Post by: tweety on April 08, 2016, 10:40:28
We are set to leave in 2 weeks. House sitter now sorted.
We will be driving our i30 now with 304,000km on the clock. We will tow our new 600kg loaded caravan (home made). We will be keeping a close look a the fuel economy of the little diesel. I'm aware we get around 9.5 L/100km towing the van but that is using 4th only not 5th gear. Having read here that 5th isn't a true overdrive we should be able to use 5th on the flat roads especially tailwinds.
We will be followed by our friends in a Toyota Coaster that usually cruises at 95kph.
We have toilet/shower, 88 litres water under the van.
I've changed our oil and oil filter today, gearbox oil was changed for the first time at 280,000 km, clutch is original from new !!! hope it doesn't wear too much, handbrake was adjusted, accessory belt replaced at 280,000 kms and new tyres.
We expect and have planned for 9.5L/100kms. We have dogs so wont be venturing too far from our van eg National Parks. We expect to travel around 20,000km. Victoria to Sunshine coast via Sydney to Darwin to Broome to Albany along the coast, Port Lincoln Mildura back to Euroa. About 1900 litres @ average $1.40 per litre = $2660 + engine oil and filter change at Albany. We will be seeking premium diesel fuel. We will take our time to refuel and fill it to the brim each time.
Will keep you all posted.
(http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy330/eaglefree/car%20and%20van%20after%20weighing.jpg) (http://s804.photobucket.com/user/eaglefree/media/car%20and%20van%20after%20weighing.jpg.html)
(http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy330/eaglefree/van%20camping%20nug%20nug.jpg) (http://s804.photobucket.com/user/eaglefree/media/van%20camping%20nug%20nug.jpg.html)
Post by: Doggie 1 on April 08, 2016, 10:43:08
I hope you have a great trip.
Post by: tweety on April 08, 2016, 11:02:03
Tony
Post by: Shambles on April 08, 2016, 11:05:44
Post by: Dazzler on April 08, 2016, 11:15:54
I am :mrgreen: with envy. :goodjob:
I hope you have a great trip.
:whsaid:
How long are you allowing (about 3 months?)
Post by: tweety on April 08, 2016, 12:02:52
Post by: FatBoy on April 08, 2016, 12:06:09
yep, reckon 14 weeks but flexible. Retired...
That's a fairly quick trip. Have fun!! I am very envious of people that have a lot of time on their hands (by choice).
Post by: Phil №❶ on April 08, 2016, 12:13:21
Post by: Dazzler on April 08, 2016, 12:38:57
yep, reckon 14 weeks but flexible. Retired...I'm retired, but stepdaughter and her kids can't go more than 15 days without my Wife waiting on them hand and foot...
Post by: Phil №❶ on April 08, 2016, 13:15:10
Post by: tweety on April 08, 2016, 13:37:34
Wasn't a choice to be retired. Health issues. (60yo) but gotta admit even so, it is still better than working. spent most of my life in RAAF, Prison officer Pentridge, Security and 18 years in my own business in private investigations. 12 hours shift work, travelling at night in roo infested areas and total burnout with depression etc. So need this rest alright. Pics will come. We've tested the van a few times and we are more than pleased. Last trip we had our solar camping shower bladder inside a basket on the drawbar. Arrived at site, emptied hot water into bucket, placed bucket on top of porta-potti and had enough for a hot shower for both of us- great!
14 weeks seems a long time to me. Where ever tourists congregate we wont be there. We like simple touring not tourist sites. The ladies do want to attend the Monkey Mia dolphin feeding but am told they only select a few to feed them, a shame.
Post by: Doggie 1 on April 08, 2016, 13:41:09
Wasn't a choice to be retired. Health issues. (60yo) but gotta admit even so, it is still better than working. spent most of my life in RAAF, Prison officer Pentridge, Security and 18 years in my own business in private investigations. 12 hours shift work, travelling at night in roo infested areas and total burnout with depression etc. So need this rest alright.
I relate. :hatoff:
Post by: FatBoy on April 08, 2016, 13:42:52
Wasn't a choice to be retired. Health issues. (60yo) but gotta admit even so, it is still better than working. spent most of my life in RAAF, Prison officer Pentridge, Security and 18 years in my own business in private investigations. 12 hours shift work, travelling at night in roo infested areas and total burnout with depression etc. So need this rest alright.
I relate. :hatoff:
From what I can recall, Doggie, you were never in the RAAF; and you were a "guest" at Pentridge, not a Prison Officer. Apart from those, never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Post by: Doggie 1 on April 08, 2016, 13:43:47
Wasn't a choice to be retired. Health issues. (60yo) but gotta admit even so, it is still better than working. spent most of my life in RAAF, Prison officer Pentridge, Security and 18 years in my own business in private investigations. 12 hours shift work, travelling at night in roo infested areas and total burnout with depression etc. So need this rest alright.
I relate. :hatoff:
From what I can recall, Doggie, you were never in the RAAF; and you were a "guest" at Pentridge, not a Prison Officer. Apart from those, never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Yeah, but the rest...... :lol:
Post by: elantraelite on April 08, 2016, 13:44:23
Interested to hear how the i30 goes tackling the outback
I think you should be fine using 5th gear. We can even climb most hills still in 5th at 100km
We did a trip from Melbourne to Bateman's Bay in Jan and climbed most hills using 4th and 5th with only the occasional use of 3rd and that is towing well over a tonne behind our wagon.
We have been saying we would love a bigger camper, but can't part with my i30 while she's been such a good car. Still love driving the diesel
Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk
Post by: eye30 on April 08, 2016, 15:31:08
Post by: Dazzler on April 08, 2016, 22:39:20
Enjoy the trip and post pics as you go along.
What's the magic word?
Looking forward to your stories and pix (please) :winker:
Post by: Lester on April 09, 2016, 06:56:50
Post by: Surferdude on April 09, 2016, 10:20:55
Just sayin'
Post by: Doggie 1 on April 09, 2016, 10:21:55
Just sayin'.
Post by: Phil №❶ on April 09, 2016, 12:25:43
Just sayin'. :D
Post by: FatBoy on April 09, 2016, 12:54:36
Just sayin'. :whistler:
Post by: Doggie 1 on April 09, 2016, 12:55:18
You can add those three to the list "places to avoid".
Just sayin'. :whistler:
:TutTut: :TutTut: :TutTut:
:lol:
Post by: Surferdude on April 09, 2016, 12:59:04
You can add those three to the list "places to avoid".NOW I know why you weren't at home when I wanted to call in for coffee. :crazy1:
Just sayin'. :whistler:
Post by: FatBoy on April 09, 2016, 13:00:20
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Post by: Surferdude on April 09, 2016, 13:05:16
Post by: FatBoy on April 09, 2016, 13:07:45
Exactly Trev. Although, of all of the members that I've met from this forum, I've yet to meet one that I didn't like. It was unfortunate that the timing of your visit to our little town didn't allow me to catch up. However, I will be moving closer to you in about a week, maybe I could pop by for a cuppa?
Post by: Surferdude on April 09, 2016, 13:12:59
:lol: :lol: :lol:Anytime, mate. Come for dinner.
Exactly Trev. Although, of all of the members that I've met from this forum, I've yet to meet one that I didn't like. It was unfortunate that the timing of your visit to our little town didn't allow me to catch up. However, I will be moving closer to you in about a week, maybe I could pop by for a cuppa?
I'll tell my wife a guy I met on the internet is coming to visit. :P
Post by: Asterix on April 09, 2016, 19:40:37
Post by: eye30 on April 10, 2016, 00:24:05
Be careful,Anytime, mate. Come for dinner.:lol:
Exactly Trev. Although, of all of the members that I've met from this forum, I've yet to meet one that I didn't like. It was unfortunate that the timing of your visit to our little town didn't allow me to catch up. However, I will be moving closer to you in about a week, maybe I could pop by for a cuppa?
