We are pleased to announce that we have 14 new units available ranging from small to medium in size or 8 cubic metres up to 40 cubic metres.
These are highly secure with access via an access controlled gate, then a main roller door and lastly each unit’s own roller door.
Take advantage of our flexible terms, security and ease of access and snap one up today!
We’re pleased to announce the commissioning of our new Access Controlled Gate as of the 3rd of July! This completes the stage one upgrade of our security at South East Caravan Storage.
Now you will require an individual PIN or Prox Card to gain access to the storage paddock. The new system registers entry and exit of each user, so YOU MUST enter your PIN or user your Card for both entry and exit.
Each user in the system can be; time restricted, locked out (if account is not paid) or have their access cancelled. This can be done remotely from off site.
Please ensure that you be patient for the gate to fully open, proceed slowly (5km/hr), gate will not close on a vehicle, and do not tail gate another vehicle. The gate closes after 20secs of activity (unless obstructed). When you leave, follow the same procedure.
The new security cameras are operating and recording 24/7 and will confirm vehicles entering and exiting the site. We’ve also added security lighting and a Security Fence across the middle of the property which isolates the vehicle storage paddock.
Soon our new reception office will be open, so we can welcome you to our facility and offer you a cuppa and a chat. There will be a small shop with items including boxes, tape, other packing materials and we are even considering some caravan parts such as vehicle and van covers and a range of locks.
Stage 2 of security will be more cameras, more security lights and more sensors and alarms.
Please contact either Geoff or Daniel to find out how you can access your vehicle or caravan stored on site.
We wanted to share some more upcoming changes at South East Caravan Storage. In addition to our security improvements and new self storage units we are also improving our business model and general admin and operations.
In place now:
In Process of development and implementation:
Still to come:
South East Caravan Storage is expanding its self storage unit capacity with 14 new smaller units.
The feedback we are getting from customers and potential customers is for smaller units. These smaller units will average around 15 cubic metres with full size rollers doors for easy access.
Security is also greater at access is internal via a walkway and access controlled door which is behind the security gate.
We will provide another update when they are available for rent.
While dealing with some wet weather as winter approaches, we have now installed 2 high definition vandal proof security cameras that monitor traffic entering and exiting the Caravan Paddock through the security gate.
Our new access control system can remotely issue and revoke access to the gate.
This long awaited improvement is at its final stages of commissioning.
Existing and new customers will now be confronted by our newly commissioned Access Controlled Gate to the storage paddock. A PIN code is required to open the gate both entering and exiting.
With this added measure of security you can have a greater level of peace about your caravan, motorhome or other vehicle at our site. We continue to improve our infrastructure and security to enhance your storage experience and increase the level of protection over your property under our stewardship.
We will be in contact with all customers over the coming days and weeks to update your details including registration plate ID of vehicles you will be using to access the yard, and issue you your PIN.
In the meantime, please be in contact directly with Geoff on 0429 601 113 if you required access.
We’ll post some pictures soon.
Reversing a van on to a tight site can make or break and marriage!
There are a lot of tips and tricks around however here are just a few simple ones that will make a big difference to the results you will get.
1. If there isn’t an attendant or park representative there, familiar with the site to help you (this will make a big difference, and we suggest you ask for help as it is their job and they know their sites best) – get out of your vehicle and inspect the site first. Look for obstacles including posts, holes, services, curbs etc.
2. Consider purchasing a couple of hand held 2-way radios for your communications rather than hand signals. The partner directing you in will be able to talk you through it. Decide on some key and simple phrases and include distances from objects until when in position.
3. For the driver, the key is to hold the wheel at the bottom and move it in the direction you want the van to go. Push wheel right, van moves to right etc.
4. Reverse in on the right. This way you have a clear view of the obstacles you will be closest to first by looking over your right shoulder, then in the mirror. You will be blind on the left.
5. Start by turning your steering on a hard right lock, then gradually release to the left as you come into line and position.
6. If you start to get too far out of line or over angle, stop, drive forward a small amount, re-adjust to compensate, and continue. Resist the need to go too far forward or start from position one.
7. With your partner guiding you, you should be able to make adjustments before you get too askew!
8. Once in position, get out and high-five your missus! Or maybe you’ll just smile sideways at the onlookers and unhitch with a smug confidence!
Due to popular demand we have a range of new smaller storage units available now.
Soon we will have even more ‘micro storage’ compartments available too.
We are upgrading our access with a new entry. Please be patient while these changes are underway. These improvements will mean better security and access.
Early July 2011 we took to the road for an 8-9 week adventure though Central, North and Western Australia. It was our first such trip as a family, and we were careful to research our destination as well as undertake the necessary vehicle preparation that was required.
We believed we were well prepared for a wide range of scenarios, given that we were not traveling with others and would be both on the blacktop towing a small and ageing pop-top caravan and off-road in various locations camping.
Being practical but not mechanically versed I ensured we had our insurances paid up, took out RACV total care and was covered with a vehicle warranty and that the vehicle was well serviced and checked. We serviced before leaving and on arrival in Darwin. I ensured we had some spares (air and oil filters etc) and tools and various repair kits for emergency repairs from flat tires to burst hoses.
