Post by: SEADOO on September 14, 2018, 09:22:22 PM
With summer coming up I thought I'd check out updating some of my camping gear. I especially like their solar panels for less than $200 (plus delivery).
They seem to have a lot of half decent gear cheap.
Are they any good and do they deliver a quality product before I blow the cob webs of the credit card and hand over the card details?
Post by: Watty2975 on September 14, 2018, 09:41:05 PM
Deluxe swag- great price, good product so far.
120w solar blanket-works well
Battery box- haven’t used yet.
I think it is good to watch their newsletter, prices vary a lot Day to day. If you watch for a while, you get to see when the sale price is worth buying.
Post by: markg66 on September 14, 2018, 09:46:49 PM
I've never used an "expensive" brand one so i can't compare.
Post by: #jonesy on September 14, 2018, 10:08:01 PM
Prices fluctuates. Free shipping just means the price went up to cover the price. I buy when you have to pay for postage, as I can pick up.
Also look at the package deals which are better.
I have a few of their bits.
I have their awning. Compared side to side with an ARB it was a bit lighter but when the time came mine failed earlier (torrential downpour) mine bent and collapsed. ARB bent and snapped before collapsing. I was able to do a campsite repair and still going strong. ARB was binned.
Post by: Barrabart on September 14, 2018, 10:16:36 PM
At least this way I won't cry as much if I hit a wayward roo and bust my lights...... or one of the road trains around here throws up a rock at them...... :cheers:
Post by: Bird on September 14, 2018, 10:26:19 PM
Post by: tryagain on September 14, 2018, 11:22:51 PM
There was a massive thread with lots of mixed results .. must have been deleted or blocked I think..
This one? http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=48174.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=48174.0)
Post by: Brodie Tas on September 14, 2018, 11:47:09 PM
Post by: KevG on September 15, 2018, 07:31:21 AM
Some other random stuff like a compressor extension hose was convenient to buy at the same time.
There gear, from all accounts is OK. Saw a lot of Kings stuff on vehicles while we were on our recent Cape York trip.
Can't advise on there after sales support, never used it.
Post by: Watty2975 on September 15, 2018, 07:44:05 AM
They have survived Cape York!
Post by: #jonesy on September 15, 2018, 08:35:14 AM
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on September 15, 2018, 01:24:00 PM
Post by: Fullberries on September 17, 2018, 06:18:37 PM
I always pick up i havent ever had anything delivered
Post by: Pottsy on September 17, 2018, 06:24:41 PM
Post by: gphcald on September 17, 2018, 06:34:00 PM
I remember seeing a post with a darche RTT with Kings zippers so i would not be suprised that they are made in the same factory.
Post by: Proudy on September 17, 2018, 09:00:36 PM
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Post by: rockrat on September 18, 2018, 02:13:19 AM
Post by: Steffo1 on September 18, 2018, 07:45:16 AM
Post by: grmas1 on September 18, 2018, 07:42:48 PM
After speaking with an auto electrician, yesterday arvo I ordered a 160 w solar panel. With a 10 metre cable also purchased , price was $203. None in stock but will be at my closest pickup centre by the weekend so, no biggie.Ordered one yesterday too.
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Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on September 19, 2018, 02:56:06 PM
Bloke on the phone said, $214.00 AUD plus delivery.
I'm in Lilydale (East of Melbourne.) tomorrow, so I'll see what they are then.
I'm not going in there now and then doing the trip tomorrow as well.
He did say they had plenty of stock on hand at Lilydale though.
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on September 20, 2018, 08:51:45 PM
Wasn't just a panel, it was a combo deal. Kings Brand Solar Panel.
They didn't have the advertised 5M. extension lead, so they are going to message me if/when it gets to them.
Get it home and the panel has a solar regulator fitted and wired in and sealed waterproof(IP64).
So Cost from Warehouse was AUD$204.00, delivery would have been AUD$10.00 extra.
So now with the regulator hard wired.
It's not going to be a successful fit with my 360W solar controller already fitted to the Camper trailer.
So fitted 3 grey Anderson sockets, and now all's good.
I can now run them with or without the 10A. controller in the circuit.
Works for me.
Post by: grmas1 on September 21, 2018, 05:09:54 PM
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Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on September 21, 2018, 05:41:01 PM
Got mine today and will have to do the same mod. Did you just cut the cable input to the regulator and fit a pair of Anderson's so you can bypass it?
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I'm using yellow Anderson Sockets for the Solar side of things on my camper, Ok.
So, yes I did cut the wires between the Panel Junction and the Controller and fitted two Anderson Connectors.
So I could join them, as well as isolate the controller. The other twin wire cable from the controller has to be cut also.
I left enough (300mm.) and fitted another grey socket.
That's so I could reconnect with the Anderson Socket on the other end of the lead.
