Hi from Menzies Creek

[mrdenn1s]

Hi fellow campers

Just found this site after watching Caravaners forum self destruct in about 5 mins

I am new to camping and have just picked up a 1973 Trailblazer trailer. Its a pop up / out that sleeps 6. Comes with dual burner inside / outside kitchen with sink connected to 33 gallons of water. Picked up for the pricely sum of $3500 inc new 40L Waeco 2 way fridge, full annexe and a seperate awning

I've just got it back from the boys at Essential RV in Hastings who have given it the once over. The fixed a few canvas seam stitching issues, fitted a 120AH battery with staged charger, 2 x 12V outlets and also a 50A anderson plug. All wiring redone as well as a new 12v LED light on the fibreglass roof

Now I am just looking for a 13 inch Holden Rim from the period as a spare

Have yet to use it and have booked a trip with some friends (well experienced) to Port Albert over New Years. My family is myself, wife and 3 x kids no older than 5. We are all very excited to become 'vanners!

The tug is a 2012 Kia Sorento Platinum 2.2L Diesel. It pulls 2t, and the van only weighs 550kg and has hydraulic brakes. Can't even feel it behind the van. Back up tug is the 2006 Sante Fe Elite 2.7L Petrol.  Also pulls 2t but not very well....

Anyhow, just need to decide whether to install an Anderson Plug on the Kia or just use it for Solar Charging should I ever step up and get some panels. Else, I am happy with enough charge in the battery for the fridge to run us through a long weekend or 240v from the paid parks

So, any ideas on where I can get some good free camp experience maybe 2 hrs drive more or less from Emerald?

Thanks

Dennis

[Mace]

Welcome - sounds like good buy.

Good idea to give it  a shake down with friends.

13 inch period holden rims are long in the tooth now - hard to get even at wreckers.  Those that are around are usually a bit soft in the mettalurgical stakes.  Might be a good idea to replace with some new white sunraysia style rims - probably  about 50 - 60 bux each, but a good long term investment.  Then use one of the original rims as a spare.

Sheepyard Flat on the Howqua river (via Mansfield-Merrijig) or the Goulburn River above Jamieson have given many first timers with young families a good introduction to free (or cheap non van park) camping for years. 

Nice rivers that usually have some shallow stretches for the kids during summer (I did say usually - might be a bit high now) with nearby shady camping areas.

Enjoy your adventures.

Big Al.

[D4D]

Welcome to the swag Dennis, sounds like you got a bargain. Any pics you know we love them

Oh and yeah that caravanners forum is diabolical

[Snow]

G'day Dennis and welcome to Myswag. I agree, toss the old rims and get a set of Sunnies. 

[mrdenn1s]

Will the sunnies fit the torana wheel pattern??

[D4D]

You can get them in all the Holden patterns.

Try this seller http://stores.ebay.com.au/BigManTrailer?_trksid=p4340.l2563

or this seller http://stores.ebay.com.au/Huntsman-Products?_trksid=p4340.l2563

[gunna]

Welcome to myswag dennis & family
sheeds

[gibbo301]

Hi Dennis Welcome to My Swag 

G'day Dennis and welcome to Myswag. I agree, toss the old rims and get a set of Sunnies. 

I thought we were talking about wheels not sunglasses 

[pen.sco]

Welcome Dennis,

Agree,  get some sunraysia rims. 

Would also recommend sheep yard flat near Mansfield or even the cathedral ranges as both have good size towns close by if you forget anything.


Cheers
Scott

[Mace]

Those 13 inch rims are cheap!

For further info:

Howqua Hills:

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/313805/Park-note-Howqua-Hills-Historic-Area.pdf

Upper Goulburn

http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/112543/FS0082-UpperGoulburnHistoricArea.pdf

Skipworth Reserve is a good first up place to camp - run by a committee of management so you pay basic fees.
15 minutes from Jamieson - store - fuel - pubs, and also just down the road from the famous Kevington Hotel!!



Have fun!!

[Heiny]

Hi Dennis and welcome to My Swag

bubba