Wandering Linen

March 19, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

Both the Dethleffs and the Burstner and I think most other European Fiat based Motorhomes with the centre island bed come with a shorter Queen sized bed, with a insert that you can add if you’re a tall person. The duvets on them, largely bunch up and the weight of them tends to drag down to the floor overnight leaving you with no linen. While this is great in summer, it’s not so flash when it’s freezing cold in winter.

One of my changes in Rafe was to get Vantage RV in Silverdale, our local Dethleffs experts, to make up a tailboard and screw it onto the base. I’ve since modified this to work with the mattress insert as my feet kept touching the board in the night.
It works really well and the duvets now behave themselves and apart from wandering sideways when someone gets cold! The linen is still on the bed in the morning.
An easy solution and well worth doing.

Close to home, Friends

Mike’s Fridge upgrade – The Detail

March 18, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

Mike and Wendy are the proud owners of a French Rapido A class Motorhome which they bought nearly a year ago.

He discovered after he received it that his fridge wasn’t doing what he wanted it to and being the clever person that he is, and a Plumber and Gasfitter with more than 40 years experience, he decided to do something about it.

Some of you will remember his earlier post but this greatly expands on what he did earlier.

In Mike’s words and pictures .. Go Mike:

RAPIDO OTT RV FRIDGE UPGRADE

French Import: Rapido
Model: 890F
Year of manufacture: 2014
Length: 7.39m
Width: 2.35m
Height: 2.82m
Fridge make: Dometic
Fridge model: RMD 8505
Fridge climate classification: SN
Type of Gas: LPG

My name is Michael Brick. We were luckily enough to purchase a Rapido A class motorhome which we really love.

Over the past year there have been a few upgrades mainly to accommodate our needs. Firstly I installed a new LPG regulator which was part of certification requirements and a pipe system upgrade to accommodate the two gas bayonets at the rear of the motorhome, then the outside shower and finally the OTT FRIDGE UPGRADE.

The original fridge installation carried out by Rapido was to good manufactures specifications, however the fridge’s cooling ability was not meeting my specifications.

At this stage I would like to point out I am not a fridge technician, however I have 45 years experience as a Certifying Plumber and Gasfitter.

THE OTT FRIDGE:

Unfortunately the data plate revealed an: “SN climate classification” SN = Subnormal, suitable for use in ambient temperatures of +10°C to +32°C suited for European countries.

Ouch!!! I was told, better to have had the ST climate classification.
ST = Subtropical, suitable for use in ambient temperatures of +16°C to +38°C suitable for NZ climatic conditions.

To find a solution I wrote to Dometic NZ with the following questions and was pretty chuffed to get a very comprehensive reply.

Q. What are the differences between the “SN” and the “ST” climate classification fridges.

A. “T” rated fridges have something called VIP vacuum insulation panels, high value insulation, better insulation in the door et.

If you purchased a “T rated” fridge and put it in the existing cavity it would not go any better. The main issue is the venting. If you take the top vent out and can see the condenser fins it will not work. The bottom of the top vent should be above the top of the fins and a deflector plate from the top/back of the fridge to the inside/top of the vent. While this may seem a subtle difference it makes all the difference.

MY INSTALLATION.

THE COOLING TOWER

Proper baffling of the upper portion of the cabinet is a must to prevent eddies of air from hindering the hot air from escaping.

A lack of airflow across the condenser fins may require additional fans to help circulate and exhaust the hot air from the cooling compartment.

1). FAN BRACKET:

Through the LS300 vent aperture I lowered a 25x25mm aluminum angled bracket to 40mm below the condenser fins, then fixed to the side walls. The fan was then lowered and fitted to the alloy bracket (long screw driver needed).

2). THE BAFFLE: This pre made baffle was lowered through the LS300 vent aperture. The long flat portion slides between the alloy bracket and the outside wall of the motorhome. The top of the baffle is set 6mm below the bottom of the condenser fins.

