Coward Springs

Aslan and I made the executive decision that we needed a portable aircon as we headed up north. However, to do that the closest place was Adelaide 5 hrs a way or all the way in Darwin. Darwin seemed pointless as we would be hot getting there.

We got up early and left the Flinders Rangers. However, we didn't leave the same way we came into the rangers. It was a beautiful drive through rock canons, creeks and then an outback highway. I think we drove across about 10 creeks, not deep, but a load of fun and the Troop Carrier loved every minute of it.

I'm glad we did it as we went through Adelaide’s Clare Valley wine region. After picking up the air con, we stocked up on food and headed back to Port Augusta. A long days drive, 9 hrs to get back on track but I think we will be glad we did as we approach the top end of Australia.

From Port Augusta, we left towards Coward Springs. Coward Springs situated near Lake Eyre is an oasis in the desert, with date trees, hot water springs and eco camping ground. For some reason the stupid GPS in the car thought the best way from Port Augusta to Coward Springs was to go to Whyalla first, 45 minutes to the West, then when I arrived told me to do a u-turn and head back to Port Augusta. Piece of shit. Ignoring the GPS, we then headed North. This drive was very remote, we would see a car maybe every hour or so, sometimes we could do a 110kmh other times 40 kms an hour because of the corrugations and washed-out road. We saw Emus, kangaroos, and lizards along the way. Aslan got the drone out and flew whilst I drove. We got the drone out to 70 kmph. Short drone video Link: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/755796625

We setup camp, with no phone reception, but with the Starlink we got some great Internet speeds and settled into the evening watching tv on our laptops. We had pasta for dinner and I had some sausages. We had a good night sleep, and ready for action.

Today we plan to check out Coward Springs and the sunset across the desert, and have a campfire tonight, tomorrow we head off to Coober Pedy in an underground Hotel.

After spending time a lot of research on a Troopy Overlander power setup for my needs working on the road in all seasons, I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

Usage:
Fridge/Freezer: 12Litre SnoMaster Console Fridge/Freezer, Bushmaster 50 Litre Fridge/Freezer
Electronics: Two laptops, Drone, Pro Camera, Two phones
Misc: Air-compressor, Waterpump, Left/Right/ Rear, Interior Lighting, 11 litre hot water, GPS, Induction Cooker (30 mins per day (2 cooks)
Comms: MileSight Router, Celfi Go, Starlink Dish/Router
Luxury: Zero Breeze 2 Portable Airconditioner

To achieve this, I put a 300W Panel on the roof for carparks, driveway recharge for the fridges etc (not visible in picture), and an external 300-Watt panel to throw in the sun when parked in the shade at a site.

The gear is a Victron 3kW inverter, MPT controllers etc with 2 X 200 Amp batteries.

Biggest power usage is Starlink and the Air-conditioner.

We can now work, stay cool and connected in most parts of Australia.Read more