Caravan / Trailer Off-Grid in New Zealand Winter | Coromandel Town
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- Опубликовано: 20 окт 2024
- Explore the slightly warmer Coromandel over the New Zealand winter seemed like a good idea. But then it rained, and rained and rained.
I arrived at the NZMCA Coromandel Town campground, after a drive navigating the roadworks from sections washed away in previous storms. The campground was down a long driveway and opened onto a field. NZMCA is a New Zealand organisation with perks like very basic but cheap campgrounds. I left the gravel entrance and picked a spot on the other side for privacy if anyone turned up.
I knew the weather was going to turn in the next couple of days, so planned to sit it out before moving on. What I didn’t realise was the bad weather planned to hang around for a long time...
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Wow, that sunset and sunrise. Your weather is never boring!
Ha, we say it's 'four seasons in one day' here
Good for you. I am in Te Awamutu. I live in a caravan full time. Best decision ever to live this way to escape high cost of living, I have thought of down sizing to a smaller caravan to travel and work online. Seeing your video for the first time has got me thinking around those ideas again. Look forward to following your travels. You should call in if you are around in T.A even if you're traveling through. Safe travels
There is something awesome about being all cozy inside a caravan when it's raining outside!! Loving your adventures!
Especially when there's a thunder storm!
I love the scenic b-roll with your narration over it, it flows so well! Some seriously beautiful shots. This video is great insight into what caravan living is like. I'd be so stressed about water consumption. Seems like you've got in handled. I really enjoyed your filming style incorporating quick discussion clips of your experiences.
Thank you! I'm always trying to show as much as possible in as little time. Try and keep peoples attention!
Wow, how beautiful! I guess the others were intimidated by the roads. So cool that you're more adventurous than other people :) I dream of having a caravan one day! I hope you enjoyed your hike to the waterfalls. Thanks for sharing :)
Hi, I noticed that you have a mount for another gas bottle I always run 2. When one goes empty swap it over and get the empty one filled at your leisure. All the best...😁
And I eventually got a 2nd gas bottle too! I kept running out half way through cooking dinner🤦♀️
Such a beautiful and unique adventure exploring parts of New Zealand with a trailer. So much interesting information and things to consider for daily life in trailer like battery charge, gas station locations, weather conditions and much more. Thanks for sharing this video.
There is plenty to consider that I never even thought about!
I'm pretty sure I would go crazy! I can't imagine watching those puddles creep up and wondering if you'll be able to drive out. I'm impressed with how well you handled such rainy weather in a caravan off the grid!
I was definitely getting cabin fever by the end, haha
I just got back from two weeks in NZ. I absolutely fell in love with the country!
Oh great to hear! What type of accommodation did you stay in? What was your favourite spot?
Your not faint hearted there K ...always looking good x
haha thank you!
Sorry to see it was so rainy good thing you have the nice camper!
Excellent point washing long hair in such a shower! Interesting flip side of having a caravan, useful food for thought here. Glad you got it out.
I've now heard I could wash my hair if I change a few things in the caravan - keen to investigate!
It is not okay when it is raining, but caravan helps you to hide from bad weather. A few years ago we traveled with tent, and it was a lot of raining :) Thank you for sharing
Ohhhh a tent is tough in the rain! And crazy loud too!
Those were some wicked clouds in this video. And i can see the high winds blowing the flame out on fridge. And sometimes i think you have four wheel drive in that car of yours...lol Well Done Girl...👍
I was glad to have a grungy car to get out of there 😀
I know this is two years ago but I'm inspired by your videos. I just bought a caravan myself and towing it home was stressful. 😬
Great stuff K!! Love the sunrise. Well done doing all this solo too. I watch BusLifeNZ, your content is similar but a different twist again. Nice :)
Thanx! I'm a big fan of BusLifeNZ. Even meet one other mobile home RUclipsr at VidCon.
Great!! Surely your paths will cross sometime in NZ? They seem like lovely people :)
Winter caravanning, it can be nice sitting in the warm and watching the rain and wind outside but seems like it can get a bit much after three days in a row. You'll like caravanning here in Wales, last year one village had 85 days of rain in a row.
85 days of rain!! I was getting cabin fever after 3, haha. I imagine solar power isn't as popular there :P
Hi
Water useage....
Have you tried a Navy Shower....
Get in ,get wet...switch water off...soap down....switch on for a brief rinse off.