3). THE FLUE: Spills temperatures of over 200 degrees into the cooling tower next to the cooling fins of the condenser. To stop this heat spilling around the fins I created a division in the baffle then fitted a curved shield around the chimney/flue pipe to guide hot gases up towards the vent aperture.

This photo shows the position of the baffle. The top edge is placed 10mm below the cooling fins. The cold air travelling up the tower is diverted onto the cooling fins.

This photo shows how the bottom of the baffle interlocks with the fan bracket. The baffle can be raised or lowered to, to set the correct distance from the condenser fins.

4). BOTTOM FAN: this is placed at the bottom of the cooling tower. Controlled by a 70 degree temperature thermostat (normally open) and a switch wired into the fans power supply so that I have control over when the fan is on.
Duratech 120mm: YX-2584
Air flow: 64.3 (CFM)
Current: 0.22A
Fan Speed: 1500 rpm
Noise: 25dBA
Burner Pressure: 2.75kPa

5). TOP FAN: This is placed under the cooling fins of the condenser. Controlled by a 50degree temperature thermostat (normally open) and a switch wired into the fans power supply so that I have control over when the fan is on.
Duratech 120mm: YX-2584
Air flow: 64.3 (CFM)
Current: 0.22A
Fan Speed: 1500 rpm
Noise: 25dBA

6). FRIDGE FAN: This is a double fan assembly fixed to the cooling fins by an alligator clip.

These fans are controlled by a 100 degree temperature thermostat (normally shut) and a switch wired into the fans power supply so that I have control over when the fan is on. Wires for the fans run through the hole provided for the thermistor cable. To gain access to this hole, the cooling fins have to be removed.
Air flow: 14.7 (CFM)
Current: 0.18

7). FRIDGE FAN: This is a single fan fixed to the bottom of the 2nd shelf right hand side of the fridge. Testing in many spots found this to be the best position.
Controlled by a 100 degree temperature thermostat (normally shut) and a switch wired into the fans power supply so that I have control over when the fan is on.
Duratech 90mm: YX-2572
Air flow: 31.32 (CFM)
Current: 0.13A
Fan Speed: 1500 rpm
Noise level: 20dBA

8). TEMPERATURE THERMOSTATS:

9). FAN SWITCHES: there is full control of all fans.

10). THERMOMETERS: Two type K thermometers are visible for convenient monitoring of temperatures.

The top thermometer: Its wire probe is placed under the 100 degree thermostat. When temperatures of 100 degrees are reached, the fridge fans have turned off. In essence the fans just tricks the fridge into cooling for longer periods.

If the fans were installed with no means of control the cooling cycle remains on too long, which under certain circumstances may cause overheating of the ammonia.

The bottom thermometer: This records temperatures of the rich ammonia solution eg the cooling process. It’s wire probe is attached to the liquid heat exchanger which is below the absorber tank.

The digital Manometer:
This shows the fridges correct burner pressure of 2.75kPa.
Note: If you increase this pressure you can expect your flame to produce more heat and higher temperatures throughout your cooling system.

11). TESTING: While comparing the fridges performance on LPG I noticed the ammonia temperatures were a lot higher than when testing on 230 volts. With concerns there maybe a overheating issue I wrote to Dometic NZ. Again, I was very pleased with there informative response.

A. Dometic AU.

While running on an element such as 12 volt DC or 240 volt AC the heat input is over a very precise area around about 85 mm in height this is shorter than the actual element as the filament in the body of the element is short than the over all of the element.

The electric elements are held against the pump tube using steel tubes welded to the side of the pump which directly conducts the heat energy into the side of the pump tube.

The gas flue is welded to the pump tube in the same area as the electric elements for about 90 mm so you end up with the 2 electric sleeves and the gas flue tube all welded to the pump for the same distance and in the same vertical location.

The difference is the electric elements only produce heat energy over a short distance you could say the full length of the welded sleeve about 90 mm, yet the gas flame running up the gas flue heats the full length of the gas flue. The part of the gas flue welded to the pump does all the work adding heat energy into the pump in the right place to separate ammonia from water.

