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Insideoutback Campers

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25.01.2022 "They paved paradise, put up a parking lot" - sometimes wild and remote places are best kept wild and remote, yes or no?... https://www.rainforest4.org/petition_submitted_to_douglas_s

24.01.2022 One of the beaut things about this fun time of isolation is the research you can do! Woohoo! The new Sprinter motorhome that we are working on - code named "49-52" (for reasons that will become obvious later in the song) is using some amazing new(ish) materials in its motorhome body construction. Namely a balsa-cored composite with flax reinforced bio-epoxy skins. The balsa is end-grain and is FSC Certified, the flax is a renewable fibre of immense strength, and the epoxy is ...derived from canola oil. How cool is that?! The flax industry in Europe has several manufacturers, this one in Switzerland has some amazing products. http://www.bcomp.ch/en/products/powerribs [49-52 explanation: The vehicle is a Mercedes Sprinter, which various wags around here have nicknamed "Bruce, the Sprinternational Van of Mystery". So Bruce it is. We are not into numerology, but for a laugh the letters in Bruce add up to 49. The 52 is a bit more scientific. Sort of. Its a 4WD so 4x4=16, and it seats 6 and sleeps 6 so 6x6=36 which together make 52. Lets just call it Bruce.]

23.01.2022 Website now updated with 2019 info and lots of pics. Enjoy! http://www.insideoutbackcampers.com.au

22.01.2022 Our regular friends would know we are not great fans of towing, but if you do - know this!

22.01.2022 Making an awning cover from some amazing new materials. Bio-epoxy resin in flax cloth reinforcing, over a balsa core, all vacuum bagged. I wish we had used this this stuff when we first built Dixi in 2017 - no smell, and all plant-based materials. Heres a quick vid of the bagging on stage 2 final external skin.

21.01.2022 Well fellow travellers, what do you think? To bridge or to punt? Personally, we love a good punt, and there are too few left...... https://www.rainforest4.org/ten_reasons_a_daintree_bridge_i

20.01.2022 Its big, its boofy, but it IS electric! And after all - this is the US of A! Not quite able to run on pure solar... in fact not even close. Its tooooo big! But what about the Peugeot Rifter?

18.01.2022 Imagine.... 2040 https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=p-rTQ443akE

18.01.2022 This is a shame. And what does it say about such people when they do get to Bali etc? They are poor ambassadors!

17.01.2022 We are having a bit of a tussle with a well-known Australian component manufacturer on issues of quality, and 'fit'. So far their products - 5 out of 5 supplied this year - have proven to be less than perfect. A LOT less than perfect. And so far they have tried to pretend that it's all ok, and that other manufacturers actually like it that way. As if. Or if they do, then it only adds to the mountains of evidence that this industry is generally corrupt and dodgy in the extreme..., as already noted by the ACCC. With some outstanding exceptions of course. They have until Friday to fix or replace, after which time the veil will be lifted and the evidence presented for the world to see. Stay tuned...

17.01.2022 Q: Is 28 the number you give the Sprinternational Van of Mystery? A: 4x4 and 6+6 = 28 Workings: Mercedes Sprinter 516CDI dual cab 4WD. 4x4 and 6 seat plus 6 berth. Get it? Its on the drawing board, a bit unique, a bit more commodious yet a bit smaller than most. Thats how we roll...

16.01.2022 Bruce the 6 seat x 6 berth 4WD motorhome is being built without fossil-derived materials. Heres a snippet on the amazing bio-epoxy from ATL Composites...

16.01.2022 John Cadogan (Cardigan?) often goes a bit OTT in his opinions, a bit like Jeremy (Toffer) Clarkson on Top Gear. Here he lays into Nissan for appearing to extract exorbitant amounts for a replacement EV Leaf battery. Seems he didnt do a simple fact check before launching. A battery is not $29k, the lowest cost option being about $5.5k. How embarrassment. ... Further, he encourages viewers to email Nissans PR person - publishes her email address. Might be worth asking JG to check his facts and prove such checking before launching. https://www.youtube.com/watch

15.01.2022 Love the Kimberley? Want to save it from a Murray-Darling style disaster? Go here:

13.01.2022 Bruce is taking shape. It's been a productive couple of weeks. The roof is the only major component yet to be made, though there are plenty of minor bits n pieces in the body yet to be installed. Today we test fitted the rear drop-down bed. The tarp is needed as the assembly is happening outside - Bruce is too tall to fit in the workshop. But a 6 seat x 6 berth x 4WD motorhome is by definition going to be a wee bit bigger than tiny. So far as we know, not only is Bruce the ...smallest such beastie, it's possibly the only such beastie! Tell us if there are others! All the balsa-cored flax reinforced panels and bio-epoxy resin comes from ATL Composites on the Gold Coast. This is Australia's first RV to use this whole 'organic' family of materials, and possibly in the world. Tell us if you know of another.

