Open Research into Off-road Caravans and Camper Trailers
A set of over 17 publications to download for research on specific topics
Kimberley has a goal of getting more Australians off-road to experience ALL of Australia, and to do this in specially designed caravans and camper trailersthat feature sustainability, safety, and a long product usable life.
Kimberley is a Brand with design, manufacturing, distribution and service.
We achieve our goals with innovation, research and a high-skilled workforce. These are the attributes needed for sustained manufacturing in Australia.
Kimberley demonstrates it's competitiveness by exporting globally and competing with both low cost and advanced engineering economies, successfully!
The difficulty with buying specially designed products is that you don't know what you require untill you have some experience. For first time buyers , thisis a daunting task. To help with the research on specific topics, we have spent hundreds of hours preparing eBooks to assist your Open Research.
Pleasant Kamping!
Kimberley, Ballina, NSW
Essential Guide to Off Road Design of Camper Trailers |
---|
Instead of talking about ourdesigns, we have structured this ebook around identifying the problems in off road travel first and then offering some design solutions.
These designs may not suit everyone. Researching your own personal requirements for an off road camper trailer can take time. Oncesomeone has travelled and gained experience they get better insight into what their requirements are, but the purchase has been made! A 44 Page eBook containing: What setting up time and packing up time would you expect? What are the benefits and pitfalls of canvas? How easy is it to keep dust and midges out of the camper trailer? What is the best airflow for comfort sleeping off-road? Essential design of Kitchen, cooking and refrigeration.
Once registered, the download is instantaneous! DOWNLOAD a 44-Page Guide to Off Road Camper Trailer Essentials This is not a product brochure. But discussion on design issues |
---|
Understanding Canvas in Off Road Camper Trailers |
---|
Many people have graduated from swags to tentsto camper trailers. This progression gives you more “space’ each time you step up. And with the right space you get better cooling in summer or warmer in winter. With more comfort comes a better experience.
That’s great, but the price of an “off-road” camper trailer is higher than an outback or an on-road one. Is the canvas any different? Absolutelyit is! Canvas for camper trailers is vastly different to that for a tent. You are paying much more money and for that money you need a superior design.
Researching your personal requirements can take time. Once someone has traveled and gained experience they get better insight into what theirrequirements are, but the purchase has been made! Here is a 36 Page eBook with Open Reseach containing: - It’s the design that is different for a camper trailer compared to a tent!
- Airflow and comfort sleeping off-road
- Flameproof Canvas near Kitchens
- Australian Technology in Canvas Design & Fabrication
- Traps with Canvas
- Strength and Waterproofness in Canvas Design
- Materials in Canvas Design
- Range of Materials used
- Disadvantages of Pop Tops, even with a hard roof!
- Keeping out midges: The little things that ruin a good trip
- Large 220W solar on Canvas Fly
Once registered, the download is instantaneous! "Understanding Canvas": A 36 Page Open Research Publication Available for download by clicking here |
---|
Essential Guide for off-road Design of a Caravan |
---|
Third Edition With the right caravan you can stay anywhere and experience all of Australia. When (not “if”), you find your favourite spot, you can stay as long as you like. Its your choice and not dependent on facilities. That’s great, but the price of an off road caravan is higher than an outback van. So, is it worth it? Have a read through this eBook to decide. A 58 Page eBook containing 10 chapters, here are a few of them: The importance of "self contained" with off-road caravan compliance Low weight is essential! Length and turning circleWidth, tracks & reversing mirrors The weight of adding batteries and solar Adding the weight of additional water tanksUsing reclaimed water Shock Absorbers: Saviour or Slave? Airflow and comfort off-road
Once registered, the download is instantaneous! Download Essential Guide to design of Off-Road Caravan Essentials. This is not a product brochure but a Guidebook |
---|
Designs for Comfort with Off-road Caravans and Camper Trailers |
---|
Third Edition