The fact the gas flue runs up the pump tube means there is added heat energy leaking into the overall vertical height of the pump tube which does not happen when running on electricity.

The gas flue is located so it does not touch the pump tube above the weld but it is still very close and encased in insulation which holds in the extra energy.

The result is while running on gas you have a number of things happening which do not happen while running on electricity.

The steel pump tube on gas is hotter all the way to the top and conducts more heat all the way across the condenser.

There are also chemical reactions taking place inside the tube which raise the condenser surface temperatures due to the prolonged heat input over the full length of the pump.

With the added heat to the pump above the weld the pump tends to add more steam to the mix leaving the pump area so the ratio of ammonia vapour and water changes when compared to electric operation.

With more steam (Water) in the mix the condenser must work harder shedding more heat as it turns the steam into water which runs back to the pump.

Stating the above is true however added heat to the condenser without increasing the airflow to remove that heat will raise the surface temperature. This all designed into the unit and is expected.

Just because the temperature goes up in some areas when running on gas doesn’t mean the overall result is not the same as when on electric.

Higher surface temperatures through the condenser while running on gas is not unusual.

11). Wireless fridge/freezer thermometer:

The top thermometer is 1 degree out. The correct reading is fridge -1, freezer -19.

Northland

The Markets

March 17, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 2 Comments

After the Covi Show, I picked up Fiona and we decided to head up north. Waipu sounded good and we with the weather looking good for the weekend, we knew we could probably stay at the Caledonian Park.

The trip was easy and we scooted up the motorway and up to Waipu arriving early in the afternoon. We were greeted with a No Camping sign which looked a bit flash but looked as though it might have been forgotten about and left out by accident.

It is such a nice place to stay that I thought it was worth a phone call to see what was up. The really nice chap on the other end said that it was because they had two weddings over the next two Saturdays and they didn’t want big motorhomes being in their faces just outside the window BUT ! .. if we were to park down the other end and and park end on, we were welcome to stay the night.. yippee !

Parked end on at the end of the field. Alan and Bev on the right. The wedding in the hall in the distance

$10 a night with power, just behind the main street in Waipu, fabulous spot and walking distance to everywhere.

Just after we got settled, a knock on the door from another motohomer asking about the sign. I gave him the number, explained about the weddings and he parked more into the trees than I was. Fiona wanted her TV signal so that prevented me from getting right underneath 🙂

Alan and Bev were English and had been here for most of summer and are retired camp ground owners and have been coming here to see their family. Nice couple and they’re currently trying to sell their motorhome to go back to the UK.

We decided we’d walk down to the McLeod Pizza barn where the pizzas are fantastic. Thin bases with heaps on them and very good value. I had been suffering from hayfever so was feeling pretty knackered so after that, we headed back to Rafe and crashed.

The next morning, the sun was out and it was market day. Every Sunday, they have a market at the hall in the main street. Great vibes with local people doing their thing.

The sign

The Markets

At the Markets

Fiona bouight some Peaches from here . Yum

The Markets

Mosaic pots

As the day went on, Bev and Alan left to go down the coast and several new people came in with their vans. It really is a great spot in fine weather. The grass is solid but I’m not sure I’d want to be there after or during a heavy all day rain. Their is some gravel parking with power around the other side for that but being under the trees in the sun was very pleasant.

Later in the day, our water pump started making some funny noises like louder and a bit whiney. I texted Jonas the importer and he suggested we get it looked at as we passed the repairers at Silverdale. On the way home the following day, we stopped of at Vantage RV to get it checked out. Johan turned the galley tap on and looked at me with a “yuk” type face. “We won’t waste any time with this” as he left and went and got another pump and installed it there and then. The submersible pump showed signs of being on its last legs, with water creeping up the wire into the pump motor and Johan reckoned it was not far off seizing. It must have been a duff one from the start. The whole process took less than an hour and we were off back to Milford.

