Canopy For Nissan Navara NP300

Canopy For Nissan Navara NP300

Canopy For Nissan Navara NP300

An accessory that can enhance your driving experience and functionality is a canopy for Nissan Navara NP300. A canopy is a great addition to any ute as it provides an enclosed space for cargo, tools, and equipment. It also protects them from the elements. If you own a Nissan Navara NP300 then you probably already know that it’s a versatile and powerful vehicle that can handle a wide range of tasks. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about canopies for the Nissan Navara NP300.

Our Nissan NP300 With Flexiglass Canopy

Our Nissan NP300 With Flexiglass Canopy

Top canopies for Nissan Navara NP300s

With so many canopies on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are a few of the top options for Nissan Navara NP300 owners:

  • ARB Classic Plus Canopy: This canopy is made from durable fiberglass and comes with a variety of features, including a central locking system, sliding windows, and a roof rack. It also has a sleek, aerodynamic design that looks great on the Navara.
  • Carryboy S560 Canopy: This aluminium canopy is lightweight yet strong, making it a great option for off-road adventures. It comes with a range of features, including a rear spoiler with an integrated brake light, tinted windows, and a remote central locking system.
  • Aeroklas Deck Cover: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Aeroklas Deck Cover is a great choice. It’s made from high-quality ABS plastic and comes with a range of features, including a keyless entry system and an easy-to-install design.
  • EGR Canopy: This canopy is made from high-quality fiberglass and comes with a range of features, including tinted windows, a central locking system, and a built-in spoiler. It’s also available in a range of colours to match your Navara.
  • Flexiglass Challenge Canopy: This Australian-made canopy is designed for tough conditions and comes with a range of features.

Nissan NP300 Canopy Fridge Dual Battery Drawers Setup

Nissan NP300 Canopy Fridge Dual Battery Drawers Setup

Choosing the Right Canopy

Hardtop Canopies
Hardtop canopies are made of strong, durable materials like fiberglass or aluminium. These canopies are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring that your cargo and equipment remain safe and secure. Hardtop canopies are also lockable, providing extra security for your belongings. Some hardtop canopies even come with additional features like roof racks, sliding windows, and interior lights.

Soft Top Canopies
Soft top canopies are made of durable fabric material like vinyl or canvas. They are lightweight, easy to install and remove, and less expensive than hardtop canopies. However, they do not provide as much protection from the elements and are less secure than hardtop canopies. Soft top canopies are a great option for people who need a temporary solution or those who don’t require maximum security for their cargo.

Flexiglass Trade Canopy On Our NP300

Flexiglass Trade Canopy On Our NP300

Benefits of Installing a Canopy on your Nissan Navara NP300

Protection from the Elements
Canopies provide protection from the elements like rain, snow, and wind. This makes them an ideal solution for transporting fragile cargo, equipment, or tools that are sensitive to weather conditions. With a canopy installed on your Nissan Navara NP300, you can transport your cargo with peace of mind knowing that they are safe from weather-related damage.

Increased Storage Space
Canopies provide additional storage space for your Nissan Navara NP300. This can be especially useful for people who use their pickup truck for work or outdoor activities like camping or fishing. You can store your equipment, tools, and gear inside the canopy, keeping them organized and easily accessible.

Improved Security
Canopies provide an extra layer of security for your belongings. Hardtop canopies, in particular, are lockable, making them an ideal solution for transporting valuable cargo or tools. You can leave your belongings inside the canopy without having to worry about theft or damage.

Improved Fuel Efficiency
Canopies can also improve your Nissan Navara NP300’s fuel efficiency. When you install a canopy, it creates a more aerodynamic profile for your vehicle, reducing wind resistance and drag. This means that your vehicle requires less energy to move, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.

Cooking Lunch Nissan NP300 Canopy

Cooking Lunch Nissan NP300 Canopy

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Canopy for Your Nissan Navara NP300

Material
The material used to make the canopy is an essential factor to consider when choosing a canopy for your Nissan Navara NP300. Hardtop canopies are typically made of fiberglass or aluminum, while soft top canopies are made of vinyl or canvas. Consider the weather conditions in your area, the type of cargo you will be transporting, and your budget when choosing the material for your canopy.

Style
Canopies come in different styles, including high-rise, low-rise, and cab-high. High-rise canopies provide more storage space and are ideal for people who transport large equipment or tools. Low-rise canopies, on the other hand, are more aerodynamic and provide better fuel efficiency. Cab-high canopies are a good compromise between the two, providing a balance of storage and aerodynamics.

