Modern off-grid power systems are changing what is possible for self-drive tourists, and the EcoFlow system stands at the forefront of this technological shift. For premium recreational vehicles, the goal is to achieve next-level luxury, and a robust power system is the key to truly unleashing that potential.
What is the EcoFlow Power Kit?
At the heart of this capability is the EcoFlow 10kW off-grid power solution. This substantial system is managed by an advanced EcoFlow battery management system, which offers convenient control through either a dedicated app or a digital display. It presides over a massive 10kW of lithium battery storage, providing the capacity needed to run numerous appliances for extended periods away from powered sites.
How a 10kWh System Delivers Off-Grid Luxury
This core system is part of a comprehensive energy solution. It integrates seamlessly on the Paradise Independence Platinum with a high-capacity 1140W solar array, ensuring the batteries are constantly being recharged by the sun. For situations where solar power is insufficient, a powerful 4000W inverter-generator provides reliable backup power, ensuring a consistent and uninterrupted energy supply. This combination of high-capacity storage, solar charging, and generator backup creates a truly self-sufficient touring experience.
Seeking a cooler to match your vibe at camp? New Aussie Brand Kodiak has just launched a range of beautiful heavy-duty hard camping coolers with optional matching cascade bottles and chug mugs in six fun campsite-friendly colours.
Style and Substance: 5-Day Ice Retention in Six Colours
Equipped with waterproof sealing, the rotomolded interior of a Kodiak hard cooler can retain ice for up to 5 days without creating mess at camp thanks to its leakproof design. While the smooth UV protected exterior–in a choice of orange, white, kharki, pastel mint and sand–ensures these coolers are easy to clean and retain their distinct look for years to come.
Other Stand Out Features
The sliding handle’s padded grip keeps cartage easy, with heavy-duty latches, tie-down slots and leakproof seal ensuring your happy hour snacks, sips and snags are well chilled and secure. There’s even an embedded bottle top opener to lighten your packing load.
Kodiak Coolers, available in Four Sizes
Kodiak coolers come in a choice of four sizes–15L, 22L, 32L and 42L–with the two ‘hero sizes’, the 22L retailing for $329.95 and the 32L available for $389.95.
While the campfire may be king on a wintery day, few things beat predawn chills faster than the blast of a diesel-powered heater when camping up. At the Heathcote Queen Meadow Caravan Park we actually spotted one that’s locally made, the AU Focus 2kW MZ diesel heater, fitted to the Freebirds Dream Duo 20.6 that was perfect for our off-grid camp.
One of two AU Focus models available, the AU Focus MZ ‘Gen4’ features a 10-speed fan for fine-tuning air distribution and a responsive thermostat sensor that kicks in with a 2°C drop.
Fuel Gauge and Checker-Plate Cover
Freebirds fitted the AU Focus LCD panel with dial control bedside with the 5L stainless steel tank by the AU Focus checker-plate cover shielding on commute. It’s easy to keep track of the fuel reserve here, too, thanks to the large fuel gauge up top.
AU Focus has been supplying caravan manufacturers and DIY enthusiasts with diesel heaters for six years.
Unleaded petrol is a class 3 flammable liquid but if you’re carrying small quantities to fuel a genie or top up the petrol-powered fourbie you don’t need a special licence. It must be loaded, secured, segregated, transported and unloaded safely though. To help you achieve this any portable container storing unleaded fuel must be considered fit for transferring dangerous goods, unaltered and in good condition, which is where the humble AS/NZS-approved jerry fits in.
The Importance of the AS/NZS 2906:2001 Standard
Jerry cans must withstand a lot. Thankfully, AS / NZS 2906:2001 Fuel Containers – Portable – Plastic and Metal really puts them through their paces. It is recognised in Australian legislation governing the safe storage and transport of fuel and is the only one covering the manufacture of plastic fuel jerries. Jerry cans meeting this standard are labelled by fuel type and include vital hazard and safety advice recognised globally.
How Jerry Cans Are Tested for Safety and Durability
To meet the standard, manufacturers subject samples to a testing regime, assessing their strength and handle integrity, ensuring they seal safely without tools, that they’re leak-proof under pressure or upside down, meet gasket design specifications, can withstand a fall and maintain their integrity for a certain period when exposed to flames. The standard also stipulates things like outlet dimensions and breather location for easier pouring.
Why Are Unleaded Petrol Jerry Cans Red?
Although AS / NZS 2906:2001 compliant jerry cans are designated by fuel types, some manufacturers also adopt colour-coded systems like the one created by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council (AFAC) to help you identify the right jerry for your needs. For unleaded petrol jerries, that colour is usually red.
Best Practices for Storing and Transporting Jerry Cans
Travellers must transport unleaded fuel safely, but how that looks for camper trailers isn’t spelt out. You want to prevent fuel vapours from congregating, especially in a passenger-carrying cabin. So think separate and ventilate. Secure your jerry cans, on a tray if possible. A well-ventilated external storage locker away from ignition sources is also ideal. Just keep in mind your vehicle weights.
Rules and Safety Tips for Filling Jerry Cans at the Servo
Generally speaking, travellers carrying unleaded in portable containers for personal use can store up to 250L. In some states, that figure maybe higher, or may also include diesel as with Queensland. But there is a catch. Service station pumps cannot dispense unleaded into portable containers greater than 25L, which is different for diesel. Static electricity is the risk here, which is why we fuel jerry cans earthed on the ground. Holding the jerry can will reduce the risk further. There are limits to what you can store at home depending, too, on where you store it and what you store it with. For unleaded, in a garage attached to your house, that’s 25L. But that’s plenty for a long and cosy camp off-grid.
With fully electric caravans coming more freely available, caravan appliance designs have followed suit like this clever 4-in-1 Microwave with Induction Cooktop combo from Hawk we spotted at the Melbourne Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo in a Freebirds Clan East twin single bed full electric caravan with recliners.
Tucked neatly beneath the bench-top, the versatile 4-in-1 Microwave with Induction Cooktop comprises a microwave, grill, convection oven, and air fryer modes–for quick reheats to full meals on the open road.
Integrated Induction Cooktop
The integrated induction cooktop adds another level of convenience, providing fast, efficient, and precise stovetop cooking. It’s a fitting match for the Freebird’s 48V power system, making the most of available space without compromising on performance.
With a boxed weight of 27kg and cut-out dimensions of 500 x 455 x 348 mm, it fits seamlessly into the layout, offering a modern cooking solution that combines efficiency, safety, and ease of use – ideal for life on the road.
When you visit amazing, remote destinations like Yardie Station on the Ningaloo Coast, water is a precious resource that must be shared. One way to tackle it is via a handy Dual Tap Manifold, a.k.a, splitter spotted by Colin Hopgood, traveller, plumber and inventor of the B.E.S.T. water filter.
But this quality splitter doesn’t just help when water sources are limited, it can also save yourself a soaking at pack-up and provide a great storage hack when storing hoses, cutting down on mess when pulling up stumps at camp.
Here’s how Colin Hopgood from B.E.S.T. water filters uses this versatile water sharing device!
Style and Substance: 5-Day Ice Retention in Six Colours