I'll tell my wife a guy I met on the internet is coming to visit.
Protection is the buzz word
Post by: Trazza on April 20, 2016, 22:06:19
Post by: Just Rick on April 21, 2016, 11:19:24
Post by: Phil №❶ on April 21, 2016, 11:25:30
Nice to see you back, are you ok, mate ?
Post by: Just Rick on April 21, 2016, 11:33:49
:offtopic:Sort of,I haven't been far away. :goodjob2:
Nice to see you back, are you ok, mate ?
Post by: tweety on April 25, 2016, 09:11:09
Two fills from Euroa Vic to taree NSW.
1st fill, cruise used 105kph. No wind. 10.1 L/100 km
2nd fill 95-98kph 8.5 L/100 kms.
Full to the brim each time. Cheers.
Post by: Dazzler on April 25, 2016, 09:56:36
Post by: Asterix on April 25, 2016, 19:03:13
Here we're restricted to 70 km/h out of town and 80 on motorways.
Post by: CraigB on April 25, 2016, 19:48:56
Hey, just curious, what speeds are allowed in OZ when towing..?I thought it was 90km/h here in Western Australia but this says different :link: State by state: Tow vehicle and trailer speed limits | Without A Hitch (http://withoutahitch.com.au/caravan/state-state-tow-vehicle-trailer-speed-limits/)
Here we're restricted to 70 km/h out of town and 80 on motorways.
Post by: tweety on April 26, 2016, 10:50:03
Third fill up at Reedy Creek /Robina area Qld. 8.4 L/100kms near what I got last time.
The run then on was good roads to Peachester near Beerwah inland from the Sunshine coast. Departing for Roma Thursday. Reckon the next fill up will be even more economical as it was all a good highway, a slight gusty tail wind and slipstreaming trucks sitting on 95 kph. Hoping under 8 L/100kms At this rate $1800 to tour Oz coastline is not out of the question....towing a van!!
Cheapest diesel was 94c a litre at Sydney. Common is $1.16
Post by: Phil №❶ on April 26, 2016, 10:52:58
Post by: Lakes on April 30, 2016, 22:52:18
I would think food bill would be higher than fuel?
how are Tyres going?
good luck with trip.
a mate & wife took two years to do the trip they loved it.
Post by: rustynutz on May 04, 2016, 02:48:06
From link:
Quote
Tasmania
There’s more of a blanket rule in Tasmania. The maximum speed limit when towing a trailer or caravan in Tasmania is 90km per hour, regardless of trailer weight. Note that the maximum allowable speed limit on motorways and highways in Tasmania is 100km per hour.
I'd suggest downloading each State's road rules just to be sure as, having spent a lot of time in Tasmania recently, I know that the maximum speed limit stated for Tasmania in that article is incorrect, it is in fact 110kph.
I also failed to find anything in the road laws about there being a 90kph speed limit for trailers/caravans... :undecided:
Post by: tweety on May 14, 2016, 05:55:05
firstly my laptop stopped working around Roma. Might have been the waves of bitumen we experienced for around 600 kms. Terrible roads that caused the drawbar on our homebuilt van to fracture.
So nice fella with no warning welded it up at Tambo. Then a few hundred kms to Cloncurry near Mt Isa and it broke, not badly enough that we couldn't limp into town. Professional welders fixed it permanently. It just wont break now!!
Hence no pics here this time.
The i30 diesel has been getting 8.5-9.2 L/100km. Cruising at 95-100kph. In comparison our friends from the Sunshine coast get 13-16 L/100kms with their 3 litre Toyota coaster 2001 vintage which is also good.
The starting issue previously mentioned where it is difficult to start when hot and in hot weather seems to have stopped, not entirely but mostly. I find that if I change keys it helps, and if I start it but let go of the key immediately it turns over it will start ok. don't know why.
With the NT speed limit of 130 kph I've had a run along some highways at around that or a little more (:)) and the car is stable as with its new Yokohama tyres. They are a little louder than the Michelins I had on her but I got 4 for 3 offer.
