Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 at 21:18
These of some of the things that we have done that are non standard features.
ALL CUPBOARDS.
We have non slip matting on each shelf.
Along the front of each shelf we have a piece of 25mm plastic angle strip that screws to shelf and stops contents from rubbing on doors and falling out when opened. The strip also holds the non slip mat in place.
PLATES and GLASSES. We also use Corelle plates and have found that a piece of non slip matting between changes of plate size is sufficient to hold them all in place. Ie between large plate and bread plate and then bowls. If we are travelling on very rough roads we then fill the top of the plate cupboard with towels. Wine glasses are kept in the box they came in, but drinking glasses are just in cupboard with cups. No breakages so far.
TOWEL RAILS are fitted on each side of fridge. We found the wooden type better as the towels tend not to fall off when bouncing along rough roads.
On bed side we have 2 rails, one above the other for bath towels.
On bench side we have one for tea towels and hand towel.
I removed the fridge and put extra support timber in the cavity to hold rails.
In SHOWER RECESS we have 2 metal type towel rails, the top one is for face washers, and the lower one for a bath mat. These are fitted above the back of toilet.
Also in the shower recess, we copied Helen & John’s idea and put liquid soap dispensers on the wall beside the basin. We have hand soap, shampoo and conditioner in these.
Also on the wall near basin is a tooth brush holder screwed to wall.
In the waterproof cupboard behind Basin I attached a small plastic basket to the wall, and this holds all my shaving gear.
In the cupboards at the rear of van with the sloping floor, I made up removable shelf the same height as the door opening, so that it now has a flat shelf to store things. Thin longer items like camp fire toasting forks are kept under this shelf.
FRIDGE. External vents have been blocked off and internal vents put on either side of fridge cavity beside motor, and in the top of cabinet above rear of fridge. The feet that come with fridge when new have been put under fridge and this also allows air flow. Fridge has been working perfectly for over 12 months with internal venting only, and probably more efficiently as no dust gets on the condenser.
SEATS. Margaret made up calico seat covers with elastic straps to go over the seats when in dirty dusty areas to protect the upholstery. These can then be washed easily.
PHOTOS. We have a number of photos in the caravan that are held to the wall by Velcro tape. You require it top and bottom to prevent them moving.
WINEGARD TV ANTENNA. When the antenna is in the down position I have stuck rubber pads on the roof so that the ends are held firm and don’t bounce around on rough roads. No damage has occurred after 4 years use.
POLE HOLDER. Under rear of van I have fitted a 150mm plastic pipe with screw end to hold awning poles and tie down ropes and pegs.
WIND DEFLECTOR. We had a wind deflector fitted to rear of van and this forces air down the back of van and keeps it dust free.
REAR WINDOW. We used a strong 3M black tape across the top hinge of window and this also prevents dust getting into the hinge and jamming it when it gets wet.
LIGHTS. The reading lights above the bed have been changed to LED globes. Gives lots of light for reading without lighting up entire van, and uses a fraction of the power.
SUCTION HOSE. I put another T in the inlet manifold of non potable water and ran a hose to front of van so that by turning the tanks off, water can now be drawn through this hose from a bucket of river water without contaminating water tanks.
TOOLS. I always carry a good battery drill, with drill and screwdriver bits. An assortment of screws. Portable 12 volt soldering iron. Box of assorted electrical terminals and tape. Spare stop/tail globes. Multimeter. Plastic cable ties. Hack saw and some files.
STORAGE BOXES. We have 3 large storage boxes that go in the front hatches. One is used for waste water hose and a bucket. One is for all those small bits and pieces you use like a hammer, awning pegs, wheel chocks etc. The 3rd in middle of storage area has things like extra toilet chemicals that are not used often.
ELECTRIC LEADS and WATER HOSE are held in place with Velcro tape sewn around one end which can then wrap back on it self to keep it together. They then hang on coat hooks inside the front hatches.
STONE GUARD. We made up an additional stone guard that goes between the top of BTi guard and rear bar of vehicle. This prevents the stray rock going above BTi guard or hitting something else and bouncing into back of vehicle.
This is most of the alterations or additions that we have done, many are necessary, but the more time you have to think up ideas or see what others have done, the more things that you put on your van. This is just another part of the fun of having a
Bushtracker.
Brian
AnswerID:
566780
Follow Up By: Freewheelers - Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 at 23:10
Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 at 23:10
brian excellent post
your wind deflector came from ???? any affect on consumption
suction idea great will have to do this to our van cheers
FollowupID:
844788
Follow Up By: Noosa Fox - Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 at 00:22
Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 at 00:22
The print below is part of what was posted on POST 707 about 2 years ago.
We have had one fitted for a couple of years and it really does work.
As for fuel consumption, we didn't noticed any difference, but I am told that because the wind blowing down the back of the van, breaks up the vaccum that would normally be there, fuel consumption should be less with a deflector fitted.
FROM POST 707
If
Bushtracker owners would like to have the rear of their vans kept almost completely dust free when travelling on dusty outback roads, then a wind deflector made completely from Stainless Steel is now available. Conrad and Niza had one fitted on their van for over 3 years and found that it does really work, so they wanted to ensure that their new van now under construction will also have one fitted. I have just travelled 1000km with Conrad over mostly good roads and the rear of my van was dirty while Conrads was clean. The wind deflectors will be available in White Powder Coated Stainless Steel for $450. The price includes fitting by the maker at their property at Coomera, on Queenslands Gold Coast just behind Dreamworld. The caravan will be required to stay at their property for 24 hours after fitting to allow the adhesive to cure. You can stay in your van, or take a look around the Gold Coast during the day after fitting.
Anyone interested in having one fitted to their van should contact Tony or Lidia on (07) 5573 2180 or by e-mail on lwold@bigpond.com
As the width of the BT vans can vary depending on cladding type, Tony will require the exact width of your van between the side edge moulding.
Brian
FollowupID:
844789