There is a dilemma when traveling to out of the way places: Where is the fine line between authentic camping and new-age comfort? If you want to imitate “Bear” Grills and his “minimalist” style of adventure, then this book is not for you.Mind you “Bear” doesn’t take his wife with him. And that is the rub! For the author to get his wife into deep out of the way places, there has to be a high level of comfort! This fine line is accommodated if you consider the off-road caravan or camper trailer as your private “oasis”.You can re-treat to it when ever it suits. Have a read through this eBook to decide. A 46 Page eBook, here are a few of the page titles: Toilet Choices including waterless, ecofriendly toilets. Water is like Gold in the Bush:Water Tank Sizing,Using Multiple Water Tanks wisely,Pumping external water,Measuring Water tank levels,How does “Diesel Hot Water“ work,Dual Grey Water Tanks and Using reclaimed water
Importance of understanding canvas and insulation Airflow with canvas,Kwik Canvas and Draught Skirt designs,Cool Canvas Airflow Insulation in Caravans,Ultimate tropical roof for a Caravan
Safe Heating,Diesel and Space Heater Types,Membrane Heater technology Roof Air conditioners and height,Split Air conditioners and low noise,12V Battery operated air-conditioners. Addendum on Energy and Power Where is the fine line between Authentic camping and an Oasis in the Bush? Download this free eBook on Design for Comfort with Caravans and Camper Trailers covering Water, Heating Air-conditioning and more! |
---|
Design Guide for Desert Travel with Off-road Caravans and Camper Trailers |
---|
A campfire in the desert is like no other. Sparks rising upward towards the stars with glowing embers melting into the ground. You feel close to the origin of mankind and it can send chivers up your spine!
Do you have enough water? Are you well prepared for crossing sandy sections of track? Traveling through the desert needs special preparation. It also involves special preparation and taking things with you. (Like taking firewood with you.) This can add to the weight of your vehicle. However, you need the absolute lightest load and overall weight. This is where the challenge lies. How to select the right options for your off road camper trailer or caravan for the safest travel across harsh and hot country; or for travel on remote sandy beaches. Key elements are discussed in this EBook. It isn’t written for long stays in the desert but for travelers “passing across” spartan earth or sand. This is written for BOTH caravans amd camper trailers with a specific section on canvas design for desert travel. Download this eBook of 76 pages which includes the following topics: Foreword: Desert/Sandy areas can be both beautiful and deadly!
- Low weight is essential
- Traps that increase “apparent weight”
- Importance of good Suspension
- Length and Ramp over angles
- Matching wheels tyres
Large Diameter Wheels and tyres - Water - How much do we need?
Water tank configurations Dual Grey Water Tanks and Using reclaimed water - Importance of understanding canvas in hot climates
Tropical Roof: both Canvas and Metal Insulation, Airflow, 12V Air-conditioning and comfort off-road Air-flow and Natural Coolness Air conditioners - What is the trend in energy use in a caravan?
- What size batteries to design for?
- The weight of adding batteries and solar
- The “weight effect” of Braking
With the right camper trailer or caravan and vehicle combination, you can travel safely anywhere and experience all of Australia. Download this eBook to find out more! |
---|
High Performance Electrical Design for Camper Trailers and Caravans |
---|
“ This is all about camping, why dowe need modern devices or high battery power?”
From one of our customers: “ Traveling and camping follows the 80/20 rule: 80% of the time it is great and we soak up the day and want to stay as long as we can... 20% is average so other things entertain our day inside. Take away these luxuries and those days will be dead”
High performance for this eBook is measured by high power/ low weight. In Caravans and Camper Trailers, the lighter the weight, the easier to tow with better accessibility to the best camping spots. The core question when investigating your requirements is to ask just how much of Australia do you want to experience and how independent do youwish to be? High performance energy comes at a price. Is it worth it? Have a read through this eBook to decide. A 38 Page eBook containing many chapters, here are a few of them: Once registered, the download is instantaneous! A High Performance Energy System is measured by High Power, Low Weight. Using Super Thin Solar, Lithium Batteries, Fuel Cells, Integrated together Download this eBook to see how we do the design! |
---|
Amazing Lithium Battery and Charging Guide |
---|
Kimberley have shipped over 600 Lithium Batterieswith thousands of kilometers of customer feedback and experience.
The eBook Covers: - What are Lithium Iron Batteries and why are they Amazing?
Environmental Benefits Performance Benefits - The Easy Part: installing Lithiums. The hard part is charging them.
- There are Traps here? What are they?