It was only that morning we’d said how pleased we’d been with the Prado and how well it was performing. That for all the rough roads, thousands of kilometres towing and four-wheel driving that there had been not a hint of trouble in its performance. We’d heard some horror stories on the road too and many a tale of flat or shredded tires. With not even a flat tire our fortune suddenly changed.
Leaving from Halls Creek and driving straight through to Fitzroy Crossing around 60kms out of town the air-conditioning stopped. I pulled over in a roadside stop and checked for everything I knew to check for; fuses, belts, broken pipes/connections. Nothing seemed amiss. I was mystified and only supposed the A/C system needed re-gassing. We determined to have it checked out at ‘The Crossing’ as we could manage without A/C until then.
Some 200kms down the road without much warning the engine lost power and we ground to a very permanent halt. Clearly there was something VERY wrong. Re-checking the engine it was clearly hot however it was not clear why. The pressurised overflow tank had coolant in it and there wasn’t immediate evidence of coolant leak. I re-checked the temperature gauge and it was normal!
After getting towed to The Crossing, having our trip cut short with a confirmed seized engine and flying home with the vehicle and van following on transport a couple of weeks later (thank you RACV Total Care) we only got answers when the vehicle was fully inspected by Berwick Toyota.
Some of you may or may not be aware that if there is a coolant leak gradual loss of coolant initially, at some point can cause an increase of pressure in the cooling system until then at the point of least resistance there is a burst and sudden loss of coolant and pressure. At the time of this event the temperature gauge may increase and then rapidly drop back to normal. The reason being that the thermostat requires the presence of coolant in the system to take a reading.
The result of the loss of coolant in terms of the driver’s awareness of the ensuing problem in order to respond will come down to several factors;
In our case all of the above were struck out!
I didn’t see the temperature change, I didn’t know the signs (the A/C cutting out has been suggested as a protective mechanism but I didn’t know what was happening or identify any sign of a leak), there were no other alarms, lights or protective mechanisms to prevent the vehicle from being permanently damaged.
So what happened?
Prior to our leaving we’d contracted the services of a 4×4 accessory specialist to fit a ‘Power-Shower’ under the bonnet. The long and short of it is that a hose clamp was left too close to a coolant hose and the constant vibration of some 13,000 kms wore a hole in the hose. There was no Toyota warranty, however in the end the installer made a claim on their insurance and we were paid out a large portion of the $9700 repair cost.
Immediately on my return I searched to find a third-party solution to minimise this ever occurring again. I was lead to an aptly product called the Engine-Saver. There are two versions; a Low Coolant Alarm and a Low Coolant Alarm and Temperature Sensor Combo.
I purchased the second model and have been testing it for almost 12 months now before making this report.
Fitting the Engine-Saver is not difficult though perhaps a little fiddly. Perhaps the most challenging aspect was finding where to put it. In modern fourbies with molded dashes optimised to make the most of the space mounting ‘little boxes’ is not meant to be. I ended up pulling out my ash-tray being the non-smoker and it sits in there nicely while still easily viewable. Twelve volt power is required on the ignition circuit (I piggy backed of a cigarette lighter), and two leads need to be run into the engine bay.
The first lead under the bonnet attaches to a customer sensor for your model vehicle that screws in to the filler tank. The sensor is the correct length to measure the level in the bottle. The second lead is the thermometer that has an eye-loop on the end. Either remove a bolt or find a spare location and a T10 bolt will secure it against the engine block.
Once all cables are tidied up neatly, you are set. When the ignition turns on a check is made with an audible ‘beeeeeep’ sound and the set alarm temperature displays for a few seconds on the display. The display returns to show current temperature.
It took a few weeks and various driving conditions to work out where the temperature alarm needed to be. Initially I had it ‘too tight’ at only a few degrees above normal driving temp. After a few trips off road with engine working the alarm kept going off so I increased it. Normal driving is around 80 degrees C, the temp alarm is set at 109 degrees C. Interestingly, at this temperature the engine is noticeably hotter yet not for concern in anyway however there is NO discernible change on the vehicle temp gauge. It gets warmed up and just sits there.
I highly recommend you consider this addition to your vehicle. Its great insurance and will provide feed back for a range of scenarios where your vehicle may become overheated.
Last year, an estimated 500 caravans and RV’s were stolen in Australia. Unfortunately, it’s a sad fact that caravan theft is on the rise.
The Nemesis Wheel clamp delivers the secure protection you need. This product was designed with no expense spared to the highest possible standards and specifications.
Click below to view full details including a short video.
http://caravansplus.com.au/catalog/login_quick.php?id=37213&pw=32929&pg=17
We have a limited time special price of $215 with free shipping.
A wheel clamp is an affordable and simple investment to protect your caravan. One which many victims of theft wish they’d purchased retrospectively, before the crime was committed.
CaravansPlus has been operating online since 2003 and has Australia’s largest range of caravan spare parts and accessories.
Happy Reading.
Steve.
The Caravans Plus Team.
http://CaravansPlus.com.au
news@caravansplus.com.au
21 Endurance Ave
Queanbeyan NSW 2620
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