Well that's all. In Darwin as we speak for a week. Diesel $1.16 here at Barkly Homestead it was $1.65
Post by: Surferdude on May 14, 2016, 06:14:32
I'm back.I guess you mean $1.16 not $116. :faint:
firstly my laptop stopped working around Roma. Might have been the waves of bitumen we experienced for around 600 kms. Terrible roads that caused the drawbar on our homebuilt van to fracture.
So nice fella with no warning welded it up at Tambo. Then a few hundred kms to Cloncurry near Mt Isa and it broke, not badly enough that we couldn't limp into town. Professional welders fixed it permanently. /It just wont break now!!
Hence no pics here this time.
The i30 diesel has been getting 8.5-9.2 L/100km. Cruising at 95-100kph. In comparison our friends from the Sunshine coast get 13-16 L/100kms with their 3 litre Toyota coaster 2001 vintage which is also good.
The starting issue previously mentioned where it is difficult to start when hot and in hot weather seems to have stopped, not entirely but mostly. I find that if I change keys it helps, and if I start it but let go of the key immediately it turns over it will start ok. don't know why.
With the NT speed limit of 130 kph I've had a run along some highways at around that or a little more (:)) and the car is stable as with its new Yokohama tyres. They are a little louder than the Michelins I had on her but I got 4 for one offer.
Well that's all. In Darwin as we speak for a week. Diesel $116 here at Barkly Homestead it was $1.65
When we went through Barkly Homestead a couple of years ago ULP was over $2.00/ litre.
Post by: Dazzler on May 14, 2016, 06:31:17
Glad your trip is going well. I would love a big road trip but too many commitments back at the ranch. :undecided:
Post by: tweety on May 14, 2016, 10:14:19
I like the trip regardless of our issues. We also bought another car online while we travelled. A JBA Falcon convertible kit car that was built in 2001. Its in transit from Townsville to Euroa as we speak. Google images shows it, down a few lines to a beige one with black guards and red interior.
Darwin is a nice place. But we will not be coming back. The muggy weather isn't for us.
Post by: Dazzler on May 14, 2016, 10:24:41
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/JBA-Falcon-2001/SSE-AD-3277589/ (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/JBA-Falcon-2001/SSE-AD-3277589/)
Nice!
Yeah, I was in Darwin in February a few years back ... Phew!!!!
Post by: Phil №❶ on May 14, 2016, 11:19:50
Post by: tweety on May 15, 2016, 08:02:00
V6 Buick engine 5 speed. Needs a taller diff and soft top but not bad condition. Its actually a 4 seater 2+2
Yep Phil, we deliberately chose this period to holiday up here. We are about 4 week too early but 33-34 degrees every day is ok, just a little humid for us.
We found that the 5th speed doesn't seem to be labouring the gearbox any with the weight we are towing. We drop down to 4th under 80kph but it seems happy otherwise. The Yokohama tyres seem ok. Might do a rotate soon but not in this weather lol
Post by: Surferdude on May 15, 2016, 09:51:41
Post by: tweety on May 23, 2016, 07:10:17
Under. Bonnet the accessory rubber external belt had shreaed. Engine oil was all over that area. Looks like a front engine e seal behind the harmonic balancer let go.
We got RACV to get us a tow truck back to Katherine. Waiting for the diagnosis.
I'm disappointed in our travelling friends as they were way ahead if us. What's the point if travelling together if you aren't going to keep an eye in tour mate?. There was no phone reception.
Post by: Phil №❶ on May 23, 2016, 08:02:36
Post by: Doggie 1 on May 23, 2016, 09:12:19
You might need to invest in a couple of long range CB radios between you. :)
Post by: Dazzler on May 23, 2016, 10:25:26
Sorry to hear that Tony. :fingers: for an affordable fix.
