The versatile campervan
With a couple of extended trips on the horizon, we have taken the plunge and invested in two Lithium batteries to replace our two AGM batteries.
By replacing the AGM batteries with Lithium batteries we have almost doubled our off-grid 12V energy capacity while more than halving our battery weight.
While Lithium batteries are expensive, the increase in battery performance is amazing. But there can be significant costs, other than the batteries, in making the move to Lithium.
An inverter gives you the option of running 230V appliances from your 12V batteries when you are free camping.
You will need a solid battery and cabling infrastructure, but if you have these basics, installing an inverter is a reasonably straightforward project.
Ideally the inverter is installed close to the batteries, and powered on and off with a remote switch in the kitchen area.
Share our experiences choosing, installing and using an inverter, including the installation of an easily accessible remote switch….
Have you noticed that your Campervan’s hot water isn’t quite so hot when you setup camp off-grid in the high country?
The efficiency of Propane-fuelled heating appliances decreases at altitudes above 600 metres (2000 ft). In our experience, our LPG-heated hot water becomes noticeably less hot once we are camped at altitudes above 800 metres. When camped at Jindabyne, for example, at 900 metres, our hot water is warm rather than hot.
Why is this so?
(Updated September 2022)
After a couple of years of border restrictions preventing interstate travel due to COVID-19, most travel restrictions affecting Campervan, Motorhome and caravan travellers have now been lifted. Widespread vaccination regimes have assisted in making chronic infection at least manageable.
States and territories can still apply their own entry and travel restrictions if they consider such measures necessary.
Some states may require registration (optional) when entering hospitality and retail outlets, and this is usually done through a QR code app. Download the relevant app before entering each state.
Social distancing is still respected in all states and territories. Face masks may be required on public transport in some states. Restrictions may apply in health care and aged care facilities.
Most importantly, travellers should respect the needs, sensitivities and vulnerabilities of regional communities.
And now for something completely different….
A step beyond the VW California, this VW Westfalia campervan blurs the line between ‘motorhome’ and ‘campervan’ – all in an incredibly compact package.
Take the tour….
I started my campervan days in VW Kombi Campers, so am always interested to see how they have progressed – and haven’t they progressed!
Check it out….