13.01.2022 Happy to promote this stuff, coz you can use it to make stuff that doesnt otherwise exist, AND you can use it to fix stuff that would otherwise become useless and get thrown out. Now thats much more sustainable! We used it to make a dozen small fittings or buffers or seals in the manufacture of Dixi. Could have used a 3D printer, but this is so much more hands on! We love it!

13.01.2022 This might seem like a strange post on our Facebook page. This fella is always amusing, and quite often even correct! Wow - I know! - on the internet! Whodathought! But if you are thinking about a dream caravan, wade through the specifics of the Patrol-roasting in this, enjoy the simple and accurate engineering analysis, and get to the juicy bit at the end.

13.01.2022 Here comes Bruce......

11.01.2022 Is a solar powered 4x4 camper feasible yet? Maybe - just maybe... The Peugeot Rifter is an electric compact 4x4, which could be set up in our usual Insideoutback manner to support life on the road long term, and run for short hops on solar power. That would involve an array of lightweight fold-away PV panels, a more aerodynamic set-up than the one featured on this Pug website, and an expectation that a good trip is a slow trip - and it is, and always has been.... What do you think? Worth a crack? Weve put the idea to Peugeot Australia - wonder if theyll shown any interest? https://www.peugeot.com.au/brand-and-technolo//rifter-4x4/

11.01.2022 While we are a way off having fully electric remote travel vehicles*, since most people do their camper/travelling not too far from towns with charging facilities, this story is of interest. *this of course depends upon how far you want to travel in a given timeframe. Solar charging is relatively slow compared to fixed/grid charging, but you could explore the Simpson Desert or Canning Stock Route using solar on the basis of travelling less than 100km every second day (size of solar array pending). And at that pace you would really get to experience the solitude and the deserts joy! You would not be a conquering hero - but thats a good thing!

11.01.2022 Why is it more important than ever to make smaller, lighter, less consumptive vehicles, for when the lockdown is finally lifted?

11.01.2022 Why we have to travel smaller, lighter, more efficiently. Bring on the EV camper! https://www.climaterealitycheck.net/

10.01.2022 Bruce is taking shape. Its been a productive couple of weeks. The roof is the only major component yet to be made, though there are plenty of minor bits n pieces in the body yet to be installed. Today we test fitted the rear drop-down bed. The tarp is needed as the assembly is happening outside - Bruce is too tall to fit in the workshop. But a 6 seat x 6 berth x 4WD motorhome is by definition going to be a wee bit bigger than tiny. So far as we know, not only is Bruce the ...smallest such beastie, its possibly the only such beastie! Tell us if there are others! All the balsa-cored flax reinforced panels and bio-epoxy resin comes from ATL Composites on the Gold Coast. This is Australias first RV to use this whole organic family of materials, and possibly in the world. Tell us if you know of another.

10.01.2022 Do you have aftermarket weather shields on your vehicle, that are too dark to actually see through? Like the ones on Ebay in the photo... We did - until yesterday. Driving in suburbia, a pedestrian on a crossing was concealed in this extra wide blind spot behind the A pillar, and although it didnt end up being life threatening, it was jolly rude, and scary. We pulled them straight off. Looking for clear ones now... They are useful for keeping the cab cool when parked, by leaving the windows down 20mm, rain and prying hands cant get in, but hot air can get out.

08.01.2022 Here is the prefab composite panel house built entirely from biologically grown materials, same as Bruce (see post below)... https://renew.org.au/sanctuary/house-profiles/gone-boating/

08.01.2022 Tyre pressure monitors are a great idea - saves money, and likely can save lives too. Ours went off today to warn that a tyre was deflating at an alarming rate - had a couple of ks latitude, but it meant that instead of the tyre just exploding, we pulled in to a rest area and changed it. Thanks Safety Dave! Great little monitor! https://safetydave.com.au... This is where this particular trip is being recorded, if you are interested: https://www.facebook.com/DarlnBoring/?modal=admin_todo_tour

08.01.2022 Heres a little trip coming up next week... From NSW Central Coast via New England and the Border Ranges to Darling Downs, and straight up through Adani country (and talk to the lovely folk there about coal mining!) to Undara Lava Tubes and Cobold Gorge. Then back down the coast via Eungella NP, Finch Hatton Gorge, meet some good folks in Mackay who may have a different view on coal to their Clermont neighbours, then back to the emerald city via Brisbane, and with the obligatory homage to Diamond Head on the way down the NSW coast.

07.01.2022 Floor structure underside complete, test fit on chassis, coinciding with a visit from the clients...

07.01.2022 Good idea, and... Bruce has a hybrid version of exactly this. Original glass mirrors remain, but backed up by four camera rear vision: short wide angle for reversing, long range centre for seeing whos coming up behind, and one on each top rear corner for rear quarter vision. https://www.drive.com.au//australian-first-truck-camera-mi

07.01.2022 We (somewhat reluctantly*) use Facebook for most of our newsy information, but every now and then we actually update our actual website! Amazing, we know. Today is one of those days. http://www.insideoutbackcampers.com.au//2020-bruce-the-6-/ *Reluctant? Considering how Facebook started (to facilitate blatantly abusive sexism), and how they have abused our trust by selling our private information, and how they (along with Google and Youtube) are spreading misinformation in bullying the current Australian Government who are attempting to protect press freedom - yes, it is and always has been 'reluctant'. It's just the biggest show in town, but we wish that was otherwise.

06.01.2022 All the kids are making Youtube vids these days. So we made a new one too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8RVXLNtV_M&t=1s

06.01.2022 The Kimberley is drier than usual, and most destinations are either already closed or about to. The mechanics and two-trucks have been doing a roaring trade however, with the Gibb River Rd being in worse condition than usual. As one of our local contacts up there, Birgit Bradtke says (over and over again): "So please take my recommendations seriously: Allow enough time for your trip, pack only what you really need, and do everyone a favour and leave your big caravan at home."... Hear hear! https://www.kimberleyaustralia.com/destination-kimberley.ht

05.01.2022 Hasn't 2020 been something?! Good for some, but bad for so many, and a year to remember either way. Another thing to remember is that those who do not learn the lessons of history are destined to repeat its mistakes. Hopefully our governments heed that one. Anyway, a photo to finish off the year: three 'generations' of Insideoutback Campers, dating from 2010 to 2021 (when Bruce will be completed). ... In front from 2010 the ultra-compact Koleos camper that proved you don't need a big beefy 4WD to go really remote for long trips; then from 2017, Dixi the compact 2 berth motorhome (Nissan Navara); and at the back for 2021, Bruce the 6 seat-6 berth compact family sized motorhome, that's as big as a motorhome ever needs to be. Merry Christmas friends, keep safe, and here's to a better 2021 all round. Bring on the vaccine.

04.01.2022 It is with great sadness, now that few weeks have passed since his untimely death, that we have to give a farewell wave to one of Australias greatest - Dave Berry, head of Trakka. He was a good bloke above all, and in my dealings with him dating back to the 1980s, always had a great time. Dave had been doing this stuff at the highest level of performance and customer service since the 1970s, when he fitted out Kombis. Now the Trakka range is extensive, and although distinctl...y different to what we do, we always acknowledge their quality and design innovation. And that started from the top down, with Dave always insisting on testing testing testing before releasing a new model, and tight QA before anything went out the door. We offer our condolences to his three beaut (adult) kids and the rest of the family, encourage the team at Trakka to keep doing the best work as youve always done. Dick Clarke, Insideoutback Campers / Envirotecture https://trakka.com.au

04.01.2022 A good reason for having your own.... :-) Enjoy the break and have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends, travel safe, stay away from the fires - maybe even stay home this year!?

04.01.2022 Amongst all the good stuff we have reported on with the production of Bruce, sits this fly in the ointment. We are sad that we have to report this, but the full story must always be told. We can't just report all the good stuff and pretend bad stuff hasn't happened. We had windows and door made by Camec, a longstanding and supposedly reputable component manufacturer who supply a lot of RV and caravan industry manufacturers. These are substandard, and Camec have so far refused... to accept any responsibility for clearly faulty product. This is symptomatic of the whole industry - and that's even sadder. In summary, the situation is this: Windows - made as an external frame and integrated awning sash, with a separate internal fixing trim, which screws to the outer frame, sandwiching the wall between them. All corners are radiused. The outer portion of the windows are fine. Problem - the internal trim has a different corner radius to the outer window frame, such that there is a gap of between 3mm and 8mm at every corner. Camec have told our wholesaler that most caravan manufacturers request them that way because it covers poorly cut holes. Unbelievable in every sense of the word. Door - the door does not use an internal trim, but is fixed with screws at strategic locations sideways through the frame. It also has radiused corners all round. Problem - the door frame is over 10mm shorter on the right hand side than the left. We measured this (1930mm vs 1920mm) on the straight part of the frame's sill, which is 100mm narrower than the overall width each side - so 10mm is being kind. Camec have not responded to our query on this one. We have requested new trims that actually fit the window, and just an acknowledgement that the door is a cock-up, and that they have fixed the problem with future doors for everybody else - we don't even want a new door, we'll fix the out-of-level somehow. We raised these issues with Camec through our wholesaler (CaravansPlus in Queanbeyan) in early October, but as of Monday this week we appear to have been stonewalled. I told them I would be posting this on Friday if I hadn't heard from them. We are happy to allow mistakes to be made as long as they are acknowledged and rectified. In fact, that is often the sign of a really great business. So far Camec have not acted in this way. Because the components were bought by a business, Australian Consumer law offers us no protection, as it would do for you as a private consumer. Remember that when your RV manufacturer or dealer fails to honour warranty. See photos for hard evidence of our complaint, and consider which brand and supplier you choose for your project. We really cannot recommend Camec - and that is very sad.