That left me with a cut end with no connector, so I fitted the yellow socket there.
Now I can run the panels straight into the controller on the camper along with another 120W set of panels I already have.
As well as fit the extension lead, not in stock at my local Supercentre Warehouse, after I get to pick it up.
As I understand it, having the controller at the panel is the opposite of ultimate setup configuration.
I was of the understanding that optimum was controller as close to the battery's as possible.
But I'm not a Sparky, so what would I know.
And, yes, having altered the panels. It won't do me any good if something is wrong with the panels.
They'll take one look and just toss them back at me.
So you have to be happy with that, or just put up with the panels the way they are.
Post by: grmas1 on September 21, 2018, 06:14:06 PM
I'm using yellow Anderson Sockets for the Solar side of things on my camper, Ok.Thanks. Actually didnt think of different colour Anderson's. Going to the expo at homebush this weekend so I may pick up a couple.
So, yes I did cut the wires between the Panel Junction and the Controller and fitted two Anderson Connectors.
So I could join them, as well as isolate the controller. The other twin wire cable from the controller has to be cut also.
I left enough (300mm.) and fitted another grey socket.
That's so I could reconnect with the Anderson Socket on the other end of the lead.
That left me with a cut end with no connector, so I fitted the yellow socket there.
Now I can run the panels straight into the controller on the camper along with another 120W set of panels I already have.
As well as fit the extension lead, not in stock at my local Supercentre Warehouse, after I get to pick it up.
As I understand it, having the controller at the panel is the opposite of ultimate setup configuration.
I was of the understanding that optimum was controller as close to the battery's as possible.
But I'm not a Sparky, so what would I know.
And, yes, having altered the panels. It won't do me any good if something is wrong with the panels.
They'll take one look and just toss them back at me.
So you have to be happy with that, or just put up with the panels the way they are.
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Post by: PWE on September 21, 2018, 06:55:04 PM
Good value, just want to know about the quality
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on September 21, 2018, 07:06:34 PM
All except one are the grey sockets. So they can interconnect.
The yellow socket was fitted to the end of the long lead.
So I can plug it into the trailer circuit that has the Controller.
I have a Grey socket on the lead at the towbar, because that connects direct to the Batteries.
Sort of a Memory prompt to use the correct circuit.
I can still fit a solar panel to the Lead at the Towbar.
I just have to make sure it has a controller in the circuit.
Post by: glenm64 on September 21, 2018, 08:52:31 PM
Yellow are bypassed, grey for regulated. Stops brain farts.
Cheers Glen
Post by: SEADOO on September 25, 2018, 10:09:54 PM
All my gear arrived. The solar panel arrived with the free BBQ set. The extension lead arrived the following day. All within a week of ordering.
The solar panel was cheaper and free postage 2 days later, as they keep reminding me daily. Oh well.
I also purchased one of their -5 canvas big boy sleeping bags too. It came with a free torch. For $89 delivered, it's really quality and looks like it'll keep me warm in winter in Canberra.
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on September 25, 2018, 11:20:40 PM
Post by: Rodt on September 26, 2018, 06:44:42 AM
Post by: SEADOO on September 26, 2018, 03:29:20 PM
>:D >:D >:D So you bought a sleeping bag just to get a torch did ya. >:D >:D >:D
Yep, I spent $89 just to get a $15 dollar torch for free.
Post by: SEADOO on September 26, 2018, 03:31:19 PM
Bought our daughter a big daddy deluxe swag a few weeks ago. She received it very quickly but has only just got to pull it out of the bag to use on the weekend. She has discovered tears in the floor material that (not sure I will explain this well) go along the line of the material ie side to side across the swag. We have started the warranty process and will see how it all plays out.
I reckon some nut sack opened the packaging with his box cutter knife when it arrived at the warehouse before it was sold to you.
Post by: Rodt on September 27, 2018, 08:03:39 AM
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on September 27, 2018, 04:52:48 PM
Post by: grmas1 on September 27, 2018, 06:57:12 PM
Got my extension cord for the Solar Panel today. Picked it up myself because I was in the area.
As part of my red is solar theme I am ordering some red anderson covers to change them to red for all the solar connections i have. From DC-DC Controller to solar panel.
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on September 27, 2018, 07:23:09 PM
Although I already have a two into one with Yellow Andersons.
I could probably get away with not changing to Yellow on the 10 Metre extension lead.
Not changing would mean I would need to space the panels a long way apart, or have a lot of extension lead laying on the ground in a small area.
As it stands, I'm looking at seeing how it works out. I will be delaying the change for now.
I also have to consider a stainless cable I use, to try and make sure the Panels are still there when I get back to camp. (Thanks GG)
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on September 28, 2018, 06:04:18 AM
Post by: grmas1 on September 28, 2018, 06:56:20 AM
Hi All, The 2 x3m Awning we bought off them worked great on our trip out west, but there adds that keep coming on FB and the computer are fire trucking way over to top just ship loads of them every day, Craig
Yeah that's thier only downer, the force marketing by email up to 3 times a day, SMS daily as well but is easy to turn that off.
