i want to just say something about using the drill for the stabilizer legs. BE CAREFUL, while it is a much easier idea if your not careful you actually can shred the teeth on the cogs which wind it up and down. i suggest using the drill for 90% of the job and coming behind with the bar for final tuning/adjustment on the leveling. :)

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

For sure, good piece of advice there. There aren't designed to bear weight and the drill needs to be used cautiously. Cheers, Nathan.

@krankedjj

2 жыл бұрын

If your drill has clutch settings, just wind it back to a light setting

Thank you for taking the time to out this video together. Our van is on its way so this has been most helpful.

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

This is great news. Thanks for the feedback and all the best with your new van! Cheers, Nathan.

Really excellent as buying a van this year for the first time is daunting! Thank you so much.

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

I’m glad it can offer some assistance. Thanks for watching and I appreciate the comments 👍

The drill for lifting and lowering the jacks is a great idea just make sure you have the torque setting on a low setting as you could end up damaging the drive mechanism on the jack or breaking an arm, yes it has happened!!!!

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it definitely pays to be careful with the amount of pressure. Hopefully I won't have any damaged arms anytime soon. Thanks for watching, Nathan.

Awesome video. I’m doing some research to find a caravan that would suit our travels and this video is definitely getting saved as a favourite.

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate. I'm glad it has been helpful. There really is soo much out there on the market, it's hard to distinguish between marketing and truth.

Ordered our van in December for collection in April. This vid has been extremely helpful ! Thanks for your input and time taken to put this together.

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback and I'm glad it helped you out. I am trying to put more of these videos out, so any suggestions or requests, flick a message through on our social media page. Cheers, Nathan.

First mistake, you brought a Jayco :) Good vid 👍

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, they're not all bad. I guess it depends on what you plan on doing with it. Cheers, Nathan.

@aussienscale

3 жыл бұрын

@@XploringOz hehe glad you saw the humor in that :)

Very informative video. Thank you. We are ordering a van this week and will now factor in these items to our costs.

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. All the best with your new adventures! Cheers, Nathan.

Great way to explain to people like us who don’t know I thing and are ready to start ,thanks 👍

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, very glad to hear it was helpful. All the best with your new adventures. Cheers, Nathan.

Thank you for the video. We bought our van right before COVID lock down, so forgot a lot. You make great videos.

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, appreciate the comments. I'm glad this video could help you out a little. Good luck with the new van. Cheers, Nathan.

Just bought a van and this video is great and informative - thank you!

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome to hear, thanks for the feedback mate. Enjoy all your future adventures in your new van 👍

Great vid. Thanks for taking the time to do it. Safe travels!

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, I'm glad you enjoyed it and hopefully got some value from it. All the best with your adventures. Cheers, Nathan.

Great tips, thanks for sharing, it's amazing what you see but 'don't see' when you think about it, like the power adaptor, water filter for example. safe travels Nathan.

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, glad to see you are enjoying the channel content. The additional expenses definitely aren't advertised when you walk into a caravan or RV dealer.

Thanks for this - it’s a great list and has helped us get ready for our new van arrival!!

@XploringOz

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, thanks for the feedback mate, appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed this video and all the best with the new van, I'm sure it will take you on many awesome adventures 🤙 Cheers, Nathan.

This is fantastic. Thanks so much for the helpful tips . Hubby and I are just in the plans flr sorting our big trip . So we love this video . Cheers

@XploringOz

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, glad this was helpful 🙏 All the best with your travels 👍

Great informative vid Nathan. We also tow an offload van around WA and just converted form a camper a year ago. We weer lucky in that having been camper trailer owners for many years we had most of the kit but a lot of people arent so lucky and its actually a reasonably large expense when you add everything up. On top of that, you need to learn how to use it all properly. This sounds a bit over the top, but little things like how to empty a dunny tank properly without getting crap everywhere including on yourself, how to operate the fridge properly, the hot water system, how to manage the power system etc etc. Hope to see you on the tracks one day :)

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Robert, glad you enjoyed the video. It sure does add up, especially when you have to buy it all at once. I was lucky I researched and gather these items in the months I was waiting for the van to be built. Owning your first van can definitely be overwhelming with all its systems, maybe this is an idea for a future video. Be great to see you out there one day. Cheers, Nathan.