But I love my showers 🤣
Travelling K
I know...best feeling in the world..a long hot shower.
PS. The Navy shower.....I cannot expand on that...Fishal sekrets Akt ...you understand?
Love it when you upload! Feel free to park up in our driveway if you are ever in Wellington (safe neighborhood) and use our shower/washing machine etc (we live on the beach too!)
Oh, thank you! Really appreciate your offer :)
No problem!
Yay, you made it out :)
Love all your videos.
Thank you! 😀
Thank you for this. I couldn't believe when i searched NZ for caravan youtubes up you popped sitting in the exact one (470) I am considering buying. I recognized the couch pattern. It's great to see you using gas and power for various things as this will be a learning curve for me. I have hired a camper which I loved but keen to try caravan as detachable and cheaper. Did you enjoy your 470? Any issues other than shower? Ta Chris.
I wonder if you could set up the level your caravan just a few degrees so that the water in your shower drains away? Or is it the drain that's blocked?
I eventually learnt to be aware of the angle the caravan is on, haha. Always learning!
Are there wind turbines for caravan ? I’ve seen them on boats. That might help to charge your battery?
Hmm I'm not sure! I haven't seen one yet but I'll keep an eye out.
The wind blows the pilot light out on the fridge. The fridges are known for it.
As for the shower tray not emptying out.. look outside and see which grey pipe it comes out of.
Lean your van slightly that way. This will help flow. Also make sure your pipe you put into your waste container are not tangled. Also invest in a 1kw genny.
Hmmm good tips. Maybe I should look into the pipes under the caravan. Thank you!
drain pipes in uk caravans are usually made from plastic pipe that is ridged along its length and the ridges collect debris, soap, hair etc. and clog up. Just a thought.
I've only just found you :) really enjoying your adventures.
I'm getting great ideas from you videos before I make the leap to buy a caravan. However I'm interested in your perspective on power. I've come from a background of camping out of a rucksack and maybe there's something in that. For me, a caravan is a more comfortable tent - it's got some better electrical capacity and cooking facilities. For others on some of these videos (not yours) a caravan is a less-comfortable house, and they spend a lot of money and time trying to fit out their caravan to make it like a house.
Maybe there's a way to live within the capacity of the caravan, seeing the glass half full (I.e. better than a tent) rather than being half empty?
I'm learning a lot from your videos on how long it's possible to go between fully-serviced sites, how long it's possible to be 'off grid' etc.
Thanks and keep them coming!
A nice idea about seeing it as an improvement from a tent. Funnily enough, I've been going back to campsites that I've been previously in a tent and that's really highlighted to me how enjoyable a caravan is in comparison!
Hope all the videos help give you a good idea on power. It's been so much easier since getting a solar panel and upgrading my battery😃
Travelling K There's something satisfying about being able to hack it in a tent, which itself is an upgrade from camping with a tarp. Even so it takes something to live full time in a van and I'm really impressed with your 'warts and all' videos. NZ looks great too, it's a shame it's so far away!
Hi there. I’ve just started watching your videos and they are really cool. Was just wondering why in this video are you going to town to charge your laptop when you could just idle your car for 15min and recharge the battery ?
Hello! That's great to hear :) I currently don't have the car connected like that. Funnily enough, I've just been talking to a mechanic and that should be done soon.
Hi K I'm new to your videos but all Ready I'm finding them very interesting. I've got a couple of suggestions that might help you out. Firstly get yourself a spare gas bottle of the same size and type so when you think you might be running out you can switch it quickly without coming unstuck in the night when places are shut. The other thing is the shower drainage. Get to a campsite with a hose with a bit of pressure and blast it down the drain it will clear the pipe and drain much quicker then. 3rd thing is if you can afford a second battery again same size and type and wire it in parallel go for it you will have twice the battery capacity then. Loving your videos all Ready. Keep enjoying what you are doing 😊
Hello and thank you!
I have been considering getting a spare bottle - it's even already set-up for another! My one hesitation is the extra weight right at the front of the caravan.
I'll give your hose trick a go... the hose where I am has the pressure!
A better battery and then a 2nd battery to parallel with is definitely high on my to do list. Do you have a recommendation of what type?
Hey you could always travel with it in the boot of your car or secured somewhere at the back of your caravan. To be honest the weight of a small bottle negligible in my opinion (about 13kg) yes definitely try it could be that the pipes are slightly blocked as we're the ones in my caravan when I got it. As for a battery I had two 110ah batterys by numax I think it was and they seemed to work really well together 😊
I have the same battery, well, just one. But suspect I have damaged it by accidentally letting it go flat. Do you find you need to be careful with your power in the evenings?