Hats off to Jonas (Dethleffs NZ) and Johan and the team at Vantage RV for very prompt service.
The whines from the pump were bad, imagine the whine from Fiona if she had no water 🙂

NZMCA Rallies, Rallies

The Covi Supershow – Lots of images

March 14, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

Ellerslie later in the day — Ellerslie Racecourse with the NZMCA parking

A great turn out from Motorhomers saw the car parks chocker on Thursday. Friday arrivals were redirected to Ellerslie racecourse to the centre of the track. There was a free shuttle going to and fro from the show to the carpark which worked really well. Ellerslie was free and we got a free bag of lollies for the inconvenience, what inconvenience?

The show seemed a bit smaller this year, maybe I missed a bit but the big difference I noticed this year was the trend towards caravans.

Click on the images to see hi res and Slideshows

Dethleffs Xli

Dethleffs XLI

Dethleffs Xli

Dethleffs Esprit. I’m not sure what Bernie (in the blue) said but the punters look a bit stunned 🙂 It would have been something good knowing Bernie !

Frankia

Dethleffs Corner

Rockwood Caravan

Inside the Rockwood

Burstner Elegance

Burstner corner

Autotrail

Autotrail corner

Autotrail Commanche

Bailey Caravan

Kea Caravan

Eldiss Caravan

Camec Stand

Dometic and waeco stand

Kea Motorhomes

Jayco with slid outs

Jayco with slide outs

The Jayco

Jayco pop up

The interior of the Jayco pop up

The NZMCA stand

NZMCA stand

New retro caravans

Time for a rest

CI corner

It was really nice to see the Lilliputs there with their classic cars.

The Dethleffs caravans were impressive. Lots of space and nicely decked out. The title pic is the interior.. nice ! The pictures really tell the story.

I ended up back at Ellerslie mid afternoon and prepared myself for meeting people as you do!

It was nice to catch up with some Dethleffs owners later in the day amongst all the other people, Motorhomes and Caravans.

Coromandel 2016

Karangahake History

March 12, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

On the way back from Waihi we stopped in for a look at the Karangahake gorge.

The two Batteries over the bridges. Karangahake at its best! — The two Batteries over the bridges. Power station in the middle. Karangahake at its best!

We are intending to do the bike trail but it’s all about gathering up more knowledge before we take this on.

The first battery as it looked at the time

It’s a really interesting area with several short walks that are not part of the trail. We had a look at a couple of the old power stations and batteries while we were there which takes an hour according to the sign. The walking doesn’t take anything like that and it’s well worth a look.

Click on the images to see them in hi res or slideshow

The overall map on the site

The first swing bridge

The second swing bridge with the battery ruins on the left

The River in the gorge

Fiona being a goldminer

The river

The second battery

The second battery at the lowest level

The second battery at the middle level with the huge wall remaining

The second level wall with the walkway across the river

Remains of the track for the ore

The battery end of the skyway ore buckets. (Flying fox)

Looking along the river with the road alongside

Looking back into Karangahake

Looking back to Karangahake as it was at the time

Karangahake was a small town which included all the things you’d expect to see in a town like Te Aroha or similar.

We walked across the swing bridges and up the hill past the power station, the two batteries built down the hillsides. The ore was swung across the river from the tops of hills in a flying fox type of setup before processing with cyanide. It really was a huge setup. It’s not until you’re up there that you realise the scale of it all and looking at the remains, what it must have taken to build the buildings themselves and the infrastructure to go with it.

We walked all around and as the weather deteriorated, we worked our way closer to Rafe in the carpark. Another one of those feature areas that I’ve driven past lots of times and was really pleased we stopped for a look.

Coromandel 2016

The Goldfields train

March 10, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 3 Comments

Isn’t just great having the NZMCA app now running on our iPads. Even though I’ve had the gps files installed in Rafes in dash gps, it’s really nice sitting in the deck chair with the iPad and figuring out where to next with the app.

The Motorhome parking behind the station

We found in the iPad, a great spot in Waihi that sounded fantastic. It’s at the Goldfields railway station at Waihi. For $10 per night, there are 6 powered sites and more space for others as well. There is also access to water and the Rail Trail toilets as the Rail Trail ends at the railway station. About 15 minutes walk away is the centre of town.

