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No matter if you’re thinking about taking your caravan off the grid for a few days, or spending a few nights sailing off the coast, you have to take your water situation into account beforehand. And it’s not only your freshwater provisions that you need to keep in mind. Your grey and black water holdings are also a concern, because there’s nothing less pleasant than the prospect of having to make a midtrip detour just to discharge wastewater.

In short, you need to stay on top of your water tank volumes at all times. It’s the only way to avoid running out of fresh water, as well as preventing grey water from backing up into your shower, and fortunately, there’s an impressive range of easy-to-install electronic solutions available that are designed to let you take full control of your water management.

Get Reliable Water Management Anywhere with New Electronic Sensors

water tank caravan

source: 4wdingaustralia.com

Let’s face it: water is the one resource that no RVer, caravanner, or boater owner can afford to come up short on. You’ll only ever have a limited supply of it onboard so you have to manage it carefully. That’s why installing modern monitoring sensors on your caravan water tanks is the most reliable way to keep track of precisely how much freshwater and wastewater you’re carrying at all times.

There’s nothing new about using electronic tank sensors or flow monitors to gauge RV and caravan water tanks. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a new recreational vehicle that doesn’t have one system or the other. System redundancy, however, is worth its weight in gold when it comes to water management, and more than a few new RV owners have discovered how widely inaccurate either their vehicle’s fresh or holding tank readings could become due to:

  • Loose or compromised sensor wiring;
  • A malfunctioning sensor or miscalibrated control panel; or,
  • A blocked or obstructed tank sensor.

You can install new aftermarket caravan water tank electronics and sensors directly in line with your vehicle’s other aftermarket gauges, and you’ll instantly have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your factory monitoring system now has redundancy that you can count on. It also allows you to update the early, probe-type senders that are typically found on older systems, or to outfit a custom system that you may not have been monitoring at all.

Tank Sensors Help You Monitor Your Water Volumes

water tanks gauges

source:fullrangecamping.com.au

With the largest fresh- and universal-use water tanks mounted in today’s RVs boasting capacities of up to 110L, it’s hard to imagine anyone running out of water when they’re on the road, but it can happen. A family of 4 who’re conservatively using just 25 litres a day only needs a few days to go through their entire fresh water supply, and a faulty sensor might miss it entirely.

Level monitors for 1-, 2-, and 3-tank water systems are designed with square mounting plates, operate off of either 12V or AA battery power, and are the ideal replacement for an existing control panel, or as a redundant installation. Their sensor units can be used with metal, plastic, or fibreglass tanks, and feature:

  • Graduated “Full / ⅔ / ⅓ / Empty”, or “Full / ¾ / ½ / ¼ / Empty” tank volume formats;
  • MONITOR and PUMP press button functionality; and,
  • Integrated battery level indications.

These level monitors will work with both fresh and grey water tanks, and water levels are displayed using either bar or semi-circular LED gauges. Each new caravan onboard water tank kit also contains the appropriate number of arm-type senders per tank that are needed to give you correct measurement levels every time. Your tanks have to be drilled to mount the senders, but you’ll never have to rely again on loose calculations between top-offs and discharges for estimating how much water is in your system.

Sometimes, however, simply knowing the volume of water in the system isn’t enough. When you’re contemplating staying off the grid an extra day or two, you need to know precisely how many litres of fresh water you have. Now’s the time that having fitted flow rate gauges into your system is going to pay off.

Get Litre-by-Litre Updates With Electronic Flow Rate Gauges

caravan water pump

source: campervanconverts.com

Unlike tank-mounted sensors that show you tank volumes, digital flow rate gauges tell you the precise number of litres that have flowed beyond a set point in your water system. If you know how many litres you pumped into your tanks before you hit the highway, these caravan water tank accessories can tell you in real-time precisely how many fresh litres you have left it.

Flow rate gauge senders fit directly into your vehicle’s plumbing, with no need to drill, mount, or seal anything into your tanks. You program the baseline number of litres for the gauge to start with, and once it’s installed, it’ll give you full visibility to all the specifics of your water usage, including:

  • The number of litres left in your water tank;
  • How much water you’re using per day; and,
  • The number of litres each fixture is using.

Flow rate gauges come in flush mount and surface mount versions, and can operate from either 12V or AA battery power. And to simplify your camper trailer water tank electronics even further, you can purchase Bluetooth-capable flow rate gauges and monitor all your water flow statistics directly from any Android or IOS smart device through the Water Tank Gauge app from a distance of up to 5 meters.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, water is an invaluable commodity when you’re off the grid, and failing to manage it can mean not having any to drink while simultaneously watching it overflow onto your bathroom floor. Having the right monitoring processes in place can prevent either from happening.

With modern, up-to-date monitoring sensors and flow rate gauges installed on your caravan water tanks, you can confidently put all these problems behind you. You’ll always know how much, and what kind of water you’re carrying, and it’s going to take the guesswork out of your trip planning.

Outfitting your car with exterior accessories like spoilers and rear bumpers can make it look cooler, while others, such as rear bumpers and headlights and taillights make it safer. The range of exterior car accessories is limitless, and which ones you decide to equip your car with will depend on what you’re aiming to improve. That being said, here are the most popular aftermarket exterior accessories and what their purpose is.

Spoilers

A spoiler is typically found on the rear end of a car and serves as an aerodynamic aid by increasing wind resistance. While they do look cool, make sure your vehicle actually needs a spoiler before installing one. If not, the added weight might make it harder for your car to stop. Also, spoilers should be made of lightweight and durable materials like plastic or fibreglass to avoid excessive weight. 
There are many different types of spoilers, including:

  • Wing spoilers 
  • Low profile spoilers
  • Lip spoilers 
  • Blade style spoilers 
  • Dropped spoilers
rear spoiler
source: mps-engineering.de

Rear Bumpers

Rear bumpers are found on the back end of cars and trucks to protect them from collisions. While they do look cool when installed on custom vehicles, make sure you’re getting a quality rear bumper that’s durable enough to withstand impacts without damaging your vehicle’s body or paint job.

Headlights and Taillights

Outfitting your car with aftermarket headlights and taillights is a great way to customize the look of your vehicle, but it’s important that you get parts from reputable manufacturers like N-fab. Replacement headlights and taillights from N-fab are made with durable materials that can withstand harsh road conditions without compromising the safety of you or your passengers. 

headlights
source: rac.co.uk

Grille Inserts

A grille insert is typically used for aesthetic purposes, but it can also improve airflow. If you’re installing a grille insert on your vehicle, make sure that it’s made of lightweight materials like aluminium or plastic so that it won’t impede the flow of air through your car’s radiator and block out too much sunlight. 

There are a few different types of aftermarket grille inserts, such as mesh grilles and louver inserts. 
Mesh grilles are made with mesh or metal blades that can be adjusted to block out sunlight, or removed altogether for improved airflow when driving in hotter climates. They’re also used as a means of protecting the radiator from debris.
Louver inserts are typically found on trucks and SUVs, but they can also be installed on sedans and sports cars. These types of grille inserts have slats that can be adjusted to allow more or less airflow as needed.

grille inserts
source: fortec4x4.com

Shark Fin Kits and Wings

A wing is a type of aerodynamic accessory that’s installed on the rear end of cars and trucks, usually on the trunk lid or hatchback. It’s designed to improve airflow around your vehicle, so when installing one, make sure it’s made from lightweight materials like carbon fibre or aluminium so that it doesn’t add too much weight to your car. 

Rear Aprons

These exterior car accessories are typically found on the back end of trucks and SUVs, to protect them from getting hit. Rear aprons are made with lightweight materials that can withstand impacts without damaging your vehicle’s body or paint job. They are usually made of plastic or fiberglass, and they are designed to protect the back of your car from bumps and scrapes.

rear aprons
source: tuningblog.eu

Rear Roof Bumpers 

Rear roof bumpers are typically found on pickup trucks and SUVs because they help prevent cargo from sliding off when you’re driving around corners. They’re also great for protecting your vehicle from damage in case it gets hit from behind. This can help prevent serious damage to your car, and it can also help keep you safe in the event of an accident.

Weathershields and Wind Visors 

These accessories are multi-functional. They help keep your car cool in the summer by blocking out sunlight and preventing wind from getting into your vehicle’s cabin. In addition, they can also help keep your car warm in the winter by insulating against the cold. This is especially important if you live in an area with very cold winters, as it can help prevent your car from freezing and becoming inoperable. 

wind visors
source: weathertech.com

Fender Vents and Scoops

Fender vents and scoops are used to improve airflow, but they also make your vehicle look cooler. If you’re looking for a way to customize the appearance of your car or truck, these types of exterior accessories can help with that. They come in a variety of colours and designs so that you’ll be able to find something that suits the style of your vehicle. 

fender vents
source: streetfaction.net

Headlight Covers

While headlight covers aren’t essential, they do make your vehicle look cooler. These types of exterior accessories are popular among car enthusiasts, and they’re also used by people who want to make their vehicle stand out from the crowd. They come in a variety of designs and colours so that you’ll be able to find something that suits your taste as well as the look of your vehicle. 

headlight covers
source: weathertech.com

For folks living with disabilities, everyday tasks are challenging and require additional planning and support. From using the bathroom to shopping for groceries, many things that others take for granted can be difficult when you have a disability. One such task is navigating the built environment, which is typically filled with barriers and obstacles that hinder their mobility and independence.

For folks living with disabilities, everyday tasks are challenging and require additional planning and support. From using the bathroom to shopping for groceries, many things that others take for granted can be difficult when you have a disability. One such task is navigating the built environment, which is typically filled with barriers and obstacles that hinder their mobility and independence.
source: adatile.com

Choosing a sturdy and durable disability ramp can make a significant difference in your ability to access public spaces, buildings, and private homes. These devices come in a wide range of designs and materials, and the right one for you will depend on your type of disability, unique needs, and the environment. In this post, I’ll share with you some practical steps to choosing the right ramp for your needs.

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Aussies might be reeling that home-grown V8s are no longer a thing, but there are abundant stateside and European options still offering the characteristic rumble of 8 cylinders working in tune. And many come fitted to large SUVs and 4WDs that are well suited to our way of life. One prime example is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with the 6.4-litre petrol naturally aspirated engine churning out more than 450 horsepower and truckloads of torque. The numbers speak for themselves.

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Getting more out of your car isn’t as hard as it seems. All it takes is a few performance parts to increase horsepower and torque numbers. These will get you better acceleration times off the mark and higher top speeds. All engines have a bit more to give, and well-thought-out additions will get the blood pumping each time you put the pedal down.   

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The car cooling system is one of the most important components of a vehicle. It is responsible for regulating the temperature of the engine and preventing it from overheating. Without a properly functioning cooling system, the engine can become damaged, resulting in costly repairs and even total engine failure. In this article, I will explore the different parts of a car cooling system and how they work together to keep the engine running at the right temperature.

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Introduced as a locally-designed car way back in 2011, the PX Ford Ranger has seen blistering sales reminiscent of Blue Oval favourites of the past. A few facelifts along the way have freshened up looks and added a little tech to what is an already capable vehicle on and off the tarmac. For anyone still hoarding their cash, there’s also the replacement next-gen 2023 Ranger just hitting showrooms.  

The ute’s popularity has also spawned a huge aftermarket. Buyers have the option of increasing space and carrying capacity by adding a suitable roof rack for the different cab designs, as well as increasing front-end protection with an aftermarket and ADR-approved bull bar for Ford Ranger. These are the necessary exterior accessories for a car that’s meant to be battered in all manner of driving conditions and be loaded to the brim with gear while doing so.  

Ford Ranger, Bull Bar
Source: ocamindustries.com.au

Why Consider Bull Bars? 

The main purpose of the bull bars is to protect the entire front end of the car, including the headlights, during collisions with other vehicles. And they do a fine job when off-road, brushing off any roos or bigger wildlife that can easily disable the vehicle. The same settings are littered with rocks, ruts, and branches that have the propensity to pierce engine parts and cause irreversible damage. Bull bars are built of sturdy metals, have been real-world tested to absorb high impact, and will still stay intact no matter what they come up against.  

This is the protective side of things, but a well-appointed bull bar also extends usability. Built-in winch cradles let you fit an aftermarket winch which you’ll use in cases where the ute is bogged down. The same goes for recovery points, to pull your Ranger out of a rut. Other useful additions include driving lights that can be mounted on the bull bar to increase visibility. To complete the off-roading credentials, bull bars offer better approach angles than your stock front bumper when tackling tough terrain.  

Lastly, think of the rugged and ready looks a bull bar gives off. This is how utes should be shipped straight out of the factory.  

Ford Ranger, 4x4, Bull Bar, Wench
Source: ocamindustries.com.au

What to Look for? 

Designs 

How the bar looks, and to a large extent the protection it provides, boils down to the design. Old-school triple hoops do offer a lot in the way of safeguarding vital engine components and the headlights but may look outdated to some buyers. Simpler single-hoop designs are also smaller but leave the radiator exposed. Newer hoop-less variants sit further down and have appointed winch cradles and enough metal to shield all engine parts. They also provide a sturdy base for heavier bash plates or underbody armour.  

Materials  

If you’re after optimal strength, then go for bull bars made of high-grade steel. These should be on any Ranger that sees more of its fair share of outback duty. Steel bars won’t dent in animal strikes or rupture when hitting sharp rocks. Overall strength though depends on how separate parts are put together. Look for seamless welds and thicker metal components in parts tasked to take the hit.  

Any steel bull bar for Ford Ranger is simple to maintain, needing a quick hosing down to get rid of built-up dust. Additional coatings and paint will mean that it lasts longer, so no issues with rust or staining. The only downside is the weight. Steel bars are almost twice as heavy as comparable aluminium bull bars, so may require some adjustments to the front suspension.  

Newer aluminium alloy bars come close to the strength seen in steel, but not quite. They make up for this by being up to 40 per cent lighter and won’t impact steering and handling as much. In addition, aluminium has better corrosion resistance, doesn’t require additional treatment or coatings, and has a polished look. Prices are similar, or slightly more than what you’d pay for a fully-specced steel variant.  

Ford Ranger, Pickup Truck, Bull Bar
Source: wikimedia.org

Accessories 

Different designs let you fit a range of accessories. Driving lights, light bars and antennas are just some of the necessities that most drivers use, especially when off-road. For lights, look for the appropriate mounting holes, and for antennas, match tabs. Integrated fog lights with quality LEDs are a nice touch. Anyone needing both front and side protection will also want side brush bars and side steps. To fit these, ensure that the bull you choose for your Ford Ranger has outer tubes. Look for the same provisions if you’re getting skid or bash plates.  

Any Ranger bull bar with included recovery tow points is also worth considering. This also applies to bars that can accommodate the use of a high-lift jack.  

Compatibility and Installation 

ADR-approved bull bars mean that these fit the exact contours of the Ranger front, without protruding too far out in any direction. It also means that they won’t interfere with the activation of airbags in the case of collisions. Bars tailored specifically for the Ranger will be easy to get right, so installation is also straightforward. For the best fitment (and any adjustments to the suspension and/or steering) get this done at your local mechanic.

If you’re having trouble opening and closing the windows in your car, it might have to do with a broken window regulator. It’s a part that not many people are aware of, yet plays a crucial role in the comfort and convenience of using their vehicle. That being said, I’ll let you in on everything you need to know about window regulators, and how to find the ideal replacement car door window replacement parts, in case yours is faulty.

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You’ll be looking for replacement seats in your car for different reasons. But the most obvious is more comfort. Seats that tire you quickly can soon become a safety concern. Most are generic options, and a one-size-fits-all solution chosen mainly as a cost-cutting measure. Though there’s some variety when speccing a new car in terms of lumbar and side support, and the range of materials and colours, most seats are intended to fit different body shapes. Some do a good job, while others fall far behind.

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