The caravan was donated by a now SK, Geary, who sadly never got to obtain his foundation license. It was in a very bad condition with extensive rusting in the drawbar.

Cory (VK4BTM), Glenn (VK4FZ) and Peter (VK4EA) set about getting the caravan roadworthy. This involved stripping the interior, removing the rotten drawbar, fabricating a new drawbar, installing same, installing a new hitch and jockey wheel.

New wiring and lights were installed with the final job of attaching a new blue plate completed, it was taken to a mechanic for a roadworthy.

See the photos and work undertaken here

Now it was a legal rolling vehicle, and then Charles (VK4BTC) and Roger (VK4ZLQ) took over for the internal fitout. They removed all of the lining and reclad with plywood, built a workbench with shelving. Installed the solar panels and battery box and laid some marine carpet. Roof was resealed and painted with a 2 pack poly-urethane coating.

Next stage, we need some funding to paint the exterior and fit out with radios. Other items are to wire for 240V and 12V, and finish the antenna reticulation system. Add some lights, rollout awing and pump up mast and we will be in business.

Initially planning on installing 6, 2, and 70cm amateur radios, as well as commercial UHF for monitoring SES, QFRS, QPS, and marine VHF and lo-band VHF for RFS and National Parks. Initially an Icom IC718 from the club station will be utilised for HF and with grant funding we plan on installing a Codan land mobile HF and an all modem Amateur HF radio.

We believe with this capability, the caravan will be formidible tool for disaster rocovery, community support, community events, contests and a fantastic promotional tool for the Club, hobby and the WIA.

Starting Product:

The final concept is pictured below: