Our last visit to Truelux was on the 10th March when we dropped off our vehicle for the tow ball & camera system to be installed. It was also to be our final visit before taking possession of our new home. The Entertainment cupboard has been completed; it looks great with the new glass doors on. In the bedroom the bedside drawers, bed base & carpet have been completed. Bathroom is moving along well with the shower alcove, toilet & cupboards in; won’t be much longer before the wardrobe is built. Overhead cupboards in the kitchen/dining area almost completed. The long bench tops are being attended to with the Laminex being put on. Things are moving along at a steady pace with the exception of a couple of supply hiccups. Spare wheel has been given a home on the back bumper; awning installed and all external hatches complete. There is still a lot of internal work yet to be completed before we pick it up on Tuesday 22 March 2011. So an early night to bed will be in order as Tuesday is going to be a long day with the hand-over process which we’ve been told is a full day. So many new things to learn. Linda continuously keeps us up to date on the progress & last minute confirmations.
The Auto Electrician & Camera installers also keep in touch to consult with us on our needs & wishes. We have opted to a four camera system instead of a three camera; two being on the rear of the 5’ver & two on the vehicle.
Tuesday 22nd March
Today is hand-over day, exactly eleven months to the day since we paid our deposit and ordered the new 5th wheeler to be built. Josh kindly dropped us off at Truelux on his way to work, at 7am. The last minute tasks were still being done as we arrived. Once Peter came & after a morning cuppa, we got into the handover process and we are led through a comprehensive guide to the new van. As we had already owned a caravan previously there were some things which were the same. There are however, many new areas which we needed to learn about; especially the electrical control cupboard, the front electric jack system and the tow hitch. Everything about the van was just how I envisaged it to be. We are pleased with the outcome so far.
Well, with the first part of the day over, a nervous test drive out of the way; it was now time to take the next plunge by driving back across the outer suburbs for the hour and half trek to Josh & Kendehl’s house with the new 5’ver in tow. So far everything is going to plan. We parked the new 5’ver outside their place while transferring our goods and chattels. Toddler Arthur enjoyed exploring every nook & cranny including the under storage area. Several neighbours came out for a look at the magnificent “new camper” as one called it.
Wednesday 23rd to 25th March
After a good night sleep, it was time for us to take to the road once again and after what seemed like ages, we started to leave Melbourne. The weather wasn’t in our favour on our journey back to SA, head winds and rain, but we were determined to go anyway, we have had enough of the big city; so off up the Calder Highway towards Bendigo and on to Salt Lake.
Our first night off-site proved to be quite a challenge when firstly, having a shower, the water wouldn’t drain. Changing the fridge over from 12volt to gas proved impossible. Later whilst trying to wash the dishes, no hot water to the kitchen taps. Teething problems that might have shown up and been fixed if we had stayed in Melbourne. So out in the wet, Colin (my knight in shining armour) came to the rescue & slid underneath in the mud to do a quick-fix plumbing job to drain the shower recess; fridge got nowhere even after performing the Troubleshooting Process as recommended in the manual. Finally by boiling the kettle on the stove I got hot water to do the dishes. The next day wasn’t much better; weather wise but we arrived safely at Lyn, Mick & Nick’s house for the night. Good to see them again, Nick had a good time exploring our new home.
On Friday 25th, we have arrived back home at Napperby where we’ll spend the next four weeks sorting out our belongings into the new van; finding new homes for things. How exciting, it’s just like moving into a new house.
March 30th
A few phone calls and a bit of long distance assistance and we have fixed the fridge, the kitchen taps have hot water and the shower drain will be re-worked by Truelux, we are so happy now with the van. The insulation properties of the composite construction mean that the van is much warmer at night and subsequently cooler in the day than our old van. The kitchen layout works well and the extra living space is wonderful. The new recliners and the pillow-top mattress have added heaps to our comfort in our new home. Our new personnel SA registration plate arrived, CCVJ-11, and seat covers have been made, all packed, all ready for off! Our next challenge will be at the weigh-bridge.
Sunday 24th April
Easter has arrived, Sharon & Guy have gone away for some family time & we’re here alone babysitting the Labrador, Shilo. The school holidays are nearly at an end and by the end of the week we will be once again driving off East into the sunrise, firstly by a circuitous route back to Melbourne to get the van service and a few warranty jobs done. Then we will be free to resume our exploration of Australia.
Click on the link below to view photos of the finished 5th wheeler proudly built by Truelux.
https://picasaweb.google.com/108879761974384702036/New5VerProgressPhotos?authkey=Gv1sRgCPTsipvd_4qufA&feat=directlink
