Had no idea till today there is storage space on the outside on top of the cabin.
Have two campervanner friends staying in the park over the road for a couple of nights, Jazzin Around and a friend of hers named Clive. They both like the look of Myrtle, can't believe what great condition she is in. Lorraine pointed out somethig I had no idea about. There is quite a dip above the cabin area for storage. (above my head when driving) When she had a van the same some years back she had a waterproof zipped bag that went up there and stored things to give more room in the van. There are bits up there to clip ties into.
Now where will I find a suitable bag?? Any ideas. Also realised the reason there is no mozzie netting on the front zipped part of the pop top is to get stuff off that storage with ease. Will post a photo showing that part of Myrtle so you can understand what I am gabbling on about. In front of the pop top, that area has quite a dip, not sure what its called.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 9th of April 2011 09:21:54 PM
Cruising Granny said
09:19 PM Apr 9, 2011
There are a few versions of solid roof top storage of varying sizes. Some camping stores and places like Repco, Super Cheap Auto, Auto Pro etc may have something for that space up on the roof. There are small roof racks to fit up there as well. Truck and van fitters may have something as well. I thought you meant the space above your head in the cab until I read further and saw the pic. You're really having fun setting Myrtle up, aren't you. It's an adventure all by itself. Have fun, it's yours.
Happywanderer said
09:29 PM Apr 9, 2011
Its raining and dark at the moment so not going out to measure it but I will. Would be a good metre each way I think. You know what I also found out from Clive. I'm supposed to be putting an additive in the fuel as origianlly made for leaded petrol. I found some in one of the storage spaces from previous owner so will do that next payday. I've only put $40.00 in so far since getting her so not a problem but will fill up on Wednesday.
So glad you both look forward to my updates. Its great to hear feedback each time I write on here. Gives me confidence to get going.
Happywanderer said
09:35 PM Apr 9, 2011
Sheba My poptop goes to above the driving seats, no further forward than that. CG, Thanks for that, will do the rounds of shops next week. Sounds like quite a few options available.
Cruising Granny said
09:39 PM Apr 9, 2011
You probably have to do that additive each tank full. I run my tanks down to about quarter and when I fill up I add injector cleaner to the diesel. You don't need injector cleaner, but the principle is the same. It keeps things clean in the engine where the lead used to be. That's girlie mechanic speak for you better put the stuff in to look after your engine. You've got a good unit by the look of it. Look after Myrtle and she'll give you a lot of happy miles/kilometres.
Happywanderer said
09:45 PM Apr 9, 2011
Thanks CG. Clive said to put 10 mil to every 10 litres of fuel, so that works out easy. Great when you explain it all in girlie speak and not all technical. So much easier to understand.
Travel Bug said
09:54 PM Apr 9, 2011
Hi Marj,
I read all of your updates with interest and I think it's great that you are getting so much enjoyment from Myrtle before you even set off on your travels.
I think you ought to have a look in the junk shops/$2 type shops for the zip bag. I have bought a few different sized plastic zip/storage bags for my van quite cheaply in those shops up here. Hope this helps.
Cheers. Pam.
Happywanderer said
10:03 PM Apr 9, 2011
Thanks Pam, will be a cheaper option, so will look there first. Just have to make sure they are waterproof. Seems there are lots of options I hadn't thought of.
Sheba said
10:14 PM Apr 9, 2011
Did you check out the link I gave you in my first reply Marj ? I've been checking out more sites, but there are a few on that Link that are waterproof, and around the $30-$40 mark, which is a lot cheaper than the Solid ones.
The third one down, you can get from Amazon.
There are also some on e-bay, if you go there.
You might even look in Target, and K-mart, and Big W. They all have Vehicle and Camping sections.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 9th of April 2011 10:22:23 PM
Vic said
01:27 AM Apr 10, 2011
Hi HW,
I had a Mazda E2000 Campervan with the same space above the cab (it was a Dove camper conversion), I bought a 2 man tent which I stored up there in a blue polytarp, tied down with ocky straps, this was my "emergency" accomodation for a caravan park or similar in case I had to put the van in to get something fixed while I was travelling. Never had to use it as such but it was comforting knowing it was there if I needed it, cheaper than staying in a hotel/motel room somewhere if it had to be in a workshop overnight.....
valnrob said
07:48 AM Apr 10, 2011
Hi Marj, it's all looking great.... not long to go and you will be ready!
