A Little TLC

On Monday, 13 October 2025, we packed our van as if we were going on holiday. We then went to the local Coffs Harbour weighbridge and took the van to ABCO Caravan Repairs the following day, Tuesday, for a service and some updates. There was no rush, as our holiday was not scheduled until sometime in the new year.

ABCO Caravan Services has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality work. Many Bushtracker owners rely on it for repairs, particularly because it is the only service centre outside the Bushtracker Factory in Queensland that specialises in this brand.

After installing the Starlink Mini on our Chevy's roof rack, we can maintain a reliable internet connection for our van and vehicle while on the road. It significantly eases communication and entertainment on the road. Our Oyster Satellite Dish on the caravan's roof lets us access free-to-air TV with a VAST decoder, offering a variety of viewing options while camping. As a result, we removed the old TV aerial from the van's roof because it's no longer needed with our satellite and internet systems.

The current springs in the Simplicity Load Sharing Coil suspension might be underrated. Darren from ABCO confirmed this after reviewing the weighbridge measurement. Once the new springs arrive and are installed, he will also service the van, checking the bearings, brakes, and wheel alignment. Since a new Bushtracker represents a significant investment, it's crucial to get the right springs from the start. Unfortunately, our experience hasn't reflected this, as Bushtracker acknowledged the springs were incorrect but chose not to replace them, leaving us to cover the cost.

During our trip to Tasmania, our Bulldog electric jack malfunctioned; we could raise it, but had to manually retract it. It has now been replaced by a more durable Black Jack Maxi, whose base folds flat when retracted. We asked Darren to ensure that, when the new jack is raised, it fits tightly within the A-frame's contour. We are delighted with the result he achieved by designing it this way.

We also bought a canvas jack cover and a drawbar cover from our local Drifta and Camping store, which makes excellent products.

 

While we've truly enjoyed using our Nature's Head composting toilet, we've chosen to switch to a more compact, ergonomic model. The OGO Origin fits well in our combined ensuite. It offers the same excellent features, plus the added convenience of a button that automatically stirs the coir after use, unlike the manual handle on the Nature's Head.

Showing the exhaust fan outlet and the power supply connection.

An accumulator tank has been installed alongside the new Seaflow RV Supreme MK2 water pump. This configuration offers several advantages: it ensures smoother water flow, minimises noise, and extends the pump's lifespan by reducing cycling. The SHURflo Accumulator is a bladder-style pressure tank that also dampens pulsations, pressurising and stabilising water flow. Overall, the accumulator helps to make the system quieter, reduce power consumption, and lessen water pulsation, contributing to a more efficient and durable setup.

We've upgraded our internal Thirsty Nomad water filter to a newer, more efficient model that provides improved purification. Additionally, we've improved our external filter to a 1-micron bore water and sediment filter, guaranteeing even cleaner water.

I bought an aluminium door handle on eBay to replace the plastic one we'd broken before, which wasn't fit for purpose.

 

In our previous Bushtracker, the bathroom occupied the entire rear of the van, wasting space. Considering how much time we actually spend in there, it wasn't ideal. Our current van, however, features a larger combined ensuite. The only minor drawback is the older exhaust fan it originally had. We replaced it with a high-quality three-speed exhaust fan that prevents mirror fogging and significantly improves comfort. Thankfully, I don't wear a toupee; it would be sucked away by the new fan's suction.

Having the van at ABCO was very convenient because they removed our rims and tyres for us. They then took them to a nearby tyre outlet, where we installed BF Goodrich 265 x 75 x 16 KO3S tyres. This significantly simplified the process and made it less stressful.

Our van has been at ABCO for nearly four months, just four days short of that mark. It was great to pick her up and bring her home to repack and prepare for our upcoming trip.

Chev Suspension Upgrade

We booked our Silverado into Vehicle Transformations last week, located in Beresfield, just outside Newcastle. We had heard glowing reports about their workmanship and quality on several Facebook sites, and we are glad we did.