Thanks mate, great advice. Get van in July...big state to explore.. very exciting

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Pete Jensen Thanks mate! Awesome news for you guys, enjoy the new van and the new adventures 👍

Thank you. Just purchased a van and this was very helpful. Thank you. 😊

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, glad it was helpful. Cheers, Nathan.

Thanks very very educational. I'm about to buy a van I like the 19mm socket in the drill even though it was non essential.

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Yes, the 19mm socket may not be essential, sure is useful though! All the best with your new van and the adventures it takes you on. Cheers, Nathan.

Great content, mate! We are preparing for a long caravanning trip and we will certainly buy some of the items you suggested here. Cheers!

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate 👍 glad to hear the video helped out a bit 👍 cheers Nathan.

@overlanding4665

4 жыл бұрын

@@XploringOz mate, if you don't mind answering, when you use those Froli Caravan Levellers, do you use chocks as well under them? Does it help to level a tandem axle in the front/back direction as well? Thanks!

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Hey mate, I haven't really used them as chocks as such before. They do help prevent the van from rolling in the direction of the larger end of the leveller, however I always use a set of designate wheel chocks (wedges) to ensure it doesn't move anywhere. I've also found that it doesn't really help levelling back to front in a dual axle van, as the height is normally just taken up by the suspension flex. It might help a little, but probably won't be enough. Hope that helps, Nathan.

Really helpful. Thanks for sharing.

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jim, glad it helped you 🤙

Thanks mate. Very helpful. Cheers!

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate 👍

Thanks for a great video presentation, it makes one wonder why there are 3 thumbs down, as this was informative and helpful

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, appreciate that 👍 There are always some who like to dislike the video. Each to their own, won’t stop me making them 👍 Cheers, Nathan.

Thanks sharing mate this list is great. I am getting my van in 2 weeks. Do you use a van cover when parking it at home for extensive period of time?

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome mate, I bet you're looking forward to that! Yes, I did keep the van covered between trips. I just used a ADCO cover, which only lasted about 18 months before it fell apart, but it took the grunt of the weather in the meantime.

Great information. I have most of the items already

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. All the best with your caravanning adventures.

Great honest clip.

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, hopefully it can help you out a bit.

Thank you ….. really helpful.

@XploringOz

5 ай бұрын

I'm glad, thanks for the feedback 🙏

Very helpful, thankyou

@XploringOz

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, Glad it was helpful!

Some great advice. I leant a lot.

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, glad to hear that it was helpful. Cheers, Nathan.

Great work mate thanks heaps.

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate, glad it could be of use. Cheers, Nathan.

Thankyou for sharing i thought that you did a great presentation.

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, appreciate that. Cheers, Nathan.

great vid, really informative

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers, appreciate it 👍

Nicely done, thank you.

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, glad you enjoyed it. Nathan.

First class info excellent, thought about buying a van however, being 83 years old decided to pass on it, after the additional cost thanks

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Leslie, glad you enjoyed the video. I hope you manage to get something to work for you. Cheers, Nathan.

Good advise. Thanks.

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Hey mate, what video shows the washing line you rigged up to the awning?

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Hey mate, I talk about that in my Jayco tips and tricks video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/c3qf08hmY8zeh5s.html Cheers, Nathan.

Really good items listed there.

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, glad you were able to get some value from this. Cheers, Nathan.

Hi Mate, Great vid, we are first time caravanner. What about reverse Caravan cameras, any thing on that. It is a steep learning curve for me. I have seen a few on youtube.

