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Refrigeration
A problem which travellers often have is the unsatisfactory operation of refrigeration without the availability of mains power, particularly in hot, dusty conditions. The most common complaints are of flat batteries and fridges not keeping cold in hot weather. Aussie Swag Campers has been successfully operating refrigeration in its campers since 1987 and since then has continually kept up with the latest advances in technology. Travellers can be assured that refrigerators will operate successfully without having to run a generator day and night.
(Refer to the price lists for the various fridge/freezer options.)
The special, two compartment box made by Aussie Swag Campers fits a large range of 12 volt compressor driven fridges ( fridgeOptions.pdf (253.79 KB)). The fridge box is lockable and vented with removable dust filters. A thermostatically controlled fan inside the fridge box improves refrigeration efficiency. The 80 litre Waeco fridge/freezer and slide is standard on the Ultra and Explorer.
An 80 litre Waeco fridge/freezer with 3 compartments slides out inside the annex
and operates in a dust free, vented, insulated storage box from the battery pack
Handy and easy access to the fridge is essential on long, hot trips
Electric Hot Water System (Standard on the Ultra E.)
An electric hot water system, hard plumbed and wired into the camper, is available for hot showers and hot water in the kitchen. The hot water system runs from either 12v or 240v, so you can heat water while driving or use a generator when camped for longer periods. It's electric, so it's safe, clean and easy to use. On 240v power (mains or generator), it takes ten minutes to heat the ten litre holding tank of water to 70 degrees C and can then supply hot water continuously to the shower or kitchen. On 12v it takes fifty minutes to heat the water, but can be safely run while driving, saving both time and battery power, as the trailer's batteries are being continually recharged by the tow vehicle. Left on while driving, hot water is available instantly throughout the day for roadside stops or for a shower after a long day's drive.
The electric hot water system works particularly well in conjunction with charging the batteries in order to power the fridge and other 12v appliances. Even though the Ultra comes with a 130 watt solar panel, in real world camping solar power is not always avaiable, the sun not being out or the camp site being especially shady. Therefore after two days camped with no sun, the on board batteries (210 a/h) will be depleted by 12v use (mainly fridge) and need recharging. Running the generator for 40 minutes through a 60 amp charger puts 40 amps of power back into the batteries which is ample charge if done daily. Showering 2 to 4 people takes about 40 minutes, so with the generator running during shower time, the batteries are charged to an adequate level at the same time that the water is heated. This 'two birds with one stone' system takes the hard work out of keeping the batteries charged and let's you just enjoy your holiday with hot water and a cold fridge.
Using the Hot Water System
External Water Source
To save the water in the 130L on board tank for drinking and kitchen use, an external connection pumps water from a jerry can or bucket directly into the heater. When operating on 240v (generator) the water is heated continuously for luxuriously long showers. When you're out of water, simply take the jerry can to the nearest water source and refill. The on board water can be saved for drinking and cooking while the shower water can be from undrinkable sources such as creeks. This solution is far more practical than having a second tank as even with a 60L tank (only the equivalent of three jerry cans) once it is empty there are no more showers until it is refilled which is not always possible.
An added benefit of pumping water directly from an external source is that you can easily monitor water usage. This feature is especially useful with children as it is so easy to go through 20L in one shower without realizing it. Also, when adjusting the flick mixer to get the required water temperature, the unused water can be directed back into the jerry can, again saving water.
The Honda 20i generator (standard on the Ultra) is on a slide for easier access. The space under the slide stores a tarp.
Using the external water source
Ultra G. (Gas)
Although the electric hot water system is an excellent performer, clean, fast and efficient, and works well in conjunction with keeping the batteries topped up for the fridge, some people predominantly like to camp in National Parks on the east side of Australia where generator use is often prohibited. While the electric heater can be run on 12v for one or two days from the battery supply, longer stays are problematic.
As such, Aussie Swag Campers also has a gas/solar based model, the Ultra G. Instead of the electric water heater, a Truma 14 litre gas powered water heater is used which takes 34 minutes to heat the water to 70 degrees and uses 120 g/h of gas, ensuring safe and fast water heating for the shower and kitchen. The external water source is also fitted to the gas heater for efficient and accurate water usage management. The gas bottles are upgraded to two 9 kg for extended range.
To maintain battery charge for the fridge and other 12v requirements, there is an extra 130 watt solar panel included in the Ultra G package. It is mounted above the current panel, so one still charges in transit, and when camped both panels together can charge up to a massive 16 amps an hour.
The solar/gas combination of the Ultra G allows for extended stays in National Parks with all the comforts of the Ultra E.
Truma Water Heater ensconsed in checker plate box. All controls are readily accessible.
Shower Room
A shower room made from quick drying but water proof, high quality nylon velcros onto the front side of the camper trailer and is used with a portable hot water shower or with the inbuilt hot water system and shower that is standard on the Ultra. A screen made from the same material as the shower room can be fitted around the offside awning up to the rear door for added privacy.
A Solar panel can charge the battery when 240 volt power is unavailable. The panel is carried on top of the fridge box and comes with a long lead and supporting legs for use away from the trailer. A 130 watt solar panel with 5 metre extension cord and security cable is standard with the Ultra. In ideal conditions this panel can charge at up to 8 amps an hour. On a clear winter's day it can charge at about 6.5 amps an hour.
Aussie Swag Off Road Camper Trailers
Tel: 07 3881 1903
Fax: 07 3881 1730
ausinfo@aussieswag.com.au
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