The suspension enhancement incorporated a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) Kit, which features heavy-duty rear leaf springs specifically designed for the Silverado 3500, complemented by additional leafs. This modification also entailed the installation of spring hangers and mounts from the Silverado 3500HD. Furthermore, the front torsion bars and upper control arms were recalibrated. As a result of these adjustments, the existing Boss load helper airbags have achieved improved compatibility.

The modifications made to our Chev are impressive, and the difference in ride quality is unquestionably better than before we dropped her off. We could notice the difference within the first 100 metres once we left their premises.

Silverado 3500HD spring hangers and mounts.

Additional leafs.

Our New Starlink setup

Previously, we purchased a Starlink Gen 2 unit mounted on a pole, connected to our generator box. However, its size made it awkward to store, forcing us to run our inverter to use the dish.

We ordered the Starlink Mini ahead of our four-month trip to Tasmania. Its integrated router provided reliable performance, enabling us to stream television shows and use our mobile devices over Wi-Fi without any issues. To power the Starlink Mini, we purchased a 12-volt power solution from All Terrain Action, a Melbourne-based company. Our order included a 12V to 48V converter, an Anderson 50A connector, a 25 cm output wire with a 7.5 amp fuse, and a 30 cm long 16 AWG 5.5x2.1 mm female connector. We connected the Anderson plug to our Anderson outlet on the drawbar, which powers our electric jack.

Upon returning home, we considered permanently mounting the mini dish on the canopy of our Chevrolet. We were interested in a solution from Outcamp, a South Australian company, that offers a remote-controlled 12V to 24V power supply with an Anderson plug. This package includes two remote controls that can turn the mini dish's power on and off from up to 50 metres away. 

Remote-controlled power supply.

Our Outcamp remote-controlled power supply is attached to the inside of our canopy to power our Mini Starlink dish.

Rouge Canopies, based in Dubbo, New South Wales, manufactures a mount that attaches to the crossbars of our canopy. The Rouge Canopies Starlink Mount is only 46.46 mm high, allowing us to drive into our garage without needing to remove it. The mount features a black textured powder coat that matches our Midnight Edition Chevy. 

You can also purchase a 3mm UV-stabilised polycarbonate cover, available in black or clear. We chose the transparent cover to enhance heat transfer, especially during camping trips in Northern Australia. Additionally, we ordered a three-metre power cable to replace the original fifteen-metre cable that comes with the mini dish. The new cable will connect to the power supply linked to our lithium battery in the canopy.

Starlink has unveiled a new plan called Standby Mode, which we have adopted. This upgraded Pause feature ensures that you stay connected, even when you’re not actively using your regular service plan.

For just $8.50 per month, you gain access to unlimited low-speed data, making it perfect for essential activities such as making calls, sending texts, and effortlessly reactivating your service during emergencies or in areas with limited coverage. Furthermore, you'll continue to receive important software updates, keeping your system running smoothly and up to date with the latest enhancements.

Tasmanian Trip Costings

Below are the costs from our recent four-month trip around Tasmania, starting from our home on the NSW mid-north coast. We left home on January 5, travelled to Tasmania on January 20, returned to the mainland on May 21, and came back home on June 7.
The return trip on the Spirit of Tasmania boat for a 4WD and caravan at 16 metres, with two-berth cabins both ways, totalled $2,438.18.
 
Accommodation costs at caravan parks in Griffith, NSW, and in Tasmania, at the following sites: Cradle Mountain, Bothwell, Cambridge Park near Hobart, Port Arthur, Ross, Bridport, and Port Fairy in Victoria, on our return from Tasmania, totalled $1,917.98.
 
The national park stay was at Mt Field, costing $80.00.
 
Our low-cost camping fees totalled $1,137.46.
 
Tour expenses, covering the Woolnorth Tour to Cape Grim, the Macquarie Harbour and Gordon River Cruise, the West Coast Wilderness Railway, the Cape Raoul boat trip, the Isle of the Dead boat tour, Port Arthur entry fees, the Bruny Island cruise, and the Maria Island cruise, amounted to $3,008.00.
 