Yes running on 12v alone you have to be very reserved with what you use. It might even pay to buy a very cheap/small generator say 800watt just to run for an hour or so every couple of days to put a burst of charge in your batterys and whilst it's on run the fridge from it too. I did damage the battery on mine by running it below 12v and after it wouldn't hold a charge but I have to say it was under 12v for quite some time. Just want to say I love what your doing very adventurous and brave 😊
Thank you! Good to know I'm not the only one who's damaged their battery, haha. I've been considering a generator - just to handle those multiple days of bad weather.
Hi K - re your rubbish bin - my caravan is also an english model and door bin is like yours and I got those door attachments at a low cost at the Tauranga RV shop so I am sure that they are readily available - great driving in the wet, as we know it can sometimes be a little nerve wracking!!!
Ohh, good to know! Wondering if I should get the same or put it elsewhere.
Hiya Karen - LOVE your videos. Am planning to do the same - with Gus, my sauasage dog, early next year onward.
I have a forklift license with fruit warehousing experience so am planning to follow the seasonal work - route.
With regards to keeping the rain out when stepping into your caravan...what is your thoughts on a pullout - type awning?
I have also been reading on some NZ Facebook groups that diesel heating is expensive to install but safer than gas and cheaper in the long run.. Your thoughts?
I am esp thinking of the cold winters in the south island and how to keep my pup cosy in the caravan in cold weather if I have to work night shifts.
(Will be leaving him at doggy daycare when working during the day...)🌸
Oh making use of your forklift license is a good idea!
A pull out shade does seem the easiest for quickly putting up. Or the air awnings seem the best idea for more long term structures.
People are raving about how great the diesel heaters are, but I don't know a lot about them yet.
I've heard you can also get a blanket that plugs into the power and stays warm? Does your dog chew things?
A very exciting adventure for you! Check out 'Young RVing Kiwis' Facebook Group.
looks fun , the fridge would stress me out, id escape too if i had no internet
Thanx :) The fridge is a little temperamental *sigh*. Can't live without my internet :P
Windy and rain, just like caravaning in Scotland lol. ps if the fields getting bad its a good idea to leave the car on solid ground, if you get really stuck try dropping tyre pressure to 20psi then re-inflate once on the road. ps love the vids
Oh, good tip with the 20psi! Thank you :) I've explore a little bit of Scotland and there was a lot of wind and rain, hahaha.
I have found that if you trade your gas bottle at the petro station, supermarkets and such that you get a smaller bottle than you trade in. Here in the states you normally use a 20 lb bottle and the bottle you get is a 15 lb bottle. That doesn't sound like a lot until you find out you need that 5 lbs of gas. At the rate I am viewing your vids I'm never going to catch up I'll always be 2 years behind. 😁
Oh that doesn’t seem fair!
Hi k , I live in Perth Australia and love yr videos on yr travelling , I'm addicted !!!!!! How long are you going to travel around ? Will you come to wa ? Ruth
Really great to hear! I'd love to travel around Australia one day and Perth would definitely need to be a stop. I've managed to visit Perth before and went exploring up to Broome - amazing landscape!
Hey again! I'm really interested in what you are doing and so I have a few questions =) You don't have to answer if they are intrusive or anything, I am just curious, are you travelling full time in your caravan? How long do you plan to caravan travel for? Do you have a route / long term idea or are you more about going with the flow and hitting the open road to see where things take you?
I imagine that keeping a caravan heated during winter in a cold country is expensive! Did you have to save up a lot before embarking on your adventures? Or do you travel occasionally and work in-between travelling?
Lots of questions! haha.
My main plan was to have my own home. I also knew I didn't want to live in Auckland, but wasn't sure where in New Zealand I wanted to live! I go more into it here: travellingk.com/live-in-a-caravan/ .
For the last year, I've freelanced as a graphic designer in Auckland for a bit, saved, then travelled in the caravan, then repeat. I've just started a part-time job out of Auckland and am enjoying the area! Part-time also gives me more time for video editing ;) I do enjoy travel, but also keen to have some land. Not 100% sure of my long-term plan...
The caravan is actually fine in winter! It's well insulated and the heater runs on gas or electric.