Camping With Canopy On Nissan NP300

Camping With Canopy On Nissan NP300

Conclusion

A canopy is a valuable accessory for owners of the Nissan Navara NP300, providing increased storage space, improved security and protection from the elements. Whether you choose a hard or a soft canopy for Nissan Navara NP300 it will be a great addition to your vehicle.

Battery Isolator Switch For Your Caravan Or Camper Trailer

Battery Isolator Switch For Your Caravan Or Camper Trailer

Battery Isolator Switch For Your Caravan Or Camper Trailer

A battery isolator switch can disconnect the battery safely to eliminate any power draw from the battery when your caravan or camper trailer is not in use.

Have you ever had your caravan or camper trailer in storage for a month. You come back to it to find that your battery is flat? Flattening your caravan or camper trailer battery is not a good thing. Flattening your caravan or camper trailer battery can dramatically decrease the lifespan of your battery. It can even kill it then and there.

12v Battery Isolator Switch Installed Beside Fridge On Jayco All Terrain

12v Battery Isolator Switch Installed Beside Fridge On Jayco All Terrain

Why Does My Caravan Battery Go Flat Even When I Have Turned Everything Off?

So you’ve turned everything off. But have you really? Many caravan or camper trailer 12v battery systems will have some kind of parasitic draw on the battery. Even when you think everything is turned off. On our Jayco All Terrain we had multiple positive cables coming off our lithium batteries being fed in to a Projecta PM335J battery management system. As well as a shunt used to measure current input and output. The Projecta PM335J BMS has an on/off switch built in however even with this in the off position the unit would draw about 2.0ah daily from our batteries. Now that’s not much but over the course of a few months it adds up 120ah.

Things that may have a residual parasitic draw on your battery when you think you have turned everything might include but aren’t limited to,

  • Battery management systems (BMS)
  • Nodes for mobile app connection
  • Wifi connection nodes
  • Bluetooth connection nodes
  • Display screens for battery management systems
  • Anything wired outside of the BMS for example a diesel heater display screen wired directly to a battery
  • Solar charge controllers
  • DCDC charge controllers

Jayco All Terrain Projecta 335J

Jayco All Terrain Projecta 335J

Why Not Just Keep Your Batteries On Charge When Not In Use?

Many will argue that simply leaving your batteries connected to a charger with a ‘float’ mode will keep the batteries fully maintained and ready for use. To an extent, this is true – but there is also the possibility of gradual degradation of the batteries if kept in this state constantly.

AGM Batteries
Lead acid batteries contain lead plates surrounded by a liquid or electrolyte solution of diluted sulphuric acid, and as the battery charges and discharges a chemical reaction occurs between the sulphuric acid in the electrolyte and the lead plates. The batteries are designed to be charged and recharged on a regular basis, so having them in a float charge mode at a constant voltage (normally between 12.2-13.4V) can cause the battery to become ‘dehydrated.’ When a battery enters this dehydrated state, it means the level of electrolyte recedes below the level of the top of the lead plates. This would cause irreparable damage to the plates, therefore damaging the battery extensively.

LiFePO4 (Lithuim) Battery Storage SOC (State Of Charge)
When not using your LiFePO4 (lithium) batteries it is generally recommended by most manufacturers to store them at around 40%-50% state of charge (SOC). Keep in mind that lithium-ion batteries should never be stored fully charged or completely discharged. On the one hand, LiFePO4 batteries will gradually self-discharge, and they will lose large amounts of their usable life if they’re fully charged all the time. On the other hand, storing lithium-ion batteries fully discharged will be harmful to the battery cell.

Install A Caravan Battery Isolator Switch – Then Off Really Does Mean Off

The solution to stopping your caravan or camper trailer getting a flat battery after storage for a long period due to parasitic draw on the battery is simple. Install a battery isolator switch – sometimes called a battery master switch.

Caravan Battery Isolator Switch Viewed From Behind

Caravan Battery Isolator Switch Viewed From Behind

The switch is installed between the battery and any possible load. Turn the switch off. The power is stopped. Ours is installed on the positive side however it achieves the same result when installed on the negative side. Of course the new cabling needs to be fused correctly to make things safe.

I have used 6B&S cabling fused with midi fuses at 50amp. More than safe for the current our system is running at.

Jayco All Terrain Caravan Battery Isolator Wiring Through Heavy Duty Bus Bar

Jayco All Terrain Caravan Battery Isolator Wiring Through Heavy Duty Bus Bar

To help keep it all nice and tidy I have run all of the cabling in to and out of a heavy duty bus bar. Much neater and tidier than hooking it all up to the out lug on the 12v battery master switch. There are also a few spare lugs on the bus bar so I can hook up any extra cables in future as and if required.

