definitely keep the awning. I decided against putting a new one on when the insurance company was paying, and now regret it. Here in Charleville has been quite warm and no much shade for a long period each day and could do with an awning. Now shopping for a new awning - I think I have found one that goes on the van and not on the pop top roof which won't effect the weight like the old one did.
Definitely keeping the rollout awning for shade Es. It slides on the back end of the van itself, above the door.
Smokeydk said
09:51 AM Aug 26, 2011
My mate has a rear door Jayco...always uses his annex too....for privacy and sun and wind protection......you should take it...even one wall would be usefull
With your awning, I would leave it on permanently if it travels ok like that, the main thing is that if you have to roll it up wet or after a lot of rain, when you get a fine weather break, roll it out and let it dry out, best to try to let it dry first before you roll it up, but not always possible on the move, but when you can. Left rolled up wet or water ingress after rain is the main cause of mildew etc.
ken thomas said
03:22 PM Aug 26, 2011
Looks like Marj is doing a wombat trick with all her new avatars Ken
Cupie said
04:03 PM Aug 26, 2011
Beth...
Now that I see that yours is a rear entry van (I'm a bit slow), I too agree that the awning & at least one side of the annex would be very handy. I'd take them both.
Jayco Gypsy said
11:17 PM Aug 26, 2011
Hi Beth, my van is rear door Jayco Starcraft. It came with a full canvas annex, which fits on the rear and a Carefree roll out awning of the side. I use the side one most of the time. I really struggle to fit the end canvas annexe, roof with poles and sides on my own. My camper trailer was a breeze compared to this one that came with the van.
On one of my trips it rained 4 days on and off. Every time I tried to get in or out the door the van got wet inside, so some sort of cover over the door is needed when bad weather, so yes definately take the awning and one side at least.
I've purchased one of the pop up side awnings that people use on 4wds nice and light to experiment with. Hopefully will do what I want (cheap & $40 on sale) So far it looks like it will work. Can put it up on my own in a few minutes. When I figure out how to post pictures I'll put some up.
Regards Cathy
Vic said
12:44 AM Aug 27, 2011
Hi Cathy,
Beth hasn't got pc use at the moment.
I was thinking, you know the fixed aluminium awnings they put over house windows, if you had one of these made that didn't foul the door with too much downward angle and the supports clear of the door on either side, how do you reckon one of those fixed all the time over the door at the rear of the van would go? The awning wouldn't need to come out too far, just enough to give you some shelter over the door.
Perhaps a canvas/vinyl awning could be fitted over the top of the awning if at any time it was needed, but just for short breaks do you reckon such a fixed aluminium awning might work? It should travel ok on the rear of the van ?
Just a thought....
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 27th of August 2011 12:46:01 AM
Jayco Gypsy said
12:55 AM Aug 27, 2011
Open to all ideas Vic. I have seen a van the same as mine with a fitted roll out like my side one. I haven't priced that yet, mainly because I think it would make the roof to heavy to lift unless I save up and had airlifters fitted. I'll have the one I'm trialing at Dwellingup should be a good test with the ground. I did see Beth was having computer trouble, hope she gets it sorted ok.
Vic said
12:54 PM Aug 27, 2011
If you look at the pic posted by Dave (SmokeyD) the van has an annex comming of the back of the van above the door, not off the pop top roof, so maybe something like that could be done ?
Smokeydk said
02:26 PM Aug 27, 2011
Yesterday I saw a rear entry van that had a hinged panel that lifted to make a awning
whether one can be made up for a Jayco....I'm not sure
-- Edited by Smokeydk on Saturday 27th of August 2011 02:29:48 PM
That is interesting Dave, even got the tail lights wired into the panel.
I was thinking of something a bit smaller just to give a little protection from the rain when stepping out the door, but a similar idea, the struts would certainly make it a lot easier.
Jayco Gypsy said
03:07 PM Aug 27, 2011
Saw one like that on ebay a while ago. Looks nice and easy to put up and should be quite solid in bad conditions. I would be a bit worried about some-one closing it while I was inside and not being able to get out.
This is my terrible attempt on my own to put up the annexe that came with the van.
It now stays in the shed. I'll get a pic and post it later of my alternate solution.
My camper trailer one was so easy to put up compared to this one.
-- Edited by Jayco Gypsy on Saturday 27th of August 2011 03:11:55 PM
-- Edited by Jayco Gypsy on Saturday 27th of August 2011 03:14:43 PM
Would something like the car-shades you can buy at BCF be any use Beth ?
Not too expensive, and easy to attatch with suction pads when needed I believe.
Cheers,
Sheba.