My Stepson used to live in Katherine (shame he's not still there...) :whistler:
Post by: tweety on May 23, 2016, 11:55:07
Post by: Dazzler on May 23, 2016, 12:29:55
Post by: Phil №❶ on May 23, 2016, 12:35:52
Post by: tweety on May 26, 2016, 07:55:33
Picked up the i30 this morning and within 8 kms started a tucking noise. Noticed the new accessory belt had frayed on one side. Returned car.
The diagnosis is one of these....faulty new belt......somehow it wasn't correctly installed .....a rock or similar item had been lodged in a pulley track and caused damage, that it was not detected when all pulleys were cleaned.
All pulleys this arvo were inspected again. All good. Aircon friction on compressor was checked. There us a bees dick of movement in the tensioner pulley not to cause an issue ( it has dine 315,000 km).
They will installed a new belt from Darwin in the morning and I am buying a second belt just in case.
My gut feeling is the new belt was a little narrow allowing it not to glide within the pulley confines and therefore move about.
But what would I know lol.
Post by: Phil №❶ on May 26, 2016, 08:08:42
Post by: Dazzler on May 26, 2016, 09:24:11
Hope things get sorted properly this time. :goodjob:
Post by: elantraelite on May 26, 2016, 11:02:41
Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk
Post by: eye30 on May 26, 2016, 17:33:31
OK updateDid they not test it before they returned.
Picked up the i30 this morning and within 8 kms started a tucking noise. Noticed the new accessory belt had frayed on one side. Returned car.
The diagnosis is one of these....faulty new belt......somehow it wasn't correctly installed .....a rock or similar item had been lodged in a pulley track and caused damage, that it was not detected when all pulleys were cleaned.
All pulleys this arvo were inspected again. All good. Aircon friction on compressor was checked. There us a bees dick of movement in the tensioner pulley not to cause an issue ( it has dine 315,000 km).
They will installed a new belt from Darwin in the morning and I am buying a second belt just in case.
My gut feeling is the new belt was a little narrow allowing it not to glide within the pulley confines and therefore move about.
But what would I know lol.
Hope fix was foc!
Post by: tweety on May 27, 2016, 13:08:27
The new belt was fitted this morning and I bought the second belt ordered for a spare.
We drove from Katherine to Hall's Creek today 870 kms. No problems.
So hoping the rest of the trip goes well.
Post by: Dazzler on May 27, 2016, 23:22:56
Post by: tweety on May 28, 2016, 09:36:22
No pics sorry. :crazy1:
Post by: Doggie 1 on May 28, 2016, 10:49:26
Hope you're taking lots of pics. :D
Post by: tweety on June 08, 2016, 11:09:04
What I'm concerned about now is the revelation of 500kg max tow weight for non braked caravan.
Tare if 450kg obviously I'm over. I'd be about 650. I plumb forgot about the unbraked factor. A member if a caravan forum that uses a i30 to tow a Avan that has brakes alerted me.
Post by: rustynutz on June 08, 2016, 11:23:24
Your secret is safe, I won't tell anyone... :2giggling:
Post by: Doggie 1 on June 08, 2016, 11:28:40
Post by: Dazzler on June 08, 2016, 11:29:47
Post by: elantraelite on June 08, 2016, 22:44:30
Our Jayco Swift weights in just under a tonne. The Electric breaks work wonders! They're only on a quarter of the strength as you could feel them pulling the car back too much when braking.
Might need to get something fitted for insurance purposes and most importantly your safety
Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk
Post by: tweety on June 09, 2016, 14:22:43
Yes electric magnet brakes as on my previous motorcycle camper were great. Hook a relay to your stop lights and away you go. They never locked up.
My other option when I get home is to prepare my V6 JBA falcon convertible for towing. It doesn't have a minimal tow weight so in that case can tow up to its 1100kg tare.
A towbar isn't available so will be a custom one.
Leave the little i30 for the runabout.
Post by: Surferdude on June 09, 2016, 21:04:31
Now THAT would look spectacular on the road.