Caravan Battery Isolator Switch Wiring Diagram

Caravan Battery Isolator Switch Wiring Diagram

So How Has It Worked So Far?

It works 100% as it should. We have LiFePO4 (lithium) batteries. When we get home from a trip we let them run down to around 50% SOC then I simply turn the battery isolator switch to off. I have checked it multiple times, turn it off at 50% then turn it back on a month or two later and the system comes back to life and the LiFePO4 (lithium) batteries are still at 50%. No reduction in SOC whatsoever.

Projecta Display Panel SOC 47 Percent

Projecta Display Panel SOC 47 Percent

List Of Australian Caravan Brands That Can Use A Caravan Battery Isolator Switch

Adventura Caravans battery isolator switch, Alpha Fibreglass, Aussie Wide Caravans, Avan Campers, Ballina Campervans, Billabong Custom Caravans, Caravan Manufacturer, Caria Caravan Trailer, Challenge Camper Trailers Caravans, Classic RTM Caravans, Concept Caravans, Coromal Caravans, Creative Caravans, Davsher Caravans, Desert Edge Trailers, Designer Vans Caravans, Discoverer Campers, Dreamhaven Caravans, Dreamland Trailers, Driftaway Caravans, Dryden Trailers Caravans, Eagle Caravans, Elross Caravans, Evernew Caravans, Exodus Campers, Ezytrail Campers, Galaxy Caravans, Goldstream Recreational Vehicles, Golf Caravans, Heaslip Campers, Horizon Motorhomes, I & D Industries, Imperial Caravans, Jayco Caravans, Jurgens Caravans, Kea Campers Australia Caravans, Kingdom Caravans, La Vista Caravans, Lifestyle Leisure RV, Limit Seeker Camper Trailers Caravans, Lotus Caravans, Majestic Caravans, May West Caravans, Millard RV Caravans, Montana Caravans, Nova Caravans, Olympic Caravans, Opalite Caravans, Paradise Caravans, Paradise Motor Homes, Paramount Caravans, Regal Caravans, Regent Caravans, Retreat Caravans, Rivenlee Caravans, Roma Caravans, Royal Flair Caravans, Spaceland Industries Caravans, Suncamper Caravans, Sunland Caravans, Sunliner Recreational Vehicles, Supreme Caravans, Swagman Aust Caravans, Tavlor Motorhomes, Toy Haulers Manufacturer, Track Trailer, Trailblazers RV Caravans, Trailer Manufacturer, Trailstar Caravans, Trakka Caravans, Trakmaster Caravans, Travelhome, Traveller Caravans, Truelux 5th Wheel, Vanguard Caravans, Western Caravans, Windsor Caravans, Winnebago Industries, Wirraway Motorhomes

List Of Australian Camper Trailer Brands That Can Use A Camper Trailer Battery Isolator Switch

Alpine Campers, Altitude Campers, Aussie Camper Trailers, Austrack Campers, Australian Off Road Campers, Austyle Campers, Bayside Camper Trailers, Black Series Campers & Caravans, Blue Tongue Campers, Blue Water Campers, BRS Offroad, Bushranger Campers, Bushwakka, Cameron Campers, Camper Trailers WA, Caretta, Condamine Campers, Conqueror Australia, Conqueror Australia, Cub Campers, Drifta Camping & 4WD, Eagle Camper Trailers, Elite Campers, Emu Campers, Ezytrail Camper Trailers, Far & Wide Campers, Goldstream RV, Hitch Campers, Jawa Camper Trailers, Jayco Camper Trailers, Kerfton, Kimberley Kampers, Kings Camping Trailers, Lifestyle Campers, Lumberjack Campers, Marlin Campers, Mars Campers, Maverick Campers, MDC Caravans, Modcon Campers, Mountain Trail Campers, North Coast Campers, Offline Campers, OPUS Camper Australia, Origin Campers, OutbackHQ, Patriot Campers, Pioneer Campers, Platinum Campers, PMX Campers & Caravans, Quest RV, Rhinomax Campers, Signature Camper Trailers, Skamper Kampers, Southern Cross Camper Trailers & Off Road Caravans, Star Vision Camper Trailers & Caravans, Stockman Pod Trailers, Stony Creek Campers, Sunset Campers, Swag Camper Trailers, Terra Trek, TrackStar Campers, Track Trailer, Trackabout Off Road Campers, Trailer Camper Australia, Travelander, Ultimate Campers, Vista RV, Wild Boar Camper Trailers

Why Does My Caravan Battery Go Flat?

Many caravan or camper trailer 12v battery systems will have some kind of parasitic draw on the battery even when you think everything is turned off.FAQ description

Why Not Just Keep Your Batteries On Charge?

Many will argue that simply leaving your batteries connected to a charger with a ‘float’ mode will keep the batteries fully maintained and ready for use. To an extent, this is true – but there is also the possibility of gradual degradation of the batteries if kept in this state constantly.

Why Install A Caravan Battery Isolator Switch?

The solution to stopping your caravan or camper trailer getting a flat battery after storage for a long period due to parasitic draw on the battery is simple. Turn the switch off. The power is stopped.

The Ultimate Guide to Caravan Tyre Pressure

The Ultimate Guide to Caravan Tyre Pressure

The Ultimate Guide to Caravan Tyre Pressure

Don’t know what tyre pressure your caravan should have? Get essential information and advice with this ultimate guide to caravan tyre pressure.

From ensuring the safety of your caravan on the road to optimising performance, it’s important to have the right tyre pressure for your caravan. In this guide, you’ll get all the information you need about choosing and setting the correct tyre pressure for your caravan.

Lowering Caravan Tyre Pressure Before Travelling The Ivanhoe Menindee Road

Lowering Caravan Tyre Pressure Before Travelling The Ivanhoe Menindee Road

What is the Correct Tyre Pressure for a Caravan?

The correct tyre pressure for a caravan will depend on the size of your tyres as well as the load you are hauling. Generally, a good tyre pressure should be slightly higher than the minimum recommended. Check with your tyre manufacturer’s guidelines and adjust accordingly depending on the load and terrain that you are driving through. Ensure that the minimum and maximum limits provided on the sidewall of your tyres are observed; otherwise damage to your tyres may occur.

Use The 4PSI Rule

The 4PSI guideline applies to bitumen road use only. As a general rule the following can be used for road use only.

  • For passenger tyres, inflate your cold tyres to the recommended tyre pressure on your vehicle’s tyre placard.
  • Then, to determine if you have the correct pressure for a given load, you must note the cold pressure reading.
  • Drive for at least 20-30 minutes at normal posted speeds to ensure your tyres have reached operating temperature and then check again. Internal tyre pressure rise is dependent on the cavity of volume of the tyre and the tyres heat build-up.

Ideally, your tyre pressure should be about 4 PSI above the cold pressure. If they are not, adjust the pressure accordingly.

If the pressure is more than 4 PSI above the cold pressure, you should add more air. That is because there is too much friction, which builds up more heat than desirable. Conversely, if they are less than 4 PSI above the cold pressure, the cold pressure is too high and you should release air.

6PSI Rule For Light Truck And 4×4 Tyres

For light truck and 4×4 tyres use 6 PSI as a guide. However rough and corrugated roads cause more flexing and your tyres may rise more than the 4 or 6 PSI guide in which case applying this rule is not recommended.

How Do I Check My Tyre Pressure?

To check your caravan tyre pressure, you’ll need a quality tyre pressure gauge. This should not be confused with the least expensive type of gauge which generally only provide accurate readings up to around 30 PSI. The tyre pressure gauge can be inserted into the valve stem and it will provide an accurate reading after a few seconds. You should always check each tyre individually and adjust the pressures accordingly if needed. Remember to also check your spare tyre separately if you have one fitted.

What are the Benefits of Regularly Checking My Tyre Pressure?

Checking your caravan tyre pressure on a regular basis is beneficial in many ways. Properly inflated tyres enable better vehicle handling, improved fuel efficiency, and safer driving as more of the tyre’s tread comes into contact with the road surface. By keeping your tyres at the correct pressure, you help reduce your chances of damage to both the tyre itself and any other parts of your caravan caused by uneven load distribution due to airflow over an incorrectly inflated tyre.

What Should I do if My Tyres are Under-inflated or Over-inflated?

If you find that your tyres are either under-inflated or over-inflated, you should decrease or increase the air pressure accordingly. This can be done using a tyre pressure gauge and an appropriate pump. If your caravan has vastly different tyre pressures, it is always advisable to start by increasing the pressure on both of these tyres until they reach their optimal inflation level.

Tyre Deflator

Tyre Deflator

What Other Precautions Should I Take When Topping up My Caravan Tyres?

It’s always important to take proper precautions when adjusting the air pressure of your caravan tyres. Before starting, ensure that there are no sharp objects in the area as these can puncture the tyre and allow for a rapid loss of air pressure. When inflating tyres, check that you have a secure connection between the pump and the valve stem and avoid overtightening the valves as this can cause damage to them. Always double-check each tyre after inflation and remember to check that all four tyres have similar pressures!

Tyre Pressure Guide For Different Terrains

Sand 18-26 PSI

A lot depends on the depth and coarseness of the sand. Lower pressure increases the size of your tyre’s footprint increasing its ability to stay on top of the sand instead of digging in. Otherwise known as its flotation characteristics. You also need to have enough momentum to stay on top. Higher pressures will be required when carrying heavy loads. Reduce speed appropriate to the depth and type of sand.

Remember that sand can change and be very different in patches. Sand also builds up heat in your tyres because you are running lower pressures for flotation and because of added friction. Keep a close watch on temperature and if they start to get too high pull over and take a break.

High Speed Smooth Gravel Roads 28-32 PSI

If your tyre pressure is too low on this surface you run the risk of sway and bounce. Higher pressures are generally required when carrying heavy loads. When driving corrugated roads reduce your speed as heat can build up quickly.

Slow Speed Rough Gravel Roads 24-28 PSI

Actual required tyre pressure varies dependant upon on how slow, how rough and with what load. Remember that the higher the speed the more heat generated in the tyre according to your load and the type of road surface being travelled. High temperature in the belts of the tyre is not something you can always feel by hand. Higher pressures are generally required when carrying heavy loads.

Slow Speed Rocky Gravel Roads 20-26 PSI

Ever noticed how easily a balloon pops at higher pressures when it hits something? And when the balloon has low pressure it’s harder to damage or pop? The same thing applies to tyres on rocks in most slow speed situations. Sidewall damage needs to be reduced by careful wheel placement.

Assuming that the going is very slow and possibly in low range and not generating a lot of heat in the tyre. You are looking to improve flexibility over obstacles without damaging the tyre. Very low pressures getting down around 18 psi and below can create a risk of pushing the tyre off the bead of the rim. 20 psi is generally an acceptable minimum low-pressure limit for most sizes. Higher pressures are generally required when carrying heavy loads.

Flexibility at low speed is what you want to achieve. Lowering tyre pressures will increase the size of your tyre’s footprint spreading lengthwise along the tyre.

Understanding Your Caravan Compliance Plate

Understanding Your Caravan Compliance Plate

Understanding Your Caravan Compliance Plate

What is a caravan compliance plate and what do the numbers and other things listed on it mean? They all mean something and can often be confusing if you don’t know what you are looking at.

Locating Your Caravan Compliance Plate

The first thing you need to do is find where it is. Common locations are on the drawbar, in the tunnel boot, in the front boot or just inside the entry door. Once you find yours take a photo of it and have a read.

It became law in 1989 for ALL vehicles including home built trailers to have a compliance plate fitted. If your caravan was built before 1989 then chances are it may not have one fitted.

If your caravan doesn’t have a compliance plate fitted and it was built after 1989 the first thing you should do is contact the manufacturer and talk to them. Possibilities are it was overlooked and not fitted or it has been removed by a previous owner. Personally if I was looking to purchase a used caravan and I couldn’t find the compliance plate I would save myself a potential headache move on to looking at something else. Not having a compliance plate fitted will make it difficult to prove that the caravan is the one listed on the registration papers.

Caravan Compliance Plate

Caravan Compliance Plate

Things Commonly Listed On a Caravan Compliance Plate

Manufacturer

The name of the manufacturer of the caravan

Make/Model

The model of the caravan as built by the manufacturer.

VIN Number

This is a unique number belonging to this vehicle used by RMS and/or police to identify the caravan – check registration is current etc. Your caravan insurance company will also want to know the VIN Number. The VIN number will often also be welded on to or etched in to the chassis usually on the drawbar as confirmation.

Date of Manufacture

The date the caravan was made

Tare Mass

The weight of the caravan as manufactured. It doesn’t include extras ordered after manufacture or added to the caravan by the dealership. It won’t include include gas (sometimes even the bottles) or water in your caravans water tanks. A lot of caravans being made by major manufacturers are weighed when manufactured. It doesn’t appear that there is any legal obligation for them to do so as they can calculate it based on build specifications. If a manufacturer hasn’t weighed your caravan when applying the compliance plate then there is a possibility that your caravan may be heavier when empty than you thought. It’s probably a good idea to call in at a public weighbridge on your way home from picking up your caravan and checking it out.

ATM Rating

Maximum allowable weight of the caravan when not hitched to a vehicle

GTM Rating

Maximum allowable weight of the caravan whilst hitched to the tow vehicle. For more information on GTM, ATM read Caravan Weights Explained.

Axle Group Rating

Maximum allowable weight specified by the axle manufacturer. this is often higher than the GTM or ATM Rating (but should never be lower).

Ball Loading at TARE

Ball loading at TARE can be mistaken as a ball weight recommendation however this is not the case. Ball Loading at TARE is meant to be the ball weight of the caravan as manufactured. Taken when empty it is often misleading as the ball weight will change as soon as you load anything in to the caravan.

Maximum Permissible Ball Loading

The maximum allowable weight the tow ball weight can be when the caravan is fully loaded.

Tyres

Instead of asking your question about what is the recommended tyre pressure, size or type for caravan maybe a look at your caravan compliance plate would be a better starting point.

  • Rim Size and Profile
  • Tyre Size
  • Tyre Pressure cold at TARE
  • Tyre Pressure cold at GTM
  • Tyre Speed Rating

If you have any questions about tyre pressures don’t take my recommendation or the internets recommendation. Instead go to your your local tyre dealer.

Chassis Plate

The chassis plate is NOT the caravan compliance plate. Often a caravans chassis will have been built by a third party and they supply caravan chassis to many different caravan manufacturers. The chassis builder will often rate the chassis to a certain weight. This can be more than the GTM or ATM. Under no circumstances does it mean you can legally load your caravan to this weight.

Caravan Weights Explained

Caravan Weights Explained

Caravan Weights Explained

Caravan weights explained. Use the examples below to help you with weighing your vehicles to maximise your safety on the road. It is important to know the various weight criteria of your towing vehicle and caravan in order to stay legal. Your caravan will have its tare mass, maximum aggregate trailer mass (ATM) and maximum gross trailer mass (GTM) on the compliance plate. It is important to weigh your caravan to ensure that you do not exceed these maximum capacities.

Caravan weights Explained – Weighing Your Caravan

Caravan weights explained. Use the examples below to help you with weighing your vehicles to maximise your safety on the road. You can find the location of public weighbridges on the Department of Industry website.

There are also many companies that offer mobile weighing services. When weighing your caravan and tow vehicle it is important to know the level of accuracy of the weighbridge or mobile scales to make ensure your vehicles stay below the maximum carrying capacities. If you aren’t sure read the rest of this article caravan weights explained to find out more.

Tare Mass

Tare Mass is the weight of the caravan with no load. It includes all standard equipment and any options fitted. Think of it as the weight of the caravan when received brand new from the dealer. Tare mass is measured with all fluid reservoirs, if fitted and required for transport, filled to nominal capacity for service, however, non-transport fluid reservoirs such as water tanks and wastewater tanks fitted to caravans are measured empty. After-market optional add-ons (TV, mattresses, extra gas bottles, awnings etc) are not included in the tare mass and are considered as a load, so must be included in your ATM measurement. The tare mass weight of your caravan can be found on the cplate or in the manufacturer’s handbook.

Tare Mass Caravan Weights Explained

Tare Mass (Caravan)

Tow Ball Mass (tow ball download)

Tow ball mass (tow ball download) is the maximum mass allowed to be put on the tow ball of the towing vehicle. You can find the tow ball mass capacity in your coupling manufacturer’s handbook. To measure the tow ball mass you can use a ball weight scale. You must not exceed the tow ball mass capacity.

Tow Ball Download Caravan Weights Explained

Tow Ball Mass

Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)

Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is the total mass of the trailer when carrying the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer. The ATM is generally measured with the caravan unhitched from your towing vehicle and resting on its jockey wheel. The maximum ATM of your caravan can be found on the vehicle plate or in the manufacturer’s handbook and must not be exceeded. To measure your ATM, weigh your loaded caravan resting on its jockey wheel, including full water tank, gas tanks and everything you would pack to go travelling. Ensure that your measured mass does not exceed your specified ATM capacity.

ATM Aggregate Trailer Mass Caravan Weights Explained

ATM Aggregate Trailer Mass

Gross Trailer Mass (GTM)

Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) is the maximum mass recommeded by the manufacturer of your fully loaded caravan when it is hitched to your tow vehicle. The GTM of the caravan is transmitted to the ground by only the caravan tyres and excludes the mass distributed to the towing vehicle through the coupling. The GTM of your caravan can be found on the vehicle plate or in the manufacturer’s handbook and must not be exceeded. To measure your GTM, weigh your loaded caravan when it is attached to your towing vehicle, and make sure your measured mass does not exceed your specified GTM capacity.

GTM Gross Trailer Mass Caravan Weights Explained

GTM Gross Trailer Mass

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the maximum total mass of a fully loaded motor vehicle as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. For some passenger vehicles, it might be known as the Maximum Loaded Vehicle Mass (MLVM). To measure your loaded vehicle mass, weigh your fully packed towing vehicle, including passengers, with the caravan hitched and ensure it is less than your vehicle’s maximum GVM or MLVM.

GVM Gross Vehicle Mass Caravan Weights Explained

GVM Gross Vehicle Mass

Gross Combination Mass (GCM)

Gross Combination Mass (GCM) is the maximum mass set by your tow vehicle’s manufacturer and refers to the maximum combined mass of your loaded tow vehicle and your loaded caravan hitched together. Not all vehicles are provided with a GCM, but if it is, your vehicle manufacturer’s guide will provide you with the GCM of your tow vehicle. To measure the GCM, weigh your fully loaded towing vehicle hitched to your fully loaded caravan. Legally, you must not exceed the specified GCM capacity of your vehicle if a GCM is specified.

GCM Gross Combined Mass Caravan Weights Explained

GCM Gross Combined Mass

Where To Fill Caravan Water Tanks

Where To Fill Caravan Water Tanks

Where To Fill Caravan Water Tanks

Where to fill caravan water tanks is a very common question when free camping. Here we outline 15 different options as well as give some tips on how to get it done as well as some of the etiquette issues in play when you need to fill caravan water tanks.

Transferring Water From Jerry Can To Caravan Water Tank

Transferring Water From Jerry Can To Caravan Water Tank

Where To Get Water From When Free Camping

  1. Fill At Home
  2. Use WikiCamps To Find Potable Water
  3. Visitor Information Centres
  4. Caravan Parks
  5. Petrol Stations
  6. Parks
  7. Water Filling Stations
  8. Showgrounds
  9. Free & Low Cost Camps
  10. Creeks & Rivers
  11. Rainwater
  12. Cemeteries
  13. Council Depots
  14. Public Toilets
  15. At A Friend Or Family Members House

1. Fill At Home

It sounds pretty obvious but we always fill our tanks at home before heading off. Depending upon where we are going we might fill up a few jerry cans to take with us.

2. Use WikiCamps To Find Potable Water

Your absolute best guide to finding where to fill caravan water tanks is WikiCamps. Go into filters and turn off all of the options except for “Water Facilities” and apply. Then just search the area you are located in.

WikiCamps Where To Fill Caravan Water Tanks

WikiCamps Where To Fill Caravan Water Tanks

3. Visitor Information Centres

Visitor Information Centres usually have drinking water taps available for filling up caravan and camper trailer water tanks. Or use them to fill your jerry cans. Go inside and ask a staff member if you can’t see a sign saying “Drinking Water”. Don’t be tempted to fill up your water tanks from the tap at a dump point if the information centre has one as it might not be as clean as you would like it to be.

4. Caravan Parks

We don’t stay in caravan parks very often however we will often book into one so we can fill our water tanks and jerry cans with potable water. It’s also a good opportunity to catch up on a few loads of washing. Caravan parks will also have a dump point available so we get that chore knocked over and out of the way while in the park.

5. Petrol Stations

There is usually a potable drinking water tap at petrol stations. Often there is one out of the way where the air for pumping up your tyres is. Always ask the service station attendant before hooking up your water hose and filling your tanks – it’s the right thing to do. We only ever fill up at a petrol station if we have bought fuel. We’ve never been refused water at a petrol station. Of course make sure you won’t be in the way of anyone pulling in to fuel up.

6. Parks

Local parks are a good location to fill your water tanks. Sometimes the tap handle has been removed by the council as they don’t want people taking water. Be respectful of the locals. If you desperately need water and it’s the only place you can find it ask at the local Information Centre, call the local council or check with a local business first. You might need a four way tap key to turn the tap on.

7. Water Filling Stations

Some towns have water available for travellers in the form of coin operated water stations. Places that we have accessed water from a filling station are Coober Pedy in SA and Young, Molong and Murrumburrah in NSW. These all show up on the WikiCamps app. To get them to show in WikiCamps turn go into filters and turn off everything except “Water Facilities” and turn on “Cost”. It’s always a good idea to have a stash of coins available to use.

Water Filling Station At Young NSW

Water Filling Station At Young NSW

8. Showgrounds

Potable water is usually available at Showgrounds but it’s not always free. Use your WikiCamps App to see if they have an available water tap and if you need to camp there and pay a fee to fill up.

9. Free & Low Cost Camps

Lots of Free and Low Cost Camps have water taps on site available for you to use. If it’s a donation camp even if you aren’t staying throw some money in after filling up. It’s the right thing to do and you know it.

10. Creeks & Rivers

Creeks and rivers won’t give you potable water suitable for drinking, however it will generally be suitable for showering, washing your dishes or washing your clothes. Using it for these purposes will help conserve your onboard drinking water.

Have a look to see how clean the water is and make sure it’s fresh running water. You wouldn’t want to shower in water that has been sitting stagnant. Don’t take water from waterways in drought affected areas where water is hard to come by. What little water is there could be the only thing keeping the ecosystem alive.

We’d never put creek water into our drinking water tanks. Some people will have setups where they have one or two tanks for drinking water and another one for creek water. A simple way to keep some separation is to carry a jerry can just for creek water.

A tip for showering is to use a 12v shower pump and some creek water heated over a fire. Use a shower tent or if really remote you can just let it all hang out and go “au naturale”.

11. Rainwater

If it rains then put your annexe out and angle one corner so that you can collect the runoff in a bucket. There are even kits made to redirect the runoff directly into your tanks.

12. Cemeteries

Cemeteries can be a good location to fill your water tanks. Sometimes the tap handle has been removed by the council as they don’t want people taking water. Be respectful of the locals. If you desperately need water and it’s the only place you can find it ask at the local Information Centre, call the local council or check with a local business first. You might need a four way tap key to turn the tap on.

13. Council Depots

Council Depots can be a good location to fill your water tanks. Sometimes the tap handle has been removed by the council as they don’t want people taking water. Be respectful of the locals. If you desperately need water and it’s the only place you can find it ask at the local Information Centre, call the local council or check with a local business first. You might need a four way tap key to turn the tap on. Many water filling stations as mentioned previously are to be found at the local council depot.

14. Public Toilets

Public Toilets can be a good location to fill your water tanks. Sometimes the tap handle has been removed by the council as they don’t want people taking water. Be respectful of the locals. If you desperately need water and it’s the only place you can find it ask at the local Information Centre, call the local council or check with a local business first. You might need a four way tap key to turn the tap on.

15. At A Friend Or Family Members House

Don’t forget that your good old Aunty Ruby who lives in Morphett Vale has a perfectly good tap in her front yard! Call in for a cup of tea and a chat and top up those tanks while you’re at it.

Tips For Getting Water In To Your Caravan Water Tanks

Use an Inline Water Filter

Filter your water as it goes into your tanks. Generally town water throughout Australia is good drinkable water. However you just don’t know when and if something will end up in your tanks that will make you as crook as Rookwood and leave you blowing chunks by the following morning. An inline water filter will do the trick. You can get them cheaply off eBay. Attach it to your hose as you’re filling your tanks or jerry cans. The water goes through the filter before entering your tanks.

Inline Water Filter

Inline Water Filter

Carry Spare Hose & Tap Fittings

You should carry spare hose and tap fittings while travelling in a range of types and sizes. A roll of thread tape and some spare rubber fitting washers also can come in handy. Most taps don’t have a connection on them (they would if people didn’t knock them off) so bring your own (and don’t forget to take it with you).

Get A 4way Tap Key

It’s handy to carry a Tap Key. You can get them from Bunnings for about $20. They’re made of brass and have four different sizes to suit different tap spindles.

Often a public tap won’t have the handle on it. It’s most likely been taken off by the council to avoid vandalism. Having this key will enable you to get access to water at parks and sports grounds. Be careful to not steal water. It is good to have in case of emergency.

Extra Water Storage

  • Jerry Can
  • Water Bladder
  • 10L Water Containers
  • Collapsible Water Containers

You can only fit so much water in your caravan or camper trailer water tanks. Having extra water storage available allows you to increase your water storage capacity. It also provides a way to transport water from a water source to your caravan or camper trailer when they are already set up. Say you have a great spot by the lake and you need to fill up your tanks. If you hook your caravan up and take it in to town by the time you get back your primo spot will probably have been taken by someone else.

Water Restrictions

We live in a land often plagued by drought. Be very mindful that some towns in Australia are in severe drought. They can be struggling provide water to local residents so the last thing they need on top is travellers coming into town and filling up. If you know in advance that you be in a drought affected area fill up your tanks before you get there. Towns with currently with water restrictions will most likely have signage as you drive in to let you know.

How To Get Water From Containers In To Your Caravan Water Tanks

An easy way to transfer water from jerries in to your tank is with a 12v shower pump. We’ve used this method for many years – easier than standing there and holding the jerry as it glugs in slowly. The pump fits inside the big mouth ProQuip cans. For older small capped jerries we just upend it into a water drum and chuck the pump in. We’ve always used the long corded 12v shower pumps (they never last long) but our new one is rechargeable (usb) – have been using it heaps and we get about 200 litres between charges.

Kickass Shower Pump To Transfer Water To Caravan Water Tank

Kickass Shower Pump To Transfer Water To Caravan Water Tank