33 out to Boulia

[corvette8n]

I enjoyed watching your trip, I’m fortunate I have a station within walking distance of my home that sells non-ethanol fuel, and I’ve been using it for the last 6 years.

[Mart]

Thanks for all the updates, Lawrie. It has been a pleasure to follow along on the trip. Again, quite remarkable what you are achieving on a regular basis.

Re neg and pos earth (ground) I'm not sure but I think you can run both at the same time. I know it sounds crazy bit I think I read it works. I'm more than prepared to be told I have it wrong.

12V neg on the caravan and 6V Pos on the car would work even though the two are connected on the hitch.

[Lawrie]

Mart, the 12 and 6 volt work good.
12 neg earth and 6v pos earth, they share the same earth,(chassis).
There in no problem,but they need to be seperate,
Once on my old steel framed UHF radio,the frame touched the seat adjuster lever, when I [next applied the brakes, it nearly snapped the caravan wheels off they were so strong, turns out they had seen 18v.
So now I have a plastic case and insulated UHF.
The 12 comes into the 33 cab and also supplies a USB plug.
I feel quite modern charging my phone and iPad while driving��
Lawrie

[cas3]

As Mart pointed out, the two systems would connect at the steel trailer hitch, no?

[Lawrie]

yes , they both use the frame as the earth.
Lawrie

[Lawrie]

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Home this morning.
trip details
2320 miles. 3770 kms
oil used, maybe. 3/16ths on the stick.
I will work out the fuel later this evening.
The adjustment on the vac brake yesterday worked, this morning on starting,(I have the cold starts sorted now, one pump on the accelerator, full choke and one press of the starter and its going) the oil temp 7C, drove off and the engine is way happier ,so am I.
Car and van unpacked and two loads of washing on the line.
tomorrow I will give the 33 a birthday ,a full service ,and all oils changed plus a wash.
only thing that broke was my Hiawassie meet gear knob fell apart this morning, maybe I can get a warranty on that .lol.
I am not home for long . on the 14th are away in the 34 for a month.
Lawrie

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

Home this morning.
trip details
2320 miles. 3770 kms
oil used, maybe. 3/16ths on the stick.
I will work out the fuel later this evening.
The adjustment on the vac brake yesterday worked, this morning on starting,(I have the cold starts sorted now, one pump on the accelerator, full choke and one press of the starter and its going) the oil temp 7C, drove off and the engine is way happier ,so am I.
Car and van unpacked and two loads of washing on the line.
tomorrow I will give the 33 a birthday ,a full service ,and all oils changed plus a wash.
only thing that broke was my Hiawassie meet gear knob fell apart this morning, maybe I can get a warranty on that .lol.
I am not home for long . on the 14th are away in the 34 for a month.
Lawrie

[GB SISSON]

Enjoyed the trip. Thanks Lawrie! Last thought on the 6/12, + - , is mine also worked perfectly at both ends of the equation. Only thought about it years after when I converted to 12v - on the truck.

[Lawrie]

A few figures from my trip
Total miles from home to home 2320. 3770 kms
miles from first to last fuel stop 2296. 3731 kms
Fuel costs $1329.64
Litres used 676.72
Average cost per litre $1.965
Oil maybe 1 ltr.
Dearest fuel at Boulia,$2.249 per litre( Furtherest from home)
Cheapest fuel at Calliope, $1.70.9 per litre.( first and last stop before home)
best moment. driving between Winton and Boulia , no traffic as such, scenery out of this world, some places road was only wide enough for one car.one lane bridges with just enough room for a truck, with signs saying No passing on bridge.
Worst moment, well none really, finishing the trip maybe
Lawrie

[cas3]

Excellent report Lawrie, we all enjoy following along on your travels. Its as close as I will ever get to a trip down under. Thanks for all the pics and info

[Lawrie]

Thank you, I enjoy my trips and posting them,
I will be away in my 34 3W in a couple weeks for about 3 or 4 weeks, no caravan but still heading out west, so will try to keep you updated .
Lawrie

[flatford8]

Excellent thread on your trip….it is beautiful country there…….thanks for taking us for the ride…..you put about as many miles in one trip as I average for the year……..Mark

[29vintage]

A nice setup with the alternator on the caravan Lawrie. How are you driving the other end of the belt? A custom pulley around the outside of the brake drum?

[Lawrie]

No, I welded three lugs onto the flange on the inside of the wheel rim, the machined them true , then clocked up the centre and put three bold holes using the mill then the same PCD on the big pulley.
Works a treat,
Lawrie

[29vintage]

Thanks Lawrie. In awe at the skills you put into all your vehicles.

[Lawrie]

Well, I have to be doing something, and I enjoy making stuff, and driving them.
My 34 is getting packed for a 3 to 4 weeks away trip.
will leave home on the 12th
Lawrie

[GB SISSON]

Lawrie, Do you have any pics of the wheel and lug placement and how a pulley is involved? I don't know what PCD means and is a large diameter pulley fastened to these 3 lugs on the rim?

[Lawrie]

I wll get you some pics today
PCD. pitch circle diameter

[Lawrie]

Pics
The setup has been under there for about 8 or 90000klms no drama.
one belt, and just recently replaced the alternator, I could have refitted the old one as it was full of dust and the brushes were stuck, so it just a spare now.
Lawrie

[mercman from oz]