Gidday all. Finally back from the shakedown cruise Perth, Carnarvon, Exmouth then back to Perth. First time ever towing a caravan of any size let alone a 23 footer. The van towed and tracked perfectly and the Land Cruiser (2005 Series 100 6 cyl non turbo manual) towed perfectly at 2300 rpm (80kph) in 4th gear. Depending on wind we averaged 6km to the litre. Much learning took place. First lesson learnt.....decide on the days destination before you leave. We drove 600k on day one because we could not agree where to stop.
Having an all 12 volt and gas van has it's good points. The 80 watt 5amp portable solar panel when plugged into the vans Andersen plug maintained battery voltage. Never had to use the generator.
Now back in Perth for a month to get mods (Lessons learnt) done to the van and cruiser (Mainly solar) finalise medicals and sort out paper work then, we be gone for 5 years.
If we have learnt one thing so far it is, "If you are thinking of going on the road, sell up and do it. The longer you wait (We waited and procrastinated for 5 years) the harder it will be to do it". Final point......when you sell......sell EVERYTHING. We are reduced to the items in the van and cruiser and 6 boxes (Photo's etc) fridge and lounge suite in storage.
Regards GOF and GOG PS: Even on the road no one can agree on wether to grease tow balls or not
jimricho said
06:20 AM Jan 11, 2010
Great to hear it went well for you and best wishes for your life on the road. How old is that Blanik you're sitting in in your avatar picture. They've been around for a long time. I flew one 40 years ago, also aero-towed them with a Tiger Moth.
Wombat said
10:02 AM Jan 11, 2010
That photo is 2 years old. The grandson wanted to go gliding. I talked him into trying a club that used winch launching. I have not flown fo 40 odd years. Trained on a Blanik, then downsized to a Kookaburra and then mainly flew a Kingfisher. Ahhhhhhhhh they were the days............Tiger Moths..........gods own design. LOL Regards
dave06 said
10:40 AM Jan 11, 2010
well mate we had a big row in the workshop, 5 mechanics, two diesel 3 petrol, I just asked them if towballs should be greased, it is still going on to this day, manufacturers cant agree so I just say "grease them if you want to"
well done on the trip mate, it's all a learning experience and it's all good clean fun
good luck for your future journeys
damn good fuel figures as well!
Cruising Granny said
05:53 PM Jan 11, 2010
Gosh! A big job on your first run. Well done. It sounds as though you've mastered the operation of the vehicle and van. You towed in my favourite towing gear, at my ideal towing speed.
Keep up the good work. Safe and happy travels always.
Gidday all. Finally back from the shakedown cruise Perth, Carnarvon, Exmouth then back to Perth. First time ever towing a caravan of any size let alone a 23 footer. The van towed and tracked perfectly and the Land Cruiser (2005 Series 100 6 cyl non turbo manual) towed perfectly at 2300 rpm (80kph) in 4th gear. Depending on wind we averaged 6km to the litre. Much learning took place. First lesson learnt.....decide on the days destination before you leave. We drove 600k on day one because we could not agree where to stop.
Having an all 12 volt and gas van has it's good points. The 80 watt 5amp portable solar panel when plugged into the vans Andersen plug maintained battery voltage. Never had to use the generator.
Now back in Perth for a month to get mods (Lessons learnt) done to the van and cruiser (Mainly solar) finalise medicals and sort out paper work then, we be gone for 5 years.
If we have learnt one thing so far it is, "If you are thinking of going on the road, sell up and do it. The longer you wait (We waited and procrastinated for 5 years) the harder it will be to do it". Final point......when you sell......sell EVERYTHING. We are reduced to the items in the van and cruiser and 6 boxes (Photo's etc) fridge and lounge suite in storage.
Regards
GOF and GOG
PS: Even on the road no one can agree on wether to grease tow balls or not
Ahhhhhhhhh they were the days............Tiger Moths..........gods own design. LOL
Regards