HeadnHome said
05:17 PM Aug 28, 2011
Got this one from BCF, it just pops up like an umbrella, has suction cups but I have put a couple of clips on as well for those really windy days, very quick and easy, all three walls roll down for total privacy.. sorry photo not the best but hope you get the general idea, very light weight also.
-- Edited by HeadnHome on Sunday 28th of August 2011 05:34:08 PM
Well, son and son-i-l have given Lulu a going over, and Gypsy, as she needs some repairs before I can sell her.
Gypsy, the little camper trailer, has a little crack in the top, which is a bugger as I didn't want to spend any more money on her before selling her. But they've worked out the cheapest/easiest way to repair it.
Sorry, I didn't take a photo for show and tell.
They'll also take off the jockey wheel which I bought, and put it on Lulu, the little Nipper. It currently has an older style jockey wheel that you have to take off after hook up. The almost new turn type on will be much easier for me to handle. Dan will put the leg affair which was originally on it, back on.
He'll also put air bags in the coils of the car to help with the load. They put the scales under the jockey wheel and decided the load needs to go to the back, and it should be minimal. So things like my tool bag will stay in the car. I don't intend on taking a mountain of stuff anyway.
I can apparently take Lulu to the dump to weigh her till I get used to how much I can carry.
Lulu came with an annex, but I won't be using it. Un-necessary weight. Poles are in a pole carrier, so that can come off too. I have a lighweight en suite tent if I'm staying put for awhile somewhere. It also came with a roll out awning, but it doesn't have a cover for when it's rolled up, so I guess I'll have to take that off when not in use, as it may get wet and mouldy.
An earlier owner made the brekky nook into a permanent single bed, with the table still there, so one has to sit kind-of side on to the table. A couple of girlfriends are eager to trip with me at times, so I'll leave it as a single bed. But it'll probably all have to be raised to fit the porta loo under there. Some Dan-ifying will fix that. Mind you, I don't know how I'll go with the loo if a girlfriend is with me.
I like to have the loo nearby at night.
It also came with a TV aerial, and a microwave. I won't use the microwave so that'll be less weight. I do like the idea of having a TV with me though, so I'll have to sort that.
What it doesn't have is an internal battery. There's provision for it so another thing I'll have to buy. Dan reckons the tyres need replacing, so more money there too.
There's also a small solar panel which attaches to the roof and trickle feeds the battery.
I'd also like to get a reversing camera, so I may as well go for one that also has GPS. More money! Oh well, you can't take it with you!
Good luck with it all.
cheers(see you next Fri arvo?)
Also if it is walled and you take friends with you it can be used as an extra room, throw your mattresses out there and sort of sleep under the stars.
Dazren, for some reason I can't upload photos. The little thing just keeps whizzing around. But I can change my avatar.
My sister has since told me it's okay to leave it on while I'm travelling, and just store it while it's parked up. It's proper canvas, not those new vinyl type ones, hence why I thought it'd go mouldy.
Marj, yes it has walls. There was a photo on his ad but I neglected to download that one. I'll see if I can find a similar picture.
Sis also said to maybe just take a wall if it can be fitted without putting up the whole annex. I do like to sit outside and when it's a bit windy, it's good to have a wall. I also prefer to cook outside.
Marj, my days of throwing a mattress on the ground are over! I'd never get up again!
But I think I'll get one of those outdoor recliner lounges.
Yes Jules, see you next Friday. I'm thinking about staying over, as it's a long way home in the dark for me.
We could always make it on Friday morning if that would suit you better Beth, just get in touch with the other two and whatever you want I will fit in with
That would be better for me Elaine. I thought there was a reason for it being the arvo. I'll see what the others think.
No problems this end Beth. Tell the others it's OK with me just let me know what time.
Beth .. re a few issues you raise ..
GPS .. always said that I didn't want one but .. the price of less than $100 & lifetime free maps at Hervey Norman got me. It's fantastic! But to download maps gobbles up hundreds of megabites! (I even picked up a couple of 1w hand held 40 ch UHF sets for $48 & a mate is giving me a redundant vehicle 40ch UHF set too .. have to practice my breaker breaker stuff I suppose)
Nature calls at night ... I always use the nearest tree (just joking) But I recall something about the hoi poloy ladies of old just using balloon shaped dresses .. but we won't go into that. All a matter of technique I suppose.
As for walls in the outdoor area, if you know someone with reasonable sewing skills it's easy to run up lightweight walls from fawn coloured shade cloth. Gives privacy & wind break as well.
For cooking outside I recon that you can't beat the propane powered cookers. Cost around $15 each if you shop around & a bit over $1 a can for the gas. I have a couple & keep lookikg out for the double ones. They exist but I can't find an outlet in Aussie. Sone female exporter in China will sell them to me by the cantainer load. But that's about the best I can do so far.
