The Caravan and Motorhome Book by Collyn Rivers

The Caravan and Motorhome Book is the ultimate guide for anyone exploring or living the RV lifestyle in Australia. Authored by former motor industry engineer and veteran traveller Collyn Rivers, this comprehensive manual offers technical insight and practical tips for everything from choosing the right vehicle to solar energy systems, off-grid power, and outback travel. It’s a must-have for caravan, campervan and motorhome owners at all stages of experience.

Features:

• Thoroughly rewritten edition released in 2012 – the eighth update since the original 2002 publication
• Detailed guidance on camper trailers, slide-ons, caravans, fifth-wheelers, and motorhomes
• Covers solar power, gas, water, refrigeration, batteries, inverters, safety and legal issues
• Plain English explanations with strong technical grounding
• Based on 24 trans-Australia journeys and international travel experience
• Richly informed by Collyn Rivers’ career in engineering and publishing

Uses and Applications:

• Ideal for RV travellers planning trips across Australia or internationally
• Essential reading for building or upgrading your camper or motorhome
• Helps you understand and manage power, water, and gas systems off-grid
• Great resource for safe, comfortable, and efficient long-term travel

Review Quotes:

"Without doubt, this is the best book we have ever read . . . it will be treasured, and read on a regular basis." – The Wanderer (Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Ltd)

"Collyn Rivers has put his encyclopaedic knowledge into print . . . there is virtually no issue he hasn't covered." – Caravan World

Chapters Include:

• The early years, What can go where?, Campervan vs motorhome vs trailer
• Detailed chapters on camper-trailers, slide-ons, off-road vehicles, building your own
• In-depth sections on tyres, lighting, LP gas, water systems, toilets, heating
• Expert coverage of fridges, communications, solar basics, batteries, mains power, inverters
• Preparing for trips, dealing with problems, outback travel, cyclone safety, health
• Legal issues, approximate weights, resources, contacts and more

About the Author:

Collyn Rivers is an RAF-trained radar engineer and former automotive test engineer. After migrating to Australia in 1963, he designed scientific equipment and later became a publishing pioneer with Electronics Today International. He has written extensively on RV and solar power systems and is widely respected in technical circles. His personal experience spans multiple trans-Australia trips and Arctic Circle travel.