It took a while to save for the caravan, and adding the solar panels, but the rest has been ok. Well, the mechanic bills added up.
I enjoy your videos, just a quick observation ( I haven’t read all the comments so I apologise if this has been said before) I noticed you are only using one gas bottle, why don’t you have two? especially since you have a spare bracket just sitting there empty?
Never run out of gas just replace the empty one while running on the full bottle. Keep up the good work looking forward to your next.
Hi Gavin :) I eventually bought another gas bottle after running out of gas half way through cooking many times :P
With gas buy a second bottle. Worth it.
Yes, I ended up buying that 2nd gas bottle. Was sick of running out of gas while cooking!
Really enjoy your post Travelling K!
You need an iPad they are easier to charge take less power and work all day and night. Laptops take too much power and don't last long.
Thank you! I'm a fan of my laptop... I'll get it to work eventually :P
Travelling K
Sure thing keep using your laptop, you can use the ipad/tablet when your low on power
mmm, challenges of living in a camper. How long will you live in it?
Dave On Arrival no end date in mind 😉🚐
I'll be starting in the early summer
Karen, if you used a generator at the camp grounds you've stayed in do you think people would complain about the noise? Have you seen many on your travels? Thanks
I've heard there are quiet generators, but even those make noise. I could hear someones generator on the other side of a field and that was a quiet one!
I saw one of your videos where you had to carry the water tank. I use a hose and a ball cocktail just like one you would have in a toilet but you can also get ones that are for the outside fresh water tank. So as you draw water it just fills up as you use it.
Is that for when you are next to a tap? That sounds like such a good system!
Travelling K Yes I carry some 2 way tap splitters so other people can use the tap and then leave my hose permanently connected with the other end into a 20 litre container with the ball cocktail inside. So as you draw from the container it automatically refills. By the way we are members of the Lilliput Caravan Club and have just launched a hard covered 445 page book. If you are ever back in Auckland my wife and I would love to meet you.
a 2 way tap splitter is a good idea! Hmmm something I'm got to consider. I am definitely keen to hear more about the book! Is there a link? And I'd me more than happy to meet next time I'm in Auckland. Probably having a decent visit in the middle of winter.
Travelling K I have one copy of the book listed on Trademe at present just look under lilliput and books. They are a hard covered 445 page book. We have a few available from the club. My name is Robert and my wife is Nicola. Keep our number handy and we can even show you the system I was talking about and our Lilliput. Phone or txt. Regards Robert and Nicola.
Great thanx Robert! Found it on Trademe and looks like a good sized book!! Thinking you might want to delete your last message so you don't get spam phone calls? I've saved your number :)
the sunrise was AMAZING! why are there no people at the falls... can you swim there?
A couple arrived at the falls as I was leaving. Travelling in winter does mean there are a lot less people and it had been raining for 2 days solid at that point, haha.
Travelling K ok...thanks for the additional info.... cheers 😎👌
Hi from FRANCE !
It's always a pleasure to read your video !
1°) For the shower and long hear washing, i tell you about glueing a few hole off your head shower, it's going to improve you water pressure!
Did you try it ?
2°) In winter it's very useful to have a second gaz bottle.
3°) In winter and in camping set, it's very useful to, to were "gore tex" trek shoes, so your feet stay dry when you walk in wet grass.
4°) Could you tell us how the day pass , i think you are alone and sometime the time must be long no ?
Have a good trip.
See you soon.
Hello! I haven't had a chance to modify the shower yet, but I've also been told about how to improve the shower length :) High on my to-do list!
I'll be keen to get some gumboots - the New Zealand version to handle wet weather.
I have an internet modem that helps pass the time. There is always something to do on my laptop when it's raining... if my laptop has power!
Hello,
About electrical power !
You tell us in the video that battery isn''t enough full, due to bad weather
Have you look for a wind turbine ? ( it's work the night too !
) I accord you it's very expensive, but look on second hand sailing boat ?
A car battery park ( 2 or 3 battery connected in parallel with automatic or manual switch) give you a serious autonomy.
You could recharge them when you pull the caravan, or in using solar or wind generator
A other way is using fuell cell, EFFOY or EFOY i'm not sure of the coorectly name, and it's sell in NZ.
See you later, and the spring is comming in southern emisphere !
Landslides on roads would be very scary. I guess you really have to keep an eye on the roads.
