Life in a Basket or Van #16

More on the VAN –

Thrilled to receive queries from a few of my male friends. Such as tell us about the technical stuff on the van. What is it being towed with? And a some other queries but today I shall put my ‘technical’ hat on and see if I please.

Firstly I really like the name – Southern Star. Tare: 2345kg. ATM: 3045kb. Unladen Ball:140kg
Payload 700kg.Supported by a ALKO Enduro Cross Country Independent Suspension with Hail Resistant 3mm composite cladding. 15 inch Alloys & 15/235/75 All Terrain Off Road Tyres. Towed by a white ISUZU Ute. To date managed 7.5litres over 100km.

Complete shower, toilet, washing machine, microwave, reverse cycle air conditioner contribute to comfort. The 24″ TV & DVD is there for entertainment when no other can be found.

Even with a list to complete before driving away from one stopover to the next, some things are forgotten or neglected – winding down the TV aerial, folding the door step under or when the publican from Carinda runs after the van calling “you have left the black outside mat”.

As a pilot I am used to lists so felt quite at ease managing a caravan list of to ‘dos’. As pilots are told at seminars ‘be alert to human factors’ so I tell myself ‘this applies to the caravan world also’ after I have slipped once or twice on my responsibilities.

Are Australians embracing the ‘van’ escape more than ever? Each day caravans pass on the way to somewhere. On arrival into the country towns I seek a suitable parking spot but often there is nothing or little of convenience for this ‘nomad’ form of travel. I salute Moree and Scone proudly displaying RV parking signs. Easy to stop. Easy to spend money in such towns. Thank you. In 2017 a proactive Council should be on top of this story.

Shall compare my thoughts on ‘life above to life on the move’ soon.

What will tomorrow bring?