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Scroll down the page for
a complete contents summary, a Preface and a sample chapter
from The Camper Trailer Book
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Despite the huge number of camper trailers in use, and seemingly ever-increasing
demand, very little reliable unbiased advice about them is available.
This is especially true of matters such as suspension and tyres, fridges
and electrical systems. These and many related matters are also bedevilled
by often inaccurate and misleading sales advice, and particularly by
campfire and Internet mythology.
The Camper Trailer Book is a companion to
the author's four other related titles. Its 24 chapters cover virtually
all aspects of camper trailers and their use: including the chassis and
suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres, the towing vehicle, batteries and
their charging, solar, building and modifying, trip preparation, safety
issues, where and how to travel. There is also a comprehensive list of
what you may need when you travel - plus the weight of each item.
Above all, this is a practical book.
It describes approaches that will work, not just approaches that
may work. As with all Collyn Rivers' books, it combines well-researched
comment with easy readability.
A précis of all types of camper trailer and their suitability
for purpose (particularly off-road use): it also gives a good indication
of what you can expect to get at what price. The chapter includes a
brief run-down on kitchens and appliances (particularly fridges), water
storage and filtering and lighting. It also shows how to carry a boat.
This chapter explains the whys and how's of trailer suspension. In particular
it covers the differences between beam axle and independent suspension,
and the respective merits of each. It also stresses the need for
shock absorbers if suspension is to be effective.
Trailers under weighing 750 kg (including load) need not be braked,
but it makes sense to have them if travelling off-road because and
unbraked trailer can push its towing vehicle sideways on a slippery
descent. But as this chapter shows, there are brakes and brakes …
Did you know that many of the cheaper new trailers are sold with second-hand
tyres? And why this is not a good idea?
Petrol versus diesel, two wheel drive or four? This chapter covers
all aspects of selecting a suitable towing vehicle.
More nonsense is spoken about this topic than most others matters involving
camper trailers combined! There's nothing magical or mysterious about
them - but they do not necessarily work as most people think. This chapter
may tell you more than you had in mind knowing - but that's better than
knowing too little. Or worse, believing stuff that's simply not true.
Comments regarding battery charging are much as for batteries. By the
end of reading this chapter you will know more about battery charging
than many of the people who sell batteries.
The only truly effective way of keeping track of battery charge works
the same way we keep track of money. Counts what comes in, count
what goes out (including losses). Subtract one from the other and
the resultant amount is what you have left.
It is perfectly feasible to run a camper trailer rig totally from solar
(and the author's new Nissan Patrol and Tvan does just that), but to do
so, making the right choice of fridge is vital.
This chapter brings together all - the loose electrical ends! It shows
how to establish the numbers required, how to estimate the approximate
costs, how to rough out a system.
A detailed study of six actually existing systems - including one that
is a study in how NOT to do it.
This very comprehensive chapter and well-illustrated chapter provides
all that you need to know to successfully put together your own electrical/solar
system. It includes details of a major wiring trap that catches out only
too many - including some professional installers.
A brief guide to what is involved in building or modifying your own
camper trailer.
A thorough guide to preparing vehicles and trailers, particularly for
big trips. It includes details of three outback essentials. The first
is WD40 (for things that are meant to move but don't). You'll need to
buy the book to know about the other two.
I have included this chapter because it is particularly relevant to
some hard sprung camper trailers. You are unlikely to find this information
anywhere else. It is not even included in engineering courses.
How to keep in touch electronically.
All aspect of travelling safely: how to avoid being hassled, the dangers
of trees, taking fire seriously, what to do about small things that bite,
what to do about medium-0sized things that bite, what do to about seriously
large things (like estuarine crocs) that bite, how not to get lost, the
risk of flash floods, all you need to about cyclones, how not to get bogged
in sand and mud - and how to get out if you do.
This chapter IS boring. I know this because I wrote it. But it's all stuff
you seriously need to know to stay legal. It explains the law regarding
drinking alcohol whilst camping, the definition of 'camping', vital stuff
about fishing licences (get this wrong and you may have both towing vehicle
and trailer confiscated). It also explains how to vote if permanently
on the road, ditto re licences and registration etc.
This chapter includes reliable advice on what vehicle you need to safely
go where. It includes advice on water and fuel availability in the
more remote areas.
This list has been developed, refined and proven over the years. Few people
will need everything listed - in fact if you feel you do then you are
almost certainly carrying far too much. If it is not listed you are almost
certain not to need it. As years go by and camping experience increases
you'll find you need less and less.
This listing indicates what to carry (a) if travelling on mostly bitumen
roads in more or less populated areas and (b), what to carry if you
travel extensively in the outback.
This chapter will not make you an expert - but it tells you virtually
all that you need for most practical purposes.
Collyn Rivers spent his early years in practical
down-to-earth engineering. He later became a research engineer with General
Motors. In the 1960s he drove a big mobile laboratory twice across the
length and breadth of Africa - including two full Saharan crossings.
He spent further years designing and building
equipment from nuclear scanners to 500-tonne concrete testing presses.
In 1970 he totally switched career to found and develop what became the
worldwide "Electronics Today International" (ETI) magazine.
Collyn also founded other publications in electronics, computing, telecommunications
and music - including the very successful "Australian Communications".
From 1982-1990 he was technology editor
of "The Bulletin" and also "Australian Business".
He also wrote the Federal Government's Guide to Information Technology.
Collyn's companion volumes are "The Campervan & Motorhome Book",
"Motorhome Electrics", and "Solar That Really Works"
(currently in separate caravan and motorhome editions).
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