RV MAIL
LETTERS FROM THE ROAD
BATTERY TROUBLES
Regarding the article titled ‘ Why Do My Batteries Keep Going Flat ’ ( GoRV # 42 ), this was exactly the issue we had .
I bought a new van a few years ago and assumed that the two 100Ah deep-cycle batteries would be enough for an overnight off-grid stay . I was wrong ! Big time .
I added up my power usage and I had plenty of power to spare , but I could not understand why the power levels dropped to 12.1V , even after trying to conserve our power usage and with a CPAP machine running without heater and humidifier . We were very disappointed and perplexed .
It turned out that deep-cycle batteries are hard to test . They appeared to be okay and charge up as expected , and I had assumed that the new batteries were in good order . Time would show that they were not okay and , as it turned out , the caravan builder had installed very cheap batteries that were substandard .
I guess that this is common . How many people put their batteries to the test within the warranty period and go free-camping ?
Long story short , I returned them after the first one failed – it was only seven months old . I replaced them with lithium . They are so much better on power and have given me a weight saving of 40kg .
Nigel Bowen Via email
ESSENTIAL 12V GUIDE
THE PROBLEM WITH PAJERO
The problem with the Mitsubishi Pajero is that its maximum towball download is reduced to only 180kg if the van weighs over 2500kg .
Geoff Preston
Via email
You ’ re correct , Geoff . I personally really like the Pajero – it ’ s a great , stable tow vehicle . But as soon as the caravan tips the scales at 2501kg , the maximum allowable ball weight is reduced to 180kg . Tailgate access can be a problem , too , when hitched , with the tailgate binding on the ball coupling . Opting for a lowprofile coupling can ameliorate this issue , though . – Ed
CARBON MONOXIDE SENSOR CAMPAIGN
Regarding the article about carbon monoxide poisoning ( GoRV # 46 ), all British vans are fitted with a carbon monoxide detector . I fitted mine to our van when we bought it .
Can ’ t you start a campaign for Australian manufacturers to fit the detector to all their vans ?
George Nahapiet
Via email
GREY WATER DISPOSAL 1
Great magazine , but I was disappointed with the article on the homemade grey water tank ( GoRV # 46 ). It ’ s a good idea but then he says he lets his grey water out on the first few kilometres on the road . Please don ’ t condone this filthy habit – reinforce that it should be correctly disposed of .
Marianne Linn Via email
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