So many changes to the camper

 After 10 days at Diggers camp last Christmas, in the heat with full sun it appeared that our battery and or mppt charger were not functioning correctly. The mppt kept going offline, battery kept running down and would hold a charge for long. 

Big change in our setup. Upgraded lithium battery to 200ah. A compact unit from gentrax. compact enough to fit into a kings battery box and sit in same spot, with the same plugs. An easy swap over.

Have been learning to work with wire, and have purchased a wire stripper and crimper, and some shrinkwrap to make tidy connections.

Also purchased a victrom 100/20 smart solar mppt. So I can now monitor my solar charging via blue tooth. 

I built a box for it and made up some input and output terminals with the bootlace crimper. the controller now sits in a waterproof lunchbox and hangs in the same spot as the other one used to.

Another 2 nights at red cliff  to test the battery, kept everything working for 2 nights 3 days with no need for solar. We are now off again for 5 nights at boorkoom.This week is the wotpod power upgrades first real test.

Also installed a cheap voltage meter for the kitchen. Tested it last night and the reading it gives is identical to the kings box and the controller. The old meter was reading .4 volts higher than other readings, so out it went.

Will charge battery tonight, fill the tank with water and get gear packed and fridge packed ready to leave after a surf in the morning. Will get fuel on the way because Ballina fuel is 15 cents per litre cheaper than the fuel around here. Thanks to petrolspy.

Bike on car roof, board on teardrop, full fridge, full battery, warm blankets, firewood, and we are go.

South to Diggers Camp

 Summer Holidays are here at last.

After a crazy busy term 4 we are getting ready to head south for a while to one of our favourite spots on the coast. Diggers camp. Off grid, by the beach. No shops, a few km of dirt to get in. Keeps the crowds away.

Looking forwar to 10 days over christmas.

Was puring rain when we arrived, and cold. But it cleared and the new ARB annexe withstood the cold wind and rain. Next day dawned fine and clear..

Handy Camper Battery Chart: Print, Laminate & Stay Powered on the Road

We’ve found this battery chart super handy for managing our camper’s power. It’s a lifesaver when charging and monitoring usage! We first printed it in black and white and stuck it to the galley door using clear contact book covering—functional, but not exactly pretty.

Now, we’ve upgraded to a color version, laminated for durability, and mounted it in the same spot with double-sided tape. It looks much nicer and is still right where we need it when the kitchen’s in use.

Want your own? Right-click the chart to save and print your copy! 

Red Cliff Camping Escape: Tranquillity North of Brooms Head

After wrapping up work, we hit the road and drove 90 minutes south, arriving at Red Cliff just in time to set up camp and prepare dinner before sunset. The wind was brisk, but we were fortunate to have booked site 74, a sheltered spot, making the evening cosy and relaxing.

Tucked into a windproof corner, site 74

Storms, Scenic Drives, and Red Rock: A Mixed Bag

Our last leg  started with a bang—quite literally—as we weathered a fierce storm at Wollomombi. Hail pelted the tiny camper, rain came down in sheets, and the wind howled through the campsite. By morning, the Nissan battery had given up again, but our trusty lithium jump starter saved the day. With everything damp but our spirits intact, we hit the road and set off for home.

Wollomombi Falls

Cool new app. Polarsteps

 PolarSteps, 

Google it. Great app.