15 Improvements For Our Network RV Offroad Caravan

In this video we go through our Network RV Terrain Tuff Offroad van and discuss some of the things we wish we had done differently or things that we would have changed.
As always, don't forget to Like, Share and Subscribe to keep up to date with our travels and see our weekly videos. Also follow us on the socials @ DucruznOZ to see more current news.

[@feeo4609]

Just brought one thanks heaps great video

[@DucruznOZ]

No worries mate, hopefully it serves u well 🍻🍻

[@anddoh]

Great vid, spray the screens with household surface spray as it will not hurt the screens like some personnel repellents do, apply from inside to outside and repeat about every 3 to 4 months. Have been doing this for years works great

[@DucruznOZ]

Legend, thanks for that mate 👌👌🍻🍻

[@overlandphotography]

Very informative. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@DucruznOZ]

All good mate 🍻🍻

[@lisawilson1818]

Thankyou. I love the new ideas you both have shared.

[@DucruznOZ]

No worries at all, safe travels 🍻🍻

[@annettemay5743]

Well what can I say Mr Magoo you've done it again !! Great isea's. they won't let us have the front load washing machine, door curtian holder, so simple. The midgies could they be coming in on the side of the mesh ?. WOW no Dc/DC charger !! thanks so much for that. and the orange awning lamps they didn't know if they can do it either.16" rims already ordered but I will have to add the front work lamp. Thanks so much, We owe you guys a beer and the kids an ice-cream

[@DucruznOZ]

Ha ha, no worries Annette... Mr Magoo is a first for me but i'll take it :) someone suggested the washing machine on a "slide out platform" which we think is a great idea... something to think about anyway :) just happy to help out, be good to actually sit around a fire with a few beers with a lot of the great people that we have connected with... one day maybe :)

[@bradleygray7435]

You could put your washing machine on a slide out

[@DucruznOZ]

Very true, we did think about changing it to be on a slide.... maybe a down the track job ;)

[@foss302]

Hi guys. I have the white LED lights on the outside of my van. A couple of strips of yellow elec. tape does a surprisingly good job and worked a treat keeping the bug numbers down on our last 8 week trip. Cheers, Dave.

[@DucruznOZ]

Thanks foss, that is a pearler of an idea... we used red felt pen on our landcruiser lights ha ha....

[@timhockings7149]

Guys - great video to help others with their builds. Re the batteries boxes - fully agree. If you are going to spend the $3,000+ for lithium with decent AH you want to protect these from both the environment and those that may want to “acquire” them. Ours are inside under the seats locked away. On the hot water look at the upgrade to the instant system. Our van has a small exhaust vent and that’s all. Nothing to knock off and no dust to get in. And yeah more on the story of the missing awning please :)

[@DucruznOZ]

Nice move with the batteries Tim :) we didn't know about the hot water system hanging out like that or we would have gotten Instant :( awning story.... well it will come in the next few episodes :) lets just say that NT has hit us around a little bit, ha ha

[@simonespreadborough7001]

Great tips for people that are looking at buying a network van 😊 Thanks for sharing 👍

[@DucruznOZ]

All good, had a few requests 🍻🍻

[@w.bridges9118]

I have just found your channel and I am impressed with your videos so we will continue to look forward to seeing more from your travels, Stay safe and enjoy your selfs.

[@DucruznOZ]

Thanks so much Wayne, we enjoy making them and exploring our beautiful country 🍻😎

[@jenwilko1692]

Fabulous info thanks Very Much👏💫👏 Cheers Jen n Co

[@DucruznOZ]

All good mate, had a few people ask for this sort of video ;) 🍻🍻

[@twocoddiwompletravellers]

You can actually buy a 50 ml spacer to make your table higher. We did that to our van.

[@DucruznOZ]

Brilliant, cheers for that 🍻😎

[@twocoddiwompletravellers]

It sits on the top of the leg, it’s metal but you can’t see it at all …I think around the $40 mark……ordered online

[@brianpike2817]

Just a tip on your out side lights , with mine I just bought some yellow insulation tape and placed over the white lights works a treat

[@DucruznOZ]

Yep, that's a great idea and we have done that since, works a treat 😎😎

[@warrenburke5346]

These are insightful videos, thanks for sharing @Duncruz

[@DucruznOZ]

Cheers for that Warren 😎🍻

[@robertgrayson3394]

Great vid guys, many points echoing with us too. As others have said, "Amber Lense Repair Tape" form supercheap works a treat on the lights. Surface spray on screens works pretty good too.

[@DucruznOZ]

Cheers Robert, these are great tips :)

[@jwoods6585]

great vid guys issue with a smaller gauge window mesh is you would probably need a gale force wind to get a breeze in the van. keep up the good work stay safe

[@DucruznOZ]

That makes sense, bit of a compromise i suppose 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@trevtreloar1449]

A cheap fix for the outside lights is amber lens repair tape, it works a treat. Enjoying following your journey.

[@DucruznOZ]

Cheers for that Trev, seems to be the go for the amber lights :)

[@jorjimaco5331]

Put your washing machine on a side, makes life easier. 🙏🏻 spray the screens with mossie spray at night, bugs die before they get in.🙏🏻

[@DucruznOZ]

Brilliant idea with the slide 👌👌 might have to try the spray too... thanks for that 🍻🍻

[@jorjimaco5331]

@@DucruznOZ Yellow electrical tape on the outside lights works, cheap. Just reapply if it falls off, get a accumulater after your water pump, no noise, plus it saves the pump. I’ve been doing this stuff for 20 years, hope it helps. 🍻

[@jorjimaco5331]

@@DucruznOZ Spray inside facing outside so you get no smell.

[@007nadineL]

Or put the counter top on a slide . .

[@MudducksTouringAustralia]

Some good info there guys. Cheers Steve

[@DucruznOZ]

Cheers mate 🍻🍻👌👌

[@dr.edsozfamilytravel]

Great vid. They actually put a toilet window in mine. It shortened the awning though but it looks great.

[@DucruznOZ]

For some reason ours missed out on the toilet window ??? at least we have more hanging room for towels now, ha ha

[@ladysusanjane2682]

Great thoughts. Totally understand about the washing machine access and screens on windows and doors.of all the YT videos I’ve watched I don’t think I’ve seen anyone with midge proof mesh. Maybe manufacturers don’t have it. Have you seen anyone with it? I wonder why they missed the window in the bathroom? Odd. A little machine on the wall would be perfect 👍🏻 it’s still a lovely van x

[@DucruznOZ]

Thanks for that, it seems that a lot of builds have come out with things in different spots and missing some things, just no real consistency... 😎😎

[@paulchaseling9154]

Hey Marc another great informative vid especially for those new to caravaning like myself. You had me reviewing my build spec ensuring same or similar points were addressed (thanks). If your looking for future content could you review your cruiser with all the mods done to it and what you would do differently if you were to start again based on what you know now if anything. Thanks mate, Cheers Paul.

[@DucruznOZ]

Cheers for that Paul, we were always caravan haters so never really paid much attention to them until we had to live in one full time.... so much to learn, ha ha... I could do a cruiser walk around video down the track for sure 👌👌🍻

[@annettemay5743]

Well Marc and Team! we were going the Dometic DRS, But we are following in your foot steps and going the ARL fans ( By Craig Davis ) Cheers for all your opinions on things to do with your Van.

[@DucruznOZ]

No pressure on us for it to perform, ha ha.... just make sure they wire it in to blow and not suck, ha ha 👌👌💪💪

[@petermajkovica3700]

Didn't you guys know flies are a great source of protein😂

[@DucruznOZ]

Ha ha, after living in Rural WA for 13 years we know all too well about flies, ha ha

[@petermajkovica3700]

We worked in WA's wheat belt whilst travelling absolutely loved it... Out boys where 2.5 and 1 at the time, we have life long friends there.

[@DucruznOZ]

@@petermajkovica3700 it is a beautiful part of WA that's for sure, we would always come through Merriden from Kal to Perth and loved visiting there 🥰🥰

[@freddiefuckenflintstone2623]

I’d reckon a awning would be a great improvement.

[@kateducrou3904]

🤣🙈🤣 Yep we had one of those but the MacDonnell Ranges decided to keep it!

[@dr.edsozfamilytravel]

After watching your first vid I asked the manufacturer to put a extended tv arm but they still didn’t. They promised to post it. Still waiting for it. However I have seen an extended monitor arm from JBHiFi which could work on it. I’m going to use it on mine. Will let you know how it goes

[@DucruznOZ]

that is a shame they didn't follow through with it, hope it all works out in the end :)

[@XploringOz]

Another great video guys. Good to hear your honest thoughts on these things after living in the van for some time 👍

[@DucruznOZ]

Cheers Nathan, will probably do another one in 6 months time to wrap it up completely 👌👌

[@XploringOz]

@@DucruznOZ Great, I'm sure there will be plenty more as time goes on. Overall though you have a great setup and looks like you're enjoying life. I was going to mention the yellow tape on the outdoor lights too, but it seems everyone has covered that in the comments 😂

[@DucruznOZ]

Yeah it is awesome travelling at the moment.... a lot of these things can be fixed but obviously this is more for people looking at building them now....

[@leithmurray736]

What ever you do don’t install midge screens they restrict the are flow greatly. Spray all screens inside and if you can reach outside as well with surface spray. I’ve found I get approximately 3 months out of one spray application, and you see the results of the dead midge

[@DucruznOZ]

Cheers for the tip Leith, will definitely have to give that a whirl :)

[@nivek944]

In anticipation of getting a similar van, I bought a Flavourstone square pan set to neatly fit on the cook top. All I need is the Van. :) But I would like to know if the kettle fits neatly on the Electric element? ..

[@DucruznOZ]

Nice one with the pans... we have never used the electric one to be honest... we boil the kettle on the gas 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@scottyray3249]

Cheers guys, good tips. We have the same issue with our table. Going to get the table leg extension too. I see you have the HTP dust reduction fan. We have one installed in ours but haven't used it yet. How have you found it, have you been dust free?? Have you been able to connect yours to Bluetooth? Cheers

[@DucruznOZ]

Cheers Scotty, will have to find the extension i think ;) our dust reduction works great, when it worked properly (was wired in backwards 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️) but the main issue with dust is inside all of the cabinets that have pipe work coming through them.... they don't silicone around them too well and I had to go underneath and fix all of that up... ours hasn't got bluetooth, just on/off switch 👌👌🍻🍻

[@fjadventures]

Hey Marc, Just about to do this same convertion. Where/how did you install the Shunt. i see its not Water/dust proof so ideally should be inside but would be easy to install in battery box than having to relocate all negatives to battery? unless there is already a fat earth to inside under bed at back of the panel?

[@DucruznOZ]

Hey mate, to be honest I did chuck it under the van in the battery box 😲😲 I have been through a few river crossings and had no issues so far 🤞🤞 but yes, ideally it should be sealed... maybe even a junction box (like a clipsal power box) with cable glands would make the inside of the box water proof.... food for thought..

[@warrenburke5346]

Hey guys, your tip re: door blind. Do you have the link of the stick on clamp from Bunnings because yes it is bloody annoying? Thank you

[@DucruznOZ]

Cheers Warren, just have to measure the diameter of the rod and match it up to the clips, we added a little bit of stick on felt to pad it out a bit.... www.bunnings.com.au/permastik-large-black-cable-clips-5-pack_p0209138

[@the_zeplin_maker]

Do you have a link to the plastic stick on clamps you added to your door? Can't seem to find them. Cheers

[@DucruznOZ]

search for "permastick cable clamps" at bunnings ;)

[@dustindoutch7387]

Hey mate, great video just wondering what's your thoughts on the quality of the build, have you had and issues? We (also a family) have a 21.6 off road jayco and we love it the only thing is we want to upgrade so we can design a van to suit us, would you recommend Network RV or would you look at other builds?

[@DucruznOZ]

Hey Dustin, we love our NRV and have only had one or two very minor cosmetic issues with it. We have taken it up many hard tracks, corrugated roads and beaches with ease. The build quality is really good and would definitely recommend NRV :)

[@patrickwhite8926]

I have just brought an outdoor tv arm it was $55

[@DucruznOZ]

cheers Patrick, will look into getting one of those :)

[@patrickwhite8926]

TRA-TVB01 is the tv bracket and folding arm I brought mine from carerest in Adelaide

[@DucruznOZ]

@@patrickwhite8926 sweet, thanks mate 👌👌

[@loganstanley2340]

Hi, how squished is it at the dinner table with 5 people? Thanks.

[@DucruznOZ]

It is fairly squishy, we have all 3 kids along the back and Kate and I sit with our legs into the "hallway" type of thing.... to be honest we eat most of our meals outside, only if raining/windy or bugs are shocking do we eat inside 😎

[@evantomuri4651]

Hi there can you please let me know the brand of fold down table you there I see it is the keyless version which is much better than getting the keys out every time

[@DucruznOZ]

No worries Evan, it is a Ranger Fold Down Table. rangersupplies.com.au/products/picnic-table/ranger-picnic-table/

[@evantomuri4651]

@@DucruznOZ thanks mate very helpful Led lite as well 👍

[@Ogilberry]

Yeep the screens on these networks are garbage currently have excess of 200 bugs in my van can’t leave the lights on is a nightmare may as well have stuck to my tent

[@DucruznOZ]

Oh no that sucks, we ended up chucking midgee mesh on the main door and got some Velcro attached the the 2 main skylights with midgee mesh attached to them.... drastically reduced our bug intake :) also someone recommended spraying the fly mesh with fly spray 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️