Post by: The Gonz on June 10, 2016, 02:59:08
(https://loot-test-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/74436173-249c-4687-bc2f-4b5983324593.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAI2CVZNOSCKT4PS7Q&Expires=2011620932&Signature=DcEkn740xl3Konl4Z6yd2A3T14w%3D)
Post by: tweety on June 10, 2016, 13:46:21
Owners building this kit car often use Toyota 3y 2 litre engines so the Buick v6 will power it along.
We are at Coronation Beach Western Australia and moving south. The crdi is performing well, 9.2 L/100 km.
I reckon 98% of tow cars are 4WD now. White Ute's and wagons and white vans. Wonder if they get discount on their white good insurance?
Owners look in amazement at our tiny van " how do you get a shower and toilet in that..? My van is 22 ft long and it doesn't have one." And the economy, explaining to me they are happy because they get 18L/100km. I just don't understand any joy towing large rigs. The parking, the purchase cost, the fuel. Horses for courses.
We have TV but not working, need a set top box. Got my forums each night if I have reception. I like cooking. Had a bag of fresh prawns from the wharf for lunch.
Living the dream in a homemade van on a shoestring budget.
Post by: Dazzler on June 10, 2016, 23:54:30
DynaLink have just released this 12V/240V very compact STB which even picks up the latest MP4 channels (including 84/Life)
:link: A2809 - Dynalink Compact High Definition DVB-T 12 Volt Set Top Box - Altronics (http://www.altronics.com.au/p/a2809-dynalink-high-definition-compact-12-volt-set-top-box/)
It even has an IR extender so you can hide it in a cupboard or behind the TV!
Only $79.95 at Leading Edge and maybe Jaycar too...
:goodjob:
Post by: The Gonz on June 11, 2016, 04:18:12
Post by: Doggie 1 on June 13, 2016, 11:01:01
And you are proving the big boys wrong. :goodjob:
Post by: tweety on June 14, 2016, 09:55:04
We have 120W on the roof 90w mobile solar. More than enough
100amo battery.
Is that an RAAF uniform? Is it you?. I joined in 1973 at 17yo. Apart from excitement in the cyclone Tracey relief effort it was not my thing. But proud all the same
Doggie 1, some tourists buy a $90,000 land cruiser, $80,000+ caravan, pay huge fuel bills and have to reverse the damn thing. And they marvel at our little rig.
Post by: Phil №❶ on June 14, 2016, 11:27:58
With that much investment, I'd rather pay for a decent room.
Post by: Surferdude on June 15, 2016, 02:09:13
I have a friend with a Pajero (translate to ->tosspot) + big van . He does use it but I wouldn't think of doing what he does.Agreed.
With that much investment, I'd rather pay for a decent room.
Post by: The Gonz on June 15, 2016, 09:51:02
Hi the Gonz
Is that an RAAF uniform? Is it you?. I joined in 1973 at 17yo. Apart from excitement in the cyclone Tracey relief effort it was not my thing. But proud all the same
:link: Squadron Leader Fernando C Gonzalez (http://www.oldcrows.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128) :victory:
Post by: tweety on June 16, 2016, 10:11:23
Post by: this guy on July 03, 2016, 06:16:06
Hi all,
...
We will be driving our i30 now with 304,000km on the clock.
...
@tweety slightly off topic, but have you had the car since new? Doing some random reading about modern diesels it becomes apparent that they are prone to failure for 3 main reasons: turbocharger, dual mass flywheel (DMF) and injectors. Luckily the 1.6 CRDi's don't have a DMF. Has your engine had any major work done to it in the past? 304,000km is a fair number of k's. Just trying to sus out the longevity of the i30 diesel...
Post by: tweety on July 03, 2016, 09:26:33
Post by: cleid on April 20, 2017, 00:55:26
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Post by: Dazzler on April 20, 2017, 01:38:09
Great thread. Got any pics of the van build and interior? :)
Sent from my SM-T715Y using Tapatalk
@tweety (Tony?) hasn't been on since October! I'll PM him as be interested to hear how he's going with his recent projects... :cool: