Having just got back from the woolly wilds of SW Vic and SE SA, I can certainly say I was happy I had a 3 way fridge as it was getting diffficult at times to get a good charge up on the batteries (crap weather)and thats with the portable 120w panel, my Aldi panel has been doing a great job and a 120w didn't cost a fortune but I did chuck the original PWM reg, only down size with solid portable panels is storage, lucky I don't have that problem......
I certainly endorse having a portable panel as then when off grid you can make most use of the sun, something around the 120w or more though, the amps output stated is never really achieved so work on about 75% and you could be close to what it will make.
While your waiting for your rigs to turn up have a look around your local area, look for a nice place to camp for a weekend, so you can sort out the set up, what gear you need and what needs to be left behind, you will certainly pack too much junk and practice with awning and screens is always good .............. close by means a short drive and more time to camp. You don't want a full blown bells and whistles park they are usually sardine packers.....
Also while the attraction is strong don't go and have a caravan accessory buying spree, most of it will stay at home or never be used, wait till you have a few camps and buy when you really have a need, weight is a big problem so always try to have things that can do a couple of jobs, even dunny paper has a couple...
With a tribe you will find space for fancy chairs and tables will be scarce, don't fall into the trap of we can put it inside the van, you don't really want stuff packed on the floor/seats etc, in the end it will drive you nuts, best to have a minimalist outlook.
I certainly endorse having a portable panel as then when off grid you can make most use of the sun, something around the 120w or more though, the amps output stated is never really achieved so work on about 75% and you could be close to what it will make.
While your waiting for your rigs to turn up have a look around your local area, look for a nice place to camp for a weekend, so you can sort out the set up, what gear you need and what needs to be left behind, you will certainly pack too much junk and practice with awning and screens is always good .............. close by means a short drive and more time to camp. You don't want a full blown bells and whistles park they are usually sardine packers.....
Also while the attraction is strong don't go and have a caravan accessory buying spree, most of it will stay at home or never be used, wait till you have a few camps and buy when you really have a need, weight is a big problem so always try to have things that can do a couple of jobs, even dunny paper has a couple...
With a tribe you will find space for fancy chairs and tables will be scarce, don't fall into the trap of we can put it inside the van, you don't really want stuff packed on the floor/seats etc, in the end it will drive you nuts, best to have a minimalist outlook.