Post by: Rodt on September 28, 2018, 07:27:38 AM
Bought our daughter a big daddy deluxe swag a few weeks ago. She received it very quickly but has only just got to pull it out of the bag to use on the weekend. She has discovered tears in the floor material that (not sure I will explain this well) go along the line of the material ie side to side across the swag. We have started the warranty process and will see how it all plays out.As an update to this we lodged the warranty claim (with photos) and received a few emails that it was bouncing around in their system but the last one we received is a sales order basically advising that a new swag is being sent at no charge. No contact with us which surprised me and no argument at all. Appear to have accepted what we said with just the photos as evidence. No mention of returning the old one or even getting it to them for inspection. We have a suspicion that potentially this has happened before so they just address it if they receive a claim.
For all of their reported faults I can't fault their prompt response (I won't say service as they haven't been in touch with us to tell us what they are up to as such). :cup:
I wonder if I can repair the old one >:D
Rod
Post by: SEADOO on September 28, 2018, 08:44:53 AM
Post by: Aussie Iron on September 28, 2018, 05:09:55 PM
I wonder if I can repair the old one >:D
Rod
Iron on repair patch maybe?
Dan.
Post by: SEADOO on October 06, 2018, 07:03:08 PM
I have received the Kings canvas flanno inner super sleeping bag.
Not a bad bit of gear for $79 dollars. I have the Coleman equivalent too that I picked up from Ray's Outdoors on special that is another version of it to compare it to.
The only thing I wouldn't rate, is the zipper, but apart from that, I would highly recommend it.
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on October 11, 2018, 08:42:53 AM
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on October 11, 2018, 08:54:36 AM
As an update to this we lodged the warranty claim (with photos) and received a few emails that it was bouncing around in their system but the last one we received is a sales order basically advising that a new swag is being sent at no charge. No contact with us which surprised me and no argument at all. Appear to have accepted what we said with just the photos as evidence. No mention of returning the old one or even getting it to them for inspection. We have a suspicion that potentially this has happened before so they just address it if they receive a claim.
For all of their reported faults I can't fault their prompt response (I won't say service as they haven't been in touch with us to tell us what they are up to as such). :cup:
I wonder if I can repair the old one >:D
Rod
Anything can be repaired. I'd take it to a canvas repair place and get them to patch it.If its a vinyl floor, a good repairer can weld in sections over the splits/cuts and it'll be good as new.
If it's rip stop canvas/canvas floor, shouldn't be a problem either.
Post by: trinityalyce on October 11, 2018, 08:58:15 AM
Yeah that's thier only downer, the force marketing by email up to 3 times a day, SMS daily as well but is easy to turn that off.
Just unsubscribe (and mark as junk just in case they sign you up again if you make another purchase
)
Post by: Rodt on October 11, 2018, 01:06:36 PM
As an update to this we lodged the warranty claim (with photos) and received a few emails that it was bouncing around in their system but the last one we received is a sales order basically advising that a new swag is being sent at no charge. No contact with us which surprised me and no argument at all. Appear to have accepted what we said with just the photos as evidence. No mention of returning the old one or even getting it to them for inspection. We have a suspicion that potentially this has happened before so they just address it if they receive a claim.
For all of their reported faults I can't fault their prompt response (I won't say service as they haven't been in touch with us to tell us what they are up to as such). :cup:
I wonder if I can repair the old one >:D
Rod
Update to this. Daughter received the new swag with no mattress and no bag. Fully OK with this and no dramas but they also didn't send any poles ??? Lucky she hadn't gotten rid of the old swag and she could get the poles from it. Anyone know where you can get replacement bendy poles?
Post by: Bird on October 11, 2018, 01:36:24 PM
Update to this. Daughter received the new swag with no mattress and no bag. Fully OK with this and no dramas but they also didn't send any poles ??? Lucky she hadn't gotten rid of the old swag and she could get the poles from it. Anyone know where you can get replacement bendy poles?Rays has them - Anaconda probably does too
but I'd be ringing them they need to send you some... thats Shitful.
Post by: #jonesy on October 11, 2018, 04:00:19 PM
I think it is a good result. If you took it in to a shop they would do the same sort of swap (and want to keep the broken part.)
but I'd be ringing them they need to send you some... thats Shitful.
They can now use those spare poles to solve some other customers dilemma.
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on October 11, 2018, 05:03:07 PM
Post by: BaseCamp on October 11, 2018, 05:22:41 PM
Dunny turned up today, *used*
Craig
fixed for ya...........
Just kiddn
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Post by: Craig Tomkinson on October 11, 2018, 06:56:17 PM