Click on the images for hi res or slideshow

Waihi station

The train with the Waihi station

Today’s driver

Nicely kept carriages

Rafe in the overnight area from the train

Pulling out of Waihi, off to Waikino

The traffic to waihi

Close to waikino

A nice Mitzi zooming past

Arriving at Waikino

Waikino station

Inside the cafe at Waikino station

Outside Waikino station

Shifting the loco

Allaboard

Back to Waihi

On the way back to Waihi

The Conductor watching at a crossing

We arrived and plugged in, paid for the park and we’re just in time for the last train ride to Waikino and back. The perfect way to check out the bike trails before walking or biking the Karangahape gorge trails.

Waihi station with the parking behind — Waihi station with Rafe parked behind

The train stops for 15 minutes or so, just enough time for a beer, glass of wine or just a coffee or ice cream. A great way to spend a couple of hours and fun too.
There are 3 return trips each day from Waihi.

Coromandel 2016

Cat flaps and Avocados

March 8, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 2 Comments

To beat the traffic south, we stayed overnight in Rafe, in their Ardmore driveway with Alex, Sarah and the boys.
At around 8:30 in the morning, we heard the little knock from 3yr old Liam wanting to come in. Fiona let him in and he jumped on the bed and played his favourite games on Fiona’s iPad.
We got up and had breakfast 15 or so minutes later when Ayden(7yrs) arrived to join in. He went on to tell us that Liam had sneaked out to see us and in doing so, got stuck in the cat flap in the back door. To cries of “help please” Sarah got up to help him back out of the cat flap and free himself. We had no idea but when I mentioned it to him later, he shrugged his shoulders and just grinned at me. 😀

After saying goodbye, we headed towards Paeroa to stop briefly at Countdown for groceries and then on to Katikati to join in with the NZMCA promoted Katikati Wine and Avocado festival at Uretara Domain.

Rafe in front of the the park. Although we could have stayed there, we moved later over to the edge of the park closer to other Motorhomes.

We did this for the first time last year and it was a real hoot. Great music, interesting food and nice wines. I bought a nice bottle of Chardonnay and Fiona had a cider and we ordered several bits to make up a great lunch. We joined up with some nice people from Tauranga. After them, we were joined by another couple also from Tauranga but originally from Auckland. As it turns out, our sons had both been posted overseas one after the other to the same place. Small world stuff.
It was a great day. The Katikati Lions club did a great job arranging parking for about 30 odd Motorhomes and setting up the event.

The normally free are next to the reserve.. Chocker !

Earlier in the day

Everyone was involved

One of the stalls

One of the wine dealers

Lions club people cleaning up as the day went on. They did a fantastic job.

One of the early bands

One of the wine stalls there

I’m not sure who they were but she was amazing on the bagpipes too.

You can see the Motorhomes in the background

One of the main bands

Dancing

Talks around the cricket pitch

Later I moved Rafe over with the other Motorhomes once some cars left.

Last year, we were in the normal free parking next to the domain but this year, there were more vans so we parked right on the domain behind a temporary fence which worked really well.
Later we were invited over to our neighbours two buses for the customary happy hour with about 18 others from Motorhomes.

The proceeds of the festival were for the local rescue helicopter.

A great fun day for everyone and I hope this years charity, Katikati rescue Helicopter rescue squad did OK from the proceeds.

Waikato

Outside my window …..

March 6, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 6 Comments

Yesterday morning, I pulled into Ray’s Rest mainly just to have a cup of tea, something to eat and tidy up Rafe. This included putting my towel and togs on my bike rack clothes line.

Some action at Ray's Rest — Some action at Ray’s Rest

As it does, lunch time came around fairly quickly so I closed the roof hatches, shut the windows and I was heading into Kaiaua for fish and chips for lunch. I’d just arrived back when my neighbour came over to tell me that I had left in such a hurry that I’d left my towel and togs on the bike rack line. The towel was still there but the togs had vanished!