Yes, there are certain parts of NZ where the weather can easily affect the roads
Hi just wondering..after living in your caravan if you had the choice to do over would you still choose a caravan over a class b type campervan and why...love your vlogs
Ohhh good question. I like that I can leave the caravan somewhere and explore with a normal car. Just watched a motorhome leave for the day and it would start to annoy me, needing to pack everything up every time I went somewhere. On the other hand, it is awkward driving around towing the caravan. Less places to park and I've avoided most gravel roads. I think caravans are for the slow travel and campervans for fast travel. Overall, glad I went with the caravan, but I'd maybe get a grunty off-road version for New Zealand roads. Are you unsure what way to go?
yes not sure...But like you say packing up a motor home every time could become monotonous... is the caravan you have one of the english imports ?.... grunty off road caravan would be the way to go or just get a suspension lift on a van like yours would also be good
I've got an English import. I've seen some impressive off-road caravans made in Australia, but they do jump in price!
i have a campervan and its not fast, im thinking of writing sorry on the back of it , so i wont get abused lol
Hi K, I'm about to embark on the same situation. Caravaning will be a first for me also. However, I will be buying a brand new twin axle Bayley, with solar panels installed. I will be avoiding camp sites and will be freedom camping only. Do you have a video on washing your clothes. I'm considering buying one on those caravan washing machines, have you used one?
Oh, that's exciting! What country? I currently either go to laundromats or use campground washing machines. TBH, not sure I have the room in the caravan for one!
New Zealand also
Fantastic! Would love to hear how you find it.
I'd like to keep in touch. I have an online Skype busines and I want to know if I can operate the business from the caravan and live off grid like you
I'd definitely look into Wireless Nation or Net Speed for good internet that you can move around with. Mine is just like if I was at home. The only bad areas are in the middle of the National Parks!
Just a thought on your water issue. Would it be a good idea to put the sink so you can reuse some of the soapy water when cleaning the dishes instead of it going down the drain. Also do you have any solar pannels on your roof?
Altho I don't really use much water for washing the dishes compared to showering. I do have a solar panel on the roof :)
Travelling K ah sweet that's cool. You drawing much power from it? Enough to power everything?
It's a 330W solar panel. I'm pretty sure I have a damaged battery and just need to upgrade. Then I should be set! Maybe get a generator as a back-up ;)
Sean Bond still figuring out how to handle multiple wet days 😜
Travelling K Panasonic hit 330? Gonna be ordering a pile of them soon for research. Have you got them directly hooked up to the battery or through a charge controller?
Just another question, if you had a petrol generator, would that make your caravan living easier?
I think it's more important to have good batteries that can give you plenty of Amp hours. What season are you coming into? I've actually been fine on my 100Ah battery since this video - but the weather is improving. But a generator would have been handy when it rained 3 days solid! Would you have room for one?
Hi thanks for the quick reply. Yes I will be buying a Toyota Hilux, with a covered rear, the generator will easily fit. I'm looking at a Honda generator
I've heard good things about the Honda Generator :)
what about using your car engine to supply power to the caravan. Is that a possibility?
I've thought about that too. I think either this or generator would be a good energy back-up. Are you concerned you'll run out of power?
Thanks for your reply. No not in my case, I was thinking of a solution for you as a backup. I will definitely be using a generator. I'm off to Auckland next week to go to the RV super centre and check out these solutions and also installing a washing machine in my tow vehicle.
Have you got the vehicle now? Very exciting :)
I think I'm ok with power now that summer is arriving. Might get a tiny generator for next winter.
my water runs out mid shower, typical!
That's the worst timing!
would be a good idea to have 2 gas bottles
It's now on my wishlist, haha. Have run out at inconvenient times in the last month.
Could you not kneel down outside the bathroom and lean in to wash just your hair?
I thought it might work better to have a bucket of hot water for the hair... haven't tried it yet!
Maybe invest in a tablet. it doesn't use up much power or to charge as much as the laptop. I can charge both my phone and tablet through my 80 W solar panel 😊
But then I wouldn't be able to edit my videos! haha
Travelling K oh so true lol
Oops I just said the same thing,
you can edit your videos on iPad just need the right app
Time to invest in a 2nd gas cylinder....:)
Yes, I did get the 2nd bottle and it’s been extremely useful
you seem to need s brolly, galoshes an a rain coat me :) no sun, no solar, battery charger, an for that, powered sites are real kool k! yeh, ok gennies are good, but expensive, electric an fuel ones are heavy. nice 1 m8
It was a wet stay 🤣