- Charging from multiple Sources
Using 240V, Solar , Fuel Cells and Vehicle chargers - Discharging and Storage
- Sizing your Lithium Batteries
- Complete Electrical System
- An inspiration in Lithium and Solar: Qinetiq’s “Zephyr”
DOWNLOAD An Authoritative eBook on Amazing Lithium Batteries This covers performance and charging |
---|
Suspension Design for Off Road Caravans and Camper Trailers |
---|
Traveling off-road to out-of-the-way places requires long distances on both highways and off-road tracks.
You have a good choice of coil or air suspension with independent trailing arms. However, if your caravan has air-suspension, you can drive faster and more confidently on typical rough roads or corrugations, where highersprung caravans may be reduced to a kangaroo-hopping crawl. Is the air suspension worth it? Read this eBook to decide. This eBook of 28 pages includes the following topics: - 1. Independent Suspension Innovation in 4WDs since 1970’s
- 2. Reliability
- 3. Digital Age adds to Stability as well as Reliability
- 4. The Difference with Caravans and Trailers.
- 5. Camper Trailers and Caravans pre-2000
- 6. Coil Springs
- 7. Coil Springs and Stability
- 8. Air-Springs (Air-bags)
- 9. Premium Air-springs
- 10. Roll Stability and overall Design
- 11. Ride Quality and Lowest Unsprung weight
- 12. Lowest unsprung mass of any suspension
- 13. Air Suspension Control Systems
- 14. Ride Height controlled Air Suspension Systems
- 15. Changing a Wheel /Tyre without a Jack
- 16. Driving on 3 Wheels in an Emergency
- 17. Anti-Sway Bars
- 18. 5 Year Warranty
With the right caravan and vehicle combination, you can travel safely anywhere and experience all of Australia. Download this eBook to find out more! Download a 28 page guide on off road caravan suspension design with focus on coil springs and air springs with ride height control |
---|
Off-road Soul, Independent Spirit: A Design Guide to Sustainability with off-road caravans. |
---|
Designing foroff-road travel to out-of-the-way places is more than an art...it is the structured science of getting so much functionality for so littleweight and making it compact and durable.
Then add to that the importance of sustainability. Good design can yield the absolute lowest running cost that inevitably comes fromsustainable technologies. It just makes good business sense! That’s great, but the price of some of these technologies may be high. Is it worth it? Download this eBookto answer this question! Table of contents for the 27 pages is: - The Top Ranked Priorities for Sustainability
- Summary of eco-friendly power sources for a Camper Trailer or Caravan
- Reduce Vehicle Fuel Consumption when Towing
- Maximise air-flow for ventilation
- Reduce need for Portable Generators
- Consider 12V Air-conditioning for Bedroom Suite
- The Impact of Noise
- Using a Fuel Cell
- Reduce need for LPG
- Using Diesel Hot Water instead of LPG
- Reduce Absorbtion of Suns Heat Energy
- Using LED Lighting
- Using Bio-Diesel
- Using Membrane Heating
- Leave no footprints on Montague Island - a Special Project!
Off-road Soul, Independent Spirit: Using sustainable technologies gives the absolute lowest running cost as well as maximum independence. Download this special eBook to find out how! |
---|
How to Optimize Tyre Pressures and Temperatures for off-road caravans, camper trailers and vehicles |
---|
Over or Under-inflation contributes to:
- Rapid and uneven tread wear,
- A loss in fuel economy,
- Poor vehicle handling
- Excessive heat buildup which may lead to tire failure.
Then there are the issue of a small puncture from an imbedded nail or fencing wire can cause a tire to be significantlyunderinflated. The topics in this eBook include: - Why is tyre pressure and temperature so crucial?
- What is the link between Tyre Pressure and Temperature?
- Getting the starting pressure right
- Adjusting the pressure with the 4PSI or 6PSI rule
- Adjusting the pressure to the optimum
- Using a TPMS: Specifications of TPMS, TPMS Kit from Kimberley
- Suggested Pressure and Speed for off-road conditions
- Conversion Table
- Is there an Optimum Tyre Size?
