Preface
Tens of thousands
of people travel the length and breadth of this country using cars, 4WDs,
campervans, motorhomes, caravans and trailers. For many such people, travelling
is an ongoing way of life.
It is a rapidly expanding
activity with associated clubs and organisations growing rapidly, yet
despite this growth little independent information is available about
the innumerable aspects of buying, building, converting, or even using,
campervans and motorhomes.
Whilst building my
own vehicle, I constantly received varying and often misleading information
by salespeople, particularly about electrical matters. This book attempts
to alleviate the situation for those seeking to buy , build or refit.
And especially for those who intend to do the "big trip".
It's rare to get everything
right first time. That which seems ideal on paper often proves impracticable
in use. Hopefully this book will help you avoid at least some of the major
traps.
It helps to gain first-hand
experience before purchasing a vehicle or starting a long-term building
project. Attend a few meetings of associated clubs, such as the Campervan
& Motorhome Club of Australia, and talk to members about their vehicles,
features and failings. Ideally, hire a motorhome or two to gain first-hand
experience
Bonus for Motorhoming Lifestyle Members!
See the Full Chapter Details of this Book
See the complete text of Chapter 2 - The Choice of Fuel - diesel, petrol or LPG
About the Author
I was originally a
research engineer with General Motors Research Division, specialising
in monitoring and measuring various aspects of vehicle behaviour and performance
particularly in off-road usage. In the 1960s I drove a large 4WD mobile
laboratory/motorhome twice across the length and breadth of Africa, recording
track conditions. I spent further years running my own business designing
and building everything from nuclear scanners to 500 tonne concrete testers
before switching careers in 1970 to found the now-worldwide "Electronics
Today International", and other publications in electronics, computing,
telecommunications, and music.
From 1982-1990, I
was technology editor of "The Bulletin" and "Australian
Business". During this time I founded the periodical "Australian
Communications" and also wrote the Federal Government's "Guide
to Information Technology".
My wife (Maarit) and
I own an Australian-made OKA that we converted into a fully off-road motorhome.
We have taken this vehicle twice around Australia, including to the tip
of Cape York, the long route across the Simpson desert, and many of Australia's
major and minor inland tracks.