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it 👍 Yes, so reversing camera's for the car or the van? I didn't include the vehicle camera, as so many vehicle these days come with cameras. For the van, yes they can be very helpful however isn't something I would consider essential. I haven't had cameras on the rear of my vans and managed so far, however it can definitely help to have someone spotting you too. Cheers, Nathan.

Hi mate, would you buy another Jayco Journey as your next van? We are torn between something like a Austrack Tanami x15 or something larger and more family friendly like yours. It would be nice to not have to do all the little bits and bobs you had to on the undercarriage and inside .

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

G'day mate, Look it would really depend on what trips I would plan on doing. If I kept doing trips like I am at the moment, which is weekender, local overnighters and the occasional big trip, this van is perfect. I would absolutely love to tow something smaller and no doubt when we a children free, my wife and I will purchase some sort of hybrid van. Saying this, although this van is large and heavy, the benefits we get from it, having a family of four in convenience, significantly outweighs the negatives. Personally we are planning a year trip around Aus and looking at buying a slightly larger van. My reasoning is the be able to base camp the van and 4WD and explore around the area in the vehicle alone. Again, everyone is different, but I do like the comforts and convenience, especially with kids. Hope this helps, there are so many options on the market these days, it can be hard to decide. Cheers, Nathan.

Great video very informative for new caravaners, I have a Jayco 18.55.3 Journey OB on order I want to do the Gibb River Road with it have you had any experience on the Gibb River in your Jayco if not any thoughts on how it might perform. Cheers Rex

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, glad to hear that you enjoyed the video. So I didn't take my van on the Gibb River personally, however I have done the Gibb River Road previously and did take the Jayco on the Great Central Road. I personally believe the van is capable of a road like this, given the correct driving style and some basic modifications. I did a video on some of the 'off-road' modifications I did to the van prior to taking it along the Great Central Road. kzread.info/dash/bejne/c4ur3JmDf5jLgqQ.html Cheers, Nathan.

@barriesmith469

2 жыл бұрын

@@XploringOz Thanks for your prompt reply Nathan, I will check out the link you suggested, keep up the great videos . Cheers Rex

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

@@barriesmith469 No problems, all the best. Cheers.

Great video, thankyou

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks, Nathan.

Thanks for the info but did you know brass fittings typically contains lead?

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate. This may be the case, but as I've come to know there are compromises with everything. Cheers, Nathan.

We run our sullage hose underneath the van in a 50mm plumbing pipe. All moisture and any smell outside. Happy Days.

@XploringOz

2 жыл бұрын

Sure is a great tip and something we never got around to. Might have to consider this on the new van. Cheers, Nathan.

Great Video - essentials - what about towball kit ( or equiv) and stabiliser bars.

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate. I guess I took the towbar/ball for granted as most SUV's and 4WD's come with them standard and if buying an off-road van, the receiving hitch type is normally included. Personally, not a fan of stabiliser bars and probably wouldn't class them as 'essential' as such. As an off-roader, I can't use these bars anyway as they offer little articulation. I guess having the right suspension setup in the your vehicle would be highly recommended.

@MrEventlive

4 жыл бұрын

@@XploringOz Excellent response - Thanks again

Good vid. Just a small addition, in NSW you require a breakaway battery monitor for all vans over 2T.

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate. I believe most vans, Jayco anyway do have a breakaway unit that enables to monitoring of the unit and battery function. Not in a very accessible location though. Cheers, Nathan.

@northernbeachesguy3245

4 жыл бұрын

@@XploringOz Yeah, in NSW you legally need one installed in your tow vehicle that's in the drivers line of sight. Nowhere else in Aus, just here lol but I've heard of them nabbing Victorians etc as not many know of this law.

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's interesting. Obviously breakaway units are mandatory here in WA, however not aware of requiring a battery monitor as such.

If you leave yr van for a while, do you ever have to pull down the pop top for security? Theoretically, could someone break in to the van via the canvas? I’m thinking of buying a pop top...