- Acceleration, Braking and Load Transfer
- Tyre Markings/ Tyre Size
- Tyre Ageing
This eBook stepsthrough the best way to set your tyre pressures. It also leads into the benefit of using a TPMS (Tyre Pressure andTemperature Monitoring System). It will give you better insight into tyre issues when travelling off road and recommendations that cansave you repair time, money and ultimately protect your safety. Download it for free! |
---|
Digital Photographers Guide to the Best Professional Caravan Setup |
---|
 What terrific photographs by a customer passionate about his photography while camping! However, he doesnt want to lose any ofthose images and wants to backup all his data and charge all his camera batteries in a safe location. This eBook describes a professional setup to do just this: It has a background on the Digital Darkroom in the Desert setupincluding:
1. At the Heart of the System is a 12V Hub Router 2. Safe dry, dust free space to store your equipment out of sight 3. Power available to charge your equipment any time and anyplace 4. Vibration ready pad for Network Attached Storage 5. Networking to make backups easy to do and secure 6. Connectivity to the Cloud 7. Tools to make life easier 8. Use of Fuel cell for 12V power Download this eBook to learn more about your choices. |
---|
Essential Guide to Easy Traveling with Boat & Outboard for off-road camping |
---|
If you arrive at Cape Leveque with a boat, it is hard to imagine experiencing all of Australia without a boat.
Designing for off-road travel to out-of-the-way places is more than an art...it is the structured science of getting so much functionalityfor so little weight and making it compact and durable. And this fits perfectly with boats, particularly for smaller boats you carryoff-road. This guide covers these topics: Performance versus Weight: Summary of Rigs and Weight Where to store the Outboard? What size Boat? Using a Boat Loader Folding Boat Trailers Storing the Folding Boat Trailer The Most eco-friendly solution is a RIB and electric outboard Summary of RIB Advantages and Disadvantages If you love fishing, there are thousands of places and hundreds of species to discover. If you just love exploring, then you can'texperience ALL of Australia without taking a boat with you off road. Download this eBook to learn more about your choices. |
---|
Matching Wheels and Tyres Guide |
---|
 Interchanging Wheels and Tyres between Vehicle and Camper Trailer/ Caravan You have just suffered your second flat tyre in a short time. It is mid afternoon and the clock is ticking toget to camp. At this point in time... How important is it to have interchangeability of wheels and tyre between your vehicle and your camper trailer or caravan? - Why interchange Wheels and Tyres between your vehicle and your caravan /camper trailer?
- Matching Vehicle Tracking Width
- Matching Vehicle Wheel Size
- Matching Vehicle Wheel Type and Tyres Decision Tree
- Vehicles with small PCD and unable to match with 2 tonne bearings
- Matching 18” Wheels and Tyres
- Matching 150 Series Toyota Prado
- Quick Check on Major Brands
- NJOY Guide No 14, 2011
- Suspension Arm Offset Photos
Hubs and Studs Photos Suspension Arm Close Up Photos with Hubs - Bonus Section on Tyre Markings and Pressure settings
Find out how easy or difficult it can be to match your specific vehicle. Over 10 vehicles and hub sizes listed. DOWNLOAD a Matching Wheels and Tyres Guide This is not a product brochure. But discussion on design issues |
---|
Getting the most from Multi-Media in Off-road Camper Trailers |
---|
 Imagine watching an MCG Test in the quietness of an overcast and damp day on the coast. Or playing your favourite tunes as you are preparingfor dinner. Much better than home! This eBook outlines what you can and can’t play on systems that are available. - Summary of what is available in Camper Trailers
- Listening to music inside/outside the camper trailer
- Waterproof and Dustproof?
- Enjoy your favourite movies or catch-up on the latest sporting match around the campfire
- Use of WiFi and NextG 3G Service with Internet
- Using a Satellite Dish is now easy
- Viewer Access Satellite Television service or VAST
- VAST Channels Available (Mid 2012)
The Satellite VAST service is a great free innovation for travellers from the Australian Govt. Take advantage of this on your next trip.Download the free eBook now and see how easy it is! DOWNLOAD 'Getting the most from Music and TV in an Off Road Camper Trailer' Includes Multi-media, Sat TV and VAST |
---|
Getting the most from multimedia in full-size off-road caravans - FREE eBook |
---|
 Imagine lying back in your cinema seats watching amovie in the quietness of an overcast and damp day on the coast. Or playing your favouritemusic as you are preparing for dinner. Or even listening live on a VHF channel! This eBook outlines what you can and can’t play on systems that are available in the full size caravans like a KimberleyKruiser, Black Caviar. - Summary of what is available in off-road caravans
- Listening to music inside/outside
- Waterproof and Dustproof?