Ellen
Had trouble getting back on here. Laptop had a spack attack. Seems okay now, but I think I'll get it looked at as it's done it a few times. It's still under warranty.
So...thanks Bill, that'd be good.
Ma, yes, it's okay with Jules and Travel Bug, so the AM it is!
Cupie,,,I have a two burner gas stove already, but I might get one of those anyway. Lightweight and easy. Except when it freezes as my friends did on a very cold morning.
I'll be checking out HN too.
If the weather gets that windy, I'll be sitting inside anyway. One of the reasons I changed to a caravan.
Beth definitely keep the awning. I decided against putting a new one on when the insurance company was paying, and now regret it. Here in Charleville has been quite warm and no much shade for a long period each day and could do with an awning. Now shopping for a new awning - I think I have found one that goes on the van and not on the pop top roof which won't effect the weight like the old one did.
Definitely keeping the rollout awning for shade Es. It slides on the back end of the van itself, above the door.
My mate has a rear door Jayco...always uses his annex too....for privacy and sun and wind protection......you should take it...even one wall would be usefull
With your awning, I would leave it on permanently if it travels ok like that, the main thing is that if you have to roll it up wet or after a lot of rain, when you get a fine weather break, roll it out and let it dry out, best to try to let it dry first before you roll it up, but not always possible on the move, but when you can. Left rolled up wet or water ingress after rain is the main cause of mildew etc.
Ken
Beth...
Now that I see that yours is a rear entry van (I'm a bit slow), I too agree that the awning & at least one side of the annex would be very handy. I'd take them both.
Hi Beth, my van is rear door Jayco Starcraft. It came with a full canvas annex, which fits on the rear and a Carefree roll out awning of the side. I use the side one most of the time.
I really struggle to fit the end canvas annexe, roof with poles and sides on my own. My camper trailer was a breeze compared to this one that came with the van.
On one of my trips it rained 4 days on and off. Every time I tried to get in or out the door the van got wet inside, so some sort of cover over the door is needed when bad weather,
so yes definately take the awning and one side at least.
I've purchased one of the pop up side awnings that people use on 4wds nice and light to experiment with. Hopefully will do what I want (cheap & $40 on sale) So far it looks like it will work. Can put it up on my own in a few minutes. When I figure out how to post pictures I'll put some up.
Regards Cathy
Hi Cathy,
Beth hasn't got pc use at the moment.
I was thinking, you know the fixed aluminium awnings they put over house windows, if you had one of these made that didn't foul the door with too much downward angle and the supports clear of the door on either side, how do you reckon one of those fixed all the time over the door at the rear of the van would go? The awning wouldn't need to come out too far, just enough to give you some shelter over the door.
Perhaps a canvas/vinyl awning could be fitted over the top of the awning if at any time it was needed, but just for short breaks do you reckon such a fixed aluminium awning might work? It should travel ok on the rear of the van ?
Just a thought....
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 27th of August 2011 12:46:01 AM
I did see Beth was having computer trouble, hope she gets it sorted ok.
If you look at the pic posted by Dave (SmokeyD) the van has an annex comming of the back of the van above the door, not off the pop top roof, so maybe something like that could be done ?
Yesterday I saw a rear entry van that had a hinged panel that lifted to make a awning
whether one can be made up for a Jayco....I'm not sure
-- Edited by Smokeydk on Saturday 27th of August 2011 02:29:48 PM
I was thinking of something a bit smaller just to give a little protection from the rain when stepping out the door, but a similar idea, the struts would certainly make it a lot easier.
Saw one like that on ebay a while ago. Looks nice and easy to put up and should be quite solid in bad conditions.
I would be a bit worried about some-one closing it while I was inside and not being able to get out.
This is my terrible attempt on my own to put up the annexe that came with the van.
It now stays in the shed. I'll get a pic and post it later of my alternate solution.
My camper trailer one was so easy to put up compared to this one.
-- Edited by Jayco Gypsy on Saturday 27th of August 2011 03:11:55 PM
-- Edited by Jayco Gypsy on Saturday 27th of August 2011 03:14:43 PM
Would something like the car-shades you can buy at BCF be any use Beth ?
Not too expensive, and easy to attatch with suction pads when needed I believe.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Got this one from BCF, it just pops up like an umbrella, has suction cups but I have put a couple of clips on as well for those really windy days, very quick and easy, all three walls roll down for total privacy.. sorry photo not the best but hope you get the general idea, very light weight also.
-- Edited by HeadnHome on Sunday 28th of August 2011 05:34:08 PM