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Personally, I have never bothered with this, however, if I was camping in an area that I felt security was that much of an issue, then I would definitely consider it. Can't say Ive heard on many people being broken into via the pop-top canvas, however I have heard of people having stuff stolen from their shelves inside from people reaching inside the pop-top canvas, but that was when they were in the van...

@seanleonard2912

Жыл бұрын

Pop tops can be noisy in windy conditions , and they are subject to accelerated wear and tear-not a good option in my opinion.

The correct way to put on the Milenco brand mirrors, is to put the clips on the vehicle mirror before attaching the Milenco. This helps to ensure that the mirrors are on firmly, and won't fall off if put under any strain, like a large truck going past the other direction and causing suction. Mirrors falling off of your car will not be covered under Milenco's warranty as they would be classified to have not been put on properly.

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Fair enough, I've never had any dramas with the mirrors falling off, even when installing them like shown in here. Thanks for sharing though, I'm sure it will help others out. Cheers, Nathan.

@lordieshepherd

3 жыл бұрын

@@XploringOz yeah they have it on their website I think, they are pretty hard fast with the installation method if you want warranty. Fantastic video though, showed the wife and she said "Already seen it..." LOL. Thumbs up mate.

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate. Appreciate it 👍

I was waiting to hear “equity mates” at the end of the intro song

Which way did you bring your caravan in to Peak Charles ( from Norseman end or Lake King end) Cheers 👍

@XploringOz

Жыл бұрын

Norseman end, it was a few years ago now, but no problems 👍

Awesome 👏

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, glad it could help.

Very helpful

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome glad it helped!

Very informative, thanks for taking the time to put together.

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate 👍

Thanks for vid...great info. Any ideas how to stop plastic taste in water tanks? I use food grade hose from Camec to fill my tanks, but still have plastic taste.

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate. I can't say I've come across this problem as of yet. We have owned our van since new and always try and keep the tanks full to avoid any contamination in storage. Have you tried a tank clean product to try and clean the tanks out?

@stuartb3609

3 жыл бұрын

@@XploringOz Speaking as a boat owner with the same concern. I have a bunch of 3 litre plastic juice bottles that I top up at every opportunity and use only for daily drinking water. Anything else like showering etc comes from the tank. I’ve never needed it but the tank water is always available as a last resort.

Awesome 🖒🖒🖒

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Glad it could help somewhat. Cheers, Nathan.

Great video! Who are you insuring with and how much do you pay?

@XploringOz

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate. I’m with CIL and have no complaints. Have had to make 1 claim (hail storm). In terms of cost there would be soo many variables that would effect this, but I think I’m around $800ish

@SheehanLAD

4 жыл бұрын

Do you have a contact email at all? I would love to get in touch with you in regards to insurance. I’m a business manager for an insurance company that runs and owns “Let’s Go Caravan Insurance” which is a partnership with the Caravan Industry Association of Australia. Your videos are great and would love to see what we can do for you. My email is daniels@nminsurance.com.au (ps feel free to delete this comment after you’ve viewed it)

Seems like a lot of work

Dont forget the toilet paper 👌

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

🤣👍

This man wears a hat and has a beard. Not hating…Just saying

you've got a 100k of car and a 100k of van , but you cant afford mirrors ??

@debbiefarrel2928

3 жыл бұрын

Madness & hear & learn somethink new every time

@XploringOz

3 жыл бұрын

Probably a bit of an over estimate there, however I could have probably been a little more articulate in the way I worded that. Mirrors like the Clearview are super expensive, when adding all the bits and pieces to have them function for a Sahara (power fold, indicators, electric adjust, camera fitment, auto light dim and heated glass) the cost blows out to almost $1800 for a pair. There is no way I could justify that much money for a pair of mirrors. Not so much of affordability, more so value and cost when compared with benefit from the product. Cheers, Nathan.