- Enjoy your favourite movies or catch-up on the latest sporting match around the campfire
- Use of WiFi and NextG 3G Service with Internet
- Using a Satellite Dish is now easy
- Viewer Access Satellite Television service or VAST
- VAST Channels Available (Mid 2012)
The Satellite VAST service is a great free innovation for travellers from the Australian Govt. Take advantage of this on your next trip.Download the free eBook now and see how easy it is! DOWNLOAD 'Getting the most from multimedia in full-size off-road caravans' eBook HERE. |
---|
Off-road Camper Trailer Solar & Battery Size Calculator |
---|
 Rather than a guide with the differences in solar technologies and technical information, This guide presents ses of tables for you to decidewhat suits. You will be able to turn the pages and see different setups. For instance: Solar and Battery Size Calculator Tables: - 100 Amp Hr AGM 5 hours of solar per day
- 200 Amp Hr AGM 5 hours of solar per day
- 200 Amp Hr AGM 2 hours of solar per day
- 120 Amp Hr Lithium 5 hours of solar per day
- 250 Amp Hr Lithium 5 hours of solar per day
- 80 Amp Hr Lithium 5 hours of solar per day 140 Ahr Fuel Cell 30% Load
- 160 Amp Hr Lithium 5 hours of solar per day 140 Ahr Fuel Cell 10% Load
- 160 Amp Hr Lithium 2 hours of solar per day 140 Ahr Fuel Cell 10% Load
- What Super Thin Solar and Super Light Flexible Solar Panels look like.
- Comparison of different technologies.
This is a great tool for non technical and technical people alike. It will give you a practical guide to staying independently withsolar! DOWNLOAD Solar and Battery Sizing Guide Includes a set of lookup tables to calculate your needs. |
---|
Essential Guide to Silent and Superlight Fuel Cells for off-road camping |
---|
 With the EFOY fuel cell you can stay anywhere and experience all of Australia. When (not “if”), you find your favourite spot, you can stay as long as you like. Its your choice and not dependent on facilities. The core question then when investigating your requirements is to ask just how much of Australia do you want to experience? That’s great, but the price of this technology is high. Is it worth it? There is good demand for second hand fuel cells as the warranty period is long and the technology is so reliable. So the realcost of ownership is low. Have a read through this eBook to decide. - The Technology behind EFOY Fuel Cells?
- What are the performance advantages?
- Setup in the back of a Landcruiser for fishing trip with results.
- How do they compare to Generators?
- Installed in an off-road camper trailer
- Installed in an off-road caravan
Download this eBook to see if this suits your needs. |
---|
Guide to Best Stability Towing an off-road Caravan |
---|
 Traveling off-road to out-of-the-way places requires as much attention on the compatibility of the vehicle to the off roadcaravan as it does the fundamentals of chassis and suspension design. We have now researched every conceivable aspect of vehicle stability when towing to get to the theory of what causes instabilityand what the guidelines are to manage it. This was time consuming but the results are conclusive. A comprehensive set of conclusions isincluded. This Guide covers the following topics: Understanding Vehicle Stability Changing a Vehicle Manufacturer’s Suspension /Tyres The Role of Tyres in Towing Stability The Role of Suspension in Towing Stability Towing Stability Recommendations Table of Design Constraints of Vehicle to Caravan Air Suspension in the Caravan aids Towing Stability Speed and Anti-sway devices for towing stability Car-Trailer High Speed Stability Report Lowest unsprung weight aids towing stability Changing a Wheel /Tyre without a Jack Driving on 3 Wheels in an Emergency
With the right caravan and vehicle combination, you can travel safely anywhere and experience all of Australia. Download this eBook to find out more! |
---|
Brochures
You can download the following brochures right away!
Off-road Camper Trailers Handy Pricing Brochure | Off-road Caravans Handy Pricing Brochure |
---|
| |
---|