03.01.2022 Reminder for those stuck at home pretending to work - I mean - working so efficiently they get it all done by morning coffee time... Here is the blog of Insideoutbacks Dixi and her latest trip to Kangaroo Island and the Eyre Peninsula etc with her passengers Darl & Boring... https://www.facebook.com/pg/DarlnBoring/posts/?ref=page_internal

03.01.2022 Why would we combine hi-tech 100% organic materials (flax+bio-epoxy+balsa) with a hi-tech not-quite-so-organic material (carbon fibre)? Used strategically, the carbon fibre gives massive tensile strength with minimal material and less weight, at high stress points. In this case, where high dynamic loads are applied in the stairwell, including the mass of metal fold-out steps that are bolted underneath. All still using the lovely bio-epoxy.

03.01.2022 The best laid plans... Life is what happens while we are busy making other plans... So the trip to Undara Lava Tubes and Cobold Gorge will have to wait. Dixis skipper got a severe tummy bug the day we left Sydney, and only got as far as Toowoomba before calling in the medics. Safety and phone coverage were deemed essential, so we headed for a coastal recovery.... Kgari seemed like the ideal place for a recuperation. And there was plenty of work for the skipper to do, rewriting the Your Home Technical Manual with colleagues at ISF and the Feds in Canberra. How nice plinking away under the casuarinas with toes in white sand, and the whales of Wide Bay splashing close to shore?

02.01.2022 Panel assembly is under way at ATL Composites on the Gold Coast, for our new mid size 6 berth+6 seat motorhome, named Bruce*. It took some time to get the flax fibre skin reinforcing fabric out of Europe, with reduced air freight movements, but it is in stock and we are under way. The bio-epoxy resin combined with the flax on a balsa core makes for a motorhome body built entirely from biologically derived materials. Thats a first for any RV in Australia, and to our knowledg...e, in the world! The system is the same as a house built by our boatbuilder colleague Ian Wright, in Brisbane, featured in the latest Sanctuary Magazine (will link separately). *Why Bruce? The naming was put to the clients (a bunch of young family people) who suggested that a Mercedes Sprinter cab-chassis would be a fitting tribute to a famous rocknrolling rabble rouser if called Bruce Sprinstein, Sprinternational Van of Mystery. Who we were to argue?

02.01.2022 Bruce emerging from the shed wearing a brand new undercoat. The roof has been painted separately, ready for solar panels to be glued on.

02.01.2022 CONSTRUCTION COMMENCED on 6 seat x 6 berth beastie, codenamed Bruce. Here the floor panel is being joined after coming down from ATL Composites in Qld in two halves. Its 50mm end-grain balsa core, with 2 x 500gsm flax skins each side, and all laminated with a bio-epoxy derived from canola oil. All grown from the ground - how ecociting is that!

02.01.2022 An aerodynamic awning cover made from hi-tech low eco-impact natural materials.

02.01.2022 'Bruce' the 6 seat x 6 berth 4WD motorhome is being built without fossil-derived materials. Here's a snippet on the amazing bio-epoxy from ATL Composites...

01.01.2022 These beautiful birds are one of our mascots. Not happy, Dan.

01.01.2022 Bruce is back from the painter at RVsR-Us, all smooth and shiny and very white. Have to work on that with some colour later! Off to Affordable Canvas in the morning for the various bits of canvas in the pop-top and fold-out bed.

01.01.2022 Whatever happened to camp etiquette? Camped last night at Myall River Camp on the coast of NSW, a private campsite located right where the name says. It's a lovely location, but ruined by the bogans who think the 10pm noise curfew doesn't apply to them. It's clear in the booking info what the expectations are, and they are universal in camping across Australia:... "No drunken behaviour or excessive noise at any time. "Please respect our 10pm noise curfew. "Generators are at caretaker’s discretion. Limit use from 10am1pm & 5pm8pm." The campsite next to us - ? Kids still screaming at 12.30am, and parents talking loudly and laughing at 1.30am until I politely reminded them this a "quite campsite". The unsilenced generator went on at 9am. Why do people even have generators these days? Ignorance? Who knows. This isn't the fun police, it's just common courtesy. The campsite managers could do more to enforce their conditions of entry too. https://www.myallrivercamp.com.au/conditions-of-entry/