_wombat_ said
10:09 AM Apr 10, 2011
Myrtle looks great HW, the ariel sticking out the roof looks a bit large, is that the one you use at home or only when you travel.
Happywanderer said
11:02 AM Apr 10, 2011
Wombat, never noticed that until you said. had to go back to see what you were talking about. No that aerial is only for when I park in bunnings carpark. Its a special one. Thats a good idea Vic, and can store my en suite tent up there too. Yes Sheba, did check it out briefly last night but was feeling unwell. Will do it properly today. We went for lunch at an unnamed Pizza place in town yesterday. Spent the rest of the afternoon with my head in the toilet bowl and other than when on here curled up in my comfy chair. Have only just eaten again and only a couple of sao crackers.
_wombat_ said
11:10 AM Apr 10, 2011
Yep, thought it was special, it even has it's own lights. lol
Sorry to hear you have not been well after your pizza, with your head in the toilet bowl, doesnt that make a mess on the floor? lol
Happywanderer said
11:22 AM Apr 10, 2011
Now, now wombat, you know what I mean.
pricey43 said
11:38 AM Apr 10, 2011
We have just bought a new rooftop bag from Aldi. About 90cm X 45cm. It appears to be very strong and would probably go well in that space. We originally bought one from Supercheap but after many hours of sun exposure it collapsed last trip. Supercheap no longer carry them. Happy hunting. Isn't it great when you've been searching for something for a particular job, you walk into yet another shop and 'bingo', there it is.!!!
Happywanderer said
02:24 PM Apr 10, 2011
Thanks pricey, will check out our Aldi here tomorrow.
Cruising Granny said
02:59 PM Apr 10, 2011
Make sure the plastic has a bit of UV resistance. Most plastics disintegrate very quickly when exposed to the elements. You may have to fit a couple of cheap, light roof racks on which to mount your storage. I wouldn't put it straight on top of the roof. Have fun shopping for that stuff now. This is fun! I'm having fun watching your set up progress. Now I have to get roof racks strong enough to hold my 25kg roof sign, frame and lights. I've found a set at Super Cheap Auto for about $230. More drain on the diesel fund, but I call it an investment. I hope the tax man sees it that way.
jules47 said
03:09 PM Apr 10, 2011
Myrtle is going to be the "bees Knees" when she is on the road, if you are looking for something up there and have to put light roof racks on anyway, what about a lightweight aluminium tool box - usually have latch locks, will be waterproof, and can be securely attached to prevent theft - just a thought. Can't wait to see the next instalment - "The Adventures of Purple Myrtle"- can't wait to see her up here.
jules47 said
03:10 PM Apr 10, 2011
Another thought, sorry I have a mind that races through thoughts all day, if you think that aluminium is too shiny - you can always paint it - yep PURPLE!!!!
Beth54 said
03:23 PM Apr 10, 2011
jules47 wrote:
Another thought, sorry I have a mind that races through thoughts all day, if you think that aluminium is too shiny - you can always paint it - yep PURPLE!!!!
I can just see it!
I'm assuming this storage dippy bit has drainage? It looks a bit like a dam.
HeadnHome said
04:43 PM Apr 10, 2011
I have the same space on top of my van and have been trying to think of how to tie down stuff up there safely, carried my small Jerrycan up there on the way back from Kununurra, but I hate Occy straps... so will sus out all ideas on here and see if I can come up with something as well..
Vic said
04:55 PM Apr 10, 2011
_wombat_ wrote:
Myrtle looks great HW, the ariel sticking out the roof looks a bit large, is that the one you use at home or only when you travel.
Fair go Wombat......everyone knows that is a UFO detector.......
Gerty Dancer said
04:56 PM Apr 10, 2011
Geez I wish I had storage space in my head!!
It seems to be full of so much stuff I cant remember anything more!!
_wombat_ said
05:09 PM Apr 10, 2011
Vic, yep, I forgot HW would need one of these up her way. lol
Esmeralda said
05:46 PM Apr 10, 2011
Hi HW
I too love reading about the getting and setting up of Myrtle. The space to put things is the hardest thing to sort out in compact "homes".
Esmeralda (yes my petite van has been named Esmeralda) has very small cupboards and only one real size drawer but she is slowly getting sorted. I took her down to Melbourne to get auto steadies fitted on Saturday - but apparently she is too old to have the right legs so is now getting modern legs installed with the auto steadies. I keep her at my parents' home in Thornton (near Eildon) so every time anything much needs to be done I have to take her down the Black Spur - in fact the first time I towed her was up and over the Spur, a narrow and winding road.
Auto steadies will be great - just push a button to put them down and another to put them up. Really only battery, charger and wiring to go!!
Cheers, Es
Happywanderer said
07:02 PM Apr 10, 2011
Haha!! You guys are hilarious. Now where do I start. Have spent part of today helping Jazzin Around with her computer before she moves on to the Deni Rally. Have a list of bits to get tomorrow, suggestions from Jazz and friend. I must find some potable hose with an attachment to fill my water tank as will be easier than using a watering can. I'm presuming Bunnings will have some. Also will do the rounds looking for a container for the roof well. I'm presuming it has drainage as there is no water sitting in it. Also need to find a long lead with hooks both end to tie Punky to the van when camping probably from Petstock.
Sheba said
07:23 PM Apr 10, 2011
I would think Bunnings has a "Drinking Water" hose. I got mine at another Hardware Store. Won't be hard to find one.
Cheers,
Sheba.
dazren said
07:47 PM Apr 10, 2011
Hello HW. Just a thought on you getting a long lead for your little doggie. whenever i see dogs tied to the van, they always end up wrapped around wheels, or anything else they can wander around or through. what i do with my little fella, is i have a Large screwdriver that i push into the ground, with a lead long enough to let him reach the shade, or the sunshine, whichever he prefers. Just drop the lead over the screwdriver, and he can wander around and around with no tangles !!! just an idea you may want to think about !!!!!!
By the way I also follow your adventures of setting up purple myrtle. you should be proud of your acheivements, won't be long now, and we will be reading about your travels, dazren
Had no idea till today there is storage space on the outside on top of the cabin.
Have two campervanner friends staying in the park over the road for a couple of nights, Jazzin Around and a friend of hers named Clive. They both like the look of Myrtle, can't believe what great condition she is in. Lorraine pointed out somethig I had no idea about. There is quite a dip above the cabin area for storage. (above my head when driving) When she had a van the same some years back she had a waterproof zipped bag that went up there and stored things to give more room in the van. There are bits up there to clip ties into.
Now where will I find a suitable bag?? Any ideas. Also realised the reason there is no mozzie netting on the front zipped part of the pop top is to get stuff off that storage with ease. Will post a photo showing that part of Myrtle so you can understand what I am gabbling on about. In front of the pop top, that area has quite a dip, not sure what its called.
Hi Marj. [ You have no idea how much I look forward to these up-dates.]
I don't have that on mine. I think my Pop-up bit is longer.
I'd have a look in Camping stores, and also keep an eye out in Op-shops for something that might be suitable. About what size is the area?
Do you think one of those solid Luggage cases that sit on the roofs of SUV's would be too big ?
Here's one link. There are others you can Google.
http://www.nextag.com/car-luggage-carrier/stores-html
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 9th of April 2011 09:21:54 PM
There are small roof racks to fit up there as well.
Truck and van fitters may have something as well.
I thought you meant the space above your head in the cab until I read further and saw the pic.
You're really having fun setting Myrtle up, aren't you. It's an adventure all by itself. Have fun, it's yours.
You know what I also found out from Clive. I'm supposed to be putting an additive in the fuel as origianlly made for leaded petrol. I found some in one of the storage spaces from previous owner so will do that next payday. I've only put $40.00 in so far since getting her so not a problem but will fill up on Wednesday.
So glad you both look forward to my updates. Its great to hear feedback each time I write on here. Gives me confidence to get going.
CG, Thanks for that, will do the rounds of shops next week. Sounds like quite a few options available.
I run my tanks down to about quarter and when I fill up I add injector cleaner to the diesel.
You don't need injector cleaner, but the principle is the same. It keeps things clean in the engine where the lead used to be.
That's girlie mechanic speak for you better put the stuff in to look after your engine.
You've got a good unit by the look of it. Look after Myrtle and she'll give you a lot of happy miles/kilometres.
Great when you explain it all in girlie speak and not all technical. So much easier to understand.
Hi Marj,
I read all of your updates with interest and I think it's great that you are getting so much enjoyment from Myrtle before you even set off on your travels.
I think you ought to have a look in the junk shops/$2 type shops for the zip bag. I have bought a few different sized plastic zip/storage bags for my van quite cheaply in those shops up here. Hope this helps.
Cheers. Pam.
Did you check out the link I gave you in my first reply Marj ? I've been checking out more sites, but there are a few on that Link that are waterproof, and around the $30-$40 mark, which is a lot cheaper than the Solid ones.
The third one down, you can get from Amazon.
There are also some on e-bay, if you go there.
You might even look in Target, and K-mart, and Big W. They all have Vehicle and Camping sections.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 9th of April 2011 10:22:23 PM
I had a Mazda E2000 Campervan with the same space above the cab (it was a Dove camper conversion), I bought a 2 man tent which I stored up there in a blue polytarp, tied down with ocky straps, this was my "emergency" accomodation for a caravan park or similar in case I had to put the van in to get something fixed while I was travelling. Never had to use it as such but it was comforting knowing it was there if I needed it, cheaper than staying in a hotel/motel room somewhere if it had to be in a workshop overnight.....
Myrtle looks great HW, the ariel sticking out the roof looks a bit large, is that the one you use at home or only when you travel.
Thats a good idea Vic, and can store my en suite tent up there too.
Yes Sheba, did check it out briefly last night but was feeling unwell. Will do it properly today.
We went for lunch at an unnamed Pizza place in town yesterday. Spent the rest of the afternoon with my head in the toilet bowl and other than when on here curled up in my comfy chair. Have only just eaten again and only a couple of sao crackers.
Sorry to hear you have not been well after your pizza, with your head in the toilet bowl, doesnt that make a mess on the floor? lol
We have just bought a new rooftop bag from Aldi. About 90cm X 45cm. It appears to be very strong and would probably go well in that space. We originally bought one from Supercheap but after many hours of sun exposure it collapsed last trip. Supercheap no longer carry them. Happy hunting. Isn't it great when you've been searching for something for a particular job, you walk into yet another shop and 'bingo', there it is.!!!
You may have to fit a couple of cheap, light roof racks on which to mount your storage. I wouldn't put it straight on top of the roof.
Have fun shopping for that stuff now. This is fun! I'm having fun watching your set up progress.
Now I have to get roof racks strong enough to hold my 25kg roof sign, frame and lights. I've found a set at Super Cheap Auto for about $230. More drain on the diesel fund, but I call it an investment. I hope the tax man sees it that way.
Can't wait to see the next instalment - "The Adventures of Purple Myrtle"- can't wait to see her up here.
I'm assuming this storage dippy bit has drainage? It looks a bit like a dam.
carried my small Jerrycan up there on the way back from Kununurra, but I hate Occy straps... so will sus out
all ideas on here and see if I can come up with something as well..
Geez I wish I had storage space in my head!!
Hi HW
I too love reading about the getting and setting up of Myrtle. The space to put things is the hardest thing to sort out in compact "homes".
Esmeralda (yes my petite van has been named Esmeralda) has very small cupboards and only one real size drawer but she is slowly getting sorted. I took her down to Melbourne to get auto steadies fitted on Saturday - but apparently she is too old to have the right legs so is now getting modern legs installed with the auto steadies. I keep her at my parents' home in Thornton (near Eildon) so every time anything much needs to be done I have to take her down the Black Spur - in fact the first time I towed her was up and over the Spur, a narrow and winding road.
Auto steadies will be great - just push a button to put them down and another to put them up. Really only battery, charger and wiring to go!!
Cheers, Es
Have a list of bits to get tomorrow, suggestions from Jazz and friend. I must find some potable hose with an attachment to fill my water tank as will be easier than using a watering can.
I'm presuming Bunnings will have some.
Also will do the rounds looking for a container for the roof well. I'm presuming it has drainage as there is no water sitting in it.
Also need to find a long lead with hooks both end to tie Punky to the van when camping probably from Petstock.
I would think Bunnings has a "Drinking Water" hose. I got mine at another Hardware Store. Won't be hard to find one.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Hello HW. Just a thought on you getting a long lead for your little doggie. whenever i see dogs tied to the van, they always end up wrapped around wheels, or anything else they can wander around or through. what i do with my little fella, is i have a Large screwdriver that i push into the ground, with a lead long enough to let him reach the shade, or the sunshine, whichever he prefers. Just drop the lead over the screwdriver, and he can wander around and around with no tangles !!! just an idea you may want to think about !!!!!!
By the way I also follow your adventures of setting up purple myrtle. you should be proud of your acheivements, won't be long now, and we will be reading about your travels, dazren