I ate the fish and chips while they were hot, Gurnard and a couple of scallops. Yum! Then set off in Rafe to look for my togs. Just down the road about 100 metres from Ray’s Rest towards Kaiaua were my togs on the side of the road in a shrub! Memo to self: I must make sure I clear the clothesline before taking off 😳

So, feeling like a bit of a chump, I went over and thanked my neighbour giving him the good news that it was bone dry 😄 It’s just as well my togs are bright orange!

Back at Ray’s Rest, not a puff of the forecast wind, hardly any clouds to be seen, I decided to stay the night.

The sunset was amazing… As was the morning again today. It’s easy to see why so many Motorhomers stay here.

looking out of the window last night at Ray's Rest — looking out of the window last night at Ray’s Rest

Remember to click on the images to see them in all there glory!

Waikato

Sunset Jandals

March 5, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

I’ve been wanting to check out Port Waikato with Rafe for a while now after reading such good reviews of the Motorcamp there with the Jandals covered fence in the usual camping apps.

The weather forecast wasn’t good. The forecast was for up to 40 knots from the south east with showers easing overnight so I thought Port Waikato would be good being on the west coast.
I booked in on the way and there was plenty of room being almost mid week.

"Ers and Mine" matching Motorhome and Bach Within the camp — “Ers and Mine” matching Motorhome and Bach within the camp next to Rafe.

Caravan setups within the camp — Permanent Caravans within the camp

I arrived and checked in with a delightful French chap who seemed to be in charge. He couldn’t have been more helpful, showing me how to get to the beach, where the cafe was.
The camp ground is well setup. Big parking spots with plenty of room for awnings. Nicely kept toilets, laundry, tv lounge and a nice BBQ area.
Within 5 minutes of arriving, I met my neighbours who were parked quite a distance away and as the time ticked away, we had the customary happy hour or so at 5pm in Rafe.

The Waikato river at dusk

Ers and Mine

The wharf

Sunset beach looking up towards Manukau

The Waikato River

On the way towards Port Waikato, the Tuakau bridge.

After tea, I went for a walk around to the sand dunes and a general nosey around. The baches and buildings are amazing for being quite eclectic. All different colours too. There was even a pink one! I always said that I make all the important decisions, she decides what’s important! I guess his colour choice wasn’t considered important 😊

I had a quick look around the beach with the camera before joining my neighbours at the Cafe for a quick coffee.

A neat spot to stay and it’s only 90 minutes from Auckland. I bet it’s busy in the height of summer.

My Motorhome, Waikato

Tom and Erin’s retro Mitzi

March 4, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 2 Comments

Tom and Erin were my neighbours at Port Waikato holiday park and are based in Fielding. They bought their very Retro looking 1988 Mitsibishi L300 from some recently arrived South Africans who brought it with them when they arrived in NZ but then decided to buy a new Dethleffs.

For a small van, I was expecting not enough room to swing a cat but was hugely surprised by the amount of storage and little spaces being used really creatively. There is even a drinks cabinet!

More seating and easy to get at driving position.

Luton sleeping area

Neat little spot fit microwave and jug

Drinks cabinet !

Retro awnings

They’ve had this van now for more than 11 years and have been everywhere several times with no issues.
One of the first things they did was make it NZ CSC compliant by adding grey water tanks and fine tuning a few other things. They also changed the TV setup to digital from UHF, changed the lighting to LED along with some upgrades to squabs etc.

Spacious seating arsa — Spacious seating area

They plan to continue their regular weekend trips to their favourite Foxton Beach weekend spot along with more cruising around NZ.
A well kept, neat looking van with lots of charm.

Fiona & Chris, two empty nesters put their dreams of doing something different into reality… Now back in a house, they were living in their Motorhome, come along for the ride.

	Chris Miller - Bugge… on Off to the South Island
	Michelle kerry Vande… on Off to the South Island
	Chris Miller - Bugge… on Escape to Kaiaua
	Warmenhj on Escape to Kaiaua

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Fiona & Chris, two empty nesters put their dreams of doing something different into reality… Now back in a house, they were living in their Motorhome, come along for the ride.