During the trip, we travelled a total of 10,345 kilometres and consumed 2,290 litres of fuel, with an average of 22.14 litres per 100 kilometres. Considering Tasmania's terrain, we are quite satisfied with these results.

Belgrove Distillery - Kempton Tasmania

This blog entry couldn't be posted until a family member, who reads this blog, received their birthday present we bought from this distillery.

 

While staying at Bothwell in the Highlands, we drove to the outskirts of Kempton in the Tasmanian Midlands to tour Peter Bignell's Whisky Distillery.

Peter distinguishes himself from other whisky makers by cultivating his own rye corn on his land. During our visit, he had a plentiful supply of rye and was waiting for a contractor to harvest his already sold field, which was prepared for loading onto a ship heading to the mainland.

He also developed his own copper, running on biofuel made from the unused cooking oil of the roadhouse we saw earlier. In fact, his forklift tractors and hot water systems are all powered by this used cooking oil. Thanks to the farm sheds on his property, Peter can also reuse the collected water for brewing and dilution.

We purchased two bottles: one was 100% Rye whisky aged in Pinot Noir casks, and I also bought a bottle of his Frankenstein whisky for myself, which contains grappa and remnants of leftover liqueurs and spirits that Peter produces.

Over the past four years, the globally acclaimed Jim Murray's Whisky Bible has awarded seven Belgrove whiskies as Liquid Gold, including naming it the best whisky in the southern hemisphere in 2019.

Into New South Wales and heading home

We departed Longwood under light rain, joining the Hume Highway heading north toward the New South Wales border. It had been years since our last drive on this route, and we were glad to see that Wodonga and Albury now feature bypass roads. We made a quick stop in Tarcutta for coffee and a toastie, then proceeded to Jugiong, where we intended to stay for two nights.

The site requests a donation, which we are happy to provide. Water taps and rubbish bins are located throughout the area, along with a dump point.

Interestingly, there are two spots here that serve excellent food. The first is The Sir George, offering both accommodation and a restaurant, while the second is the Long Track Pantry, serving seasonal breakfast and lunch dishes.

Although we were away from the highway, the hum of trucks was still audible, but we both managed a good night's sleep.

We loved our morning coffee at the Long Track Pantry so much that we decided to buy a kilogram bag of their coffee. This way, we can enjoy our morning brew until we get home. We also purchased two on-site meals: butter chicken and slow-cooked lamb, which we'll enjoy on our journey home—especially if the weather becomes stormy, as forecasted.

Today's lunch at The Sir George consisted of a wood-fired pizza and Stone and Wood beers.

On our second morning at Juigong, it was pretty cold, with temperatures dropping to -1.5 °C. We positioned the van to catch the first sunlight, while the diesel heater kept us warm and comfortable.

After debating whether to extend our trip or head straight home, we decided we could be back in four days.

On Thursday, June 5, we travelled through Young along the Olympic Way, turned west at Bathurst, and took the Great Western Highway to camp at Lake Wallace, just outside Wallerawang and near Lithgow. 

The trip covered 297 kilometres. We had previously camped here in early January during our southward journey, and it's a large, free camping area. The butter chicken we bought at Juigong was delicious, and the pack provided enough for two meals. Although we didn't have rice, we enjoyed it with pasta from our pantry.

It was extremely cold overnight, with this morning's temperature at -3.5 degrees.

On Friday, June 6, we travelled north along the Castlereagh Highway to Mudgee. From there, we took a minor road through Ulan to connect with the Golden Highway, heading east toward Merriwa, where we initially planned to camp overnight.

However, due to the King's Birthday weekend, Merriwa was extremely crowded, with many campers and busy streets. Therefore, we decided to keep going further east to Jerry's Plains, a favourite spot of ours, which is 80 kilometres farther. Tonight, three Bushtrackers are camping there.

On Saturday, 7 June, we initially planned to drive to Buladelah. However, after travelling additional miles the day before and noting that the Pacific Highway has a dual carriageway, we chose to return home. We stopped briefly at a rest area just before Taree for coffee and a sausage roll. It had been five months and one day since we left home in January.