Our company is dedicated to the development and supply of innovative products to make your caravan touring experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

If you have a question about our products, the technologies used, or our company, please browse the FAQ’s below, you will be likely to find the answer there.

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Do our products carry ACMA C-Tick Compliance?

Yes, all products are C-Tick compliant. More information on C-Tick compliance is available here : http://www.acma.gov.au

Where can you buy our products?

Our products are available at several retailers of Caravan products, Auto Accessory stores and Electricians throughout the country. Please see the Where to buy page for a complete listing. You may also purchase our products direct from Aussievan via mail order, please phone 1800 200 138 or email us on sales@aussievan.com.au .

Does Aussievan have a shop front?

Aussievan does not have a shop front, our products are available from dealers throughout the country and also via mail order by calling us on 1800 200 138 or email us at sales@aussievan.com.au . Our warehouse, research and development facilities, and base is in Perth, Western Australia.

How can you contact us?

Please see the contacts page here.  Dealers please contact us on 1800 200 138 to discuss reselling the Aussievan product range. Customers, please contact Aussievan on sales@aussievan.com.au or technical@aussievan.com.au or 1800 200 138.

How do you run the cable through the caravan?

The simplest way is to run the cable along the caravan chassis, up the back inside of the beading on the edge and across to the top middle area with electrical conduit. An alternative is to mount the camera on a tube welded vertically onto the spare wheel bracket. The camera has a connector which allows quick disconnection.

Why is the monitor position mounted below the dash a good idea?

There are huge advantages mounted below the dash. The greatest advantage is safety. There is nothing obstructing the driver’s view. The sun’s heat on the dash and bright lights will not affect the view of the monitor. There are no glare issues in bright light as well as low light situations.  The gooseneck mount allows the monitor to be pushed into the foot well to be hidden from sight and the monitor can be taken off the gooseneck simply by unscrewing off the gooseneck.

What type of camera is it?

The cameras are 1/3” CCD colour, PAL system, with auto shutter speed and features auto backlight compensation. The commercial standard cameras are only 1/4″. The extra large CCD chip gives unsurpassed definition and picture clarity. This is one of the little things that make the quality of the Aussievan Easy RearView systems stand out.

How is the system powered?

The Rearview system can be simply powered from a cigarette lighter socket with the cigarette lighter plug provided. It can also be hard-wired to the vehicle’s accessories or ignition key linked power supply.  Our system is designed with simplicity and completeness in mind for DIY installation.

What is the connection between the car and caravan?

The kit comes with a 6m cable for the vehicle and 12m for the caravan. The connection between the car and caravan is a 4-pin aviation connectors with rubber o-ring and screws together securely. The connection is also waterproof. Anodised aluminium dust caps are provided to protect the connectors when not towing.

What cameras come in the kit?

The BD-23 dual camera kit comes with two specialised cameras. The number plate camera which has a 150° viewing angle gives superb coverage of the vehicle blind spots, excellent for hitch-ups and mounts directly onto the number plate existing mounting holes. The caravan camera has a 90° lens angle which gives a virtually distortion free image with a range of up to 500m.

How easy is the kit to fit?

The Easy RearView kit has all the components needed for the installation and the installation is totally non-invasive. The innovative gooseneck monitor mount is one of Aussievan’s unique design which bolts directly onto the front seat anchor bolt. No drilling, no glue or notorious wind screen suction cups. The cable simply runs along the gooseneck, under the seat and carpet and to the back of car. No dangling cables in front of the dash.

Why is the Aussievan system better than others?

Our system is designed with simplicity and completeness in mind for DIY installation. The caravan rear view system runs all the time while driving and not just while reversing. All components are carefully selected and passed through a stringent QC procedure before, during and after production. An 8 hour burn-in test is standard before the product is packaged. The package comes with comprehensive instructions and a fully labeled wiring diagram. Technical support is also available through email and telephone found on the product box, instructions and website.

Why doesn’t your monitor have a shade around it like your competitors?

We don’t find that we need to put a shade on our monitor, as keeping the monitor off the dash by mounting it on our flexible gooseneck down by the console keeps it out of the direct ambient light conditions of the dashboard. A shade is only effective when light is coming from precisely the right angle in any case, and we believe the small shades being moulded into the case of some monitors on the market now are of little practical value.

Why do you include a 12/24v regulator with the kits?

A 12/24v regulator is a device that takes 12 or 24 volt input from the car’s electrical system, and outputs a constant 12 volts to the Easy RearView system. The regulator effectively absorbs any power spikes which occur as the vehicle’s engine is started and provides a clean 12 volt power source to the Easy RearView kit to enhance its reliability. The regulator also allows the kits to be used in 24 volt applications. None of our competitors go to the trouble to include a regulator with their kits and therefore none can offer the reliability that an Aussievan kit has in the long term. The regulator is just another example of the value we engineer into each of our products.

Does the monitor have speakers and cameras a microphone?

Yes, our Easy RearView monitor does have in-built speakers within the monitor body itself and the cameras do contain a microphone.

Why don’t you recommend bumper cameras for use on vehicles?

Many manufacturers are now fitting flush bumper mounted cameras to their new cars. We have tested several of these and have found that the field of view is insufficient to see out to both sides of the vehicle, which means potentially a child standing immediately behind the bumper out to the side would not be seen by the driver. A much safer option is our 150 degree field of view Miniature Number Plate camera, which allows the widest view rearwards of any camera on the market.

What is the standard length cable with the kits?

In the BD-21 Caravan, Camper and Motorhome kit we include a 6m and 12m cable. The 6m one is used from the Monitor to the rear of the vehicle, and the 12m one from the front of the trailer to the camera on the rear of the Caravan. For use in Motorhomes or Buses, these cables can be joined together permanently to provide a long 16m length. Also, installation into a Motorhome is made much simpler if there are two separate cables rather than one long one, as its easier to route the two separate cables individually then join them where appropriate.

In the BD-23 dual camera kit, we include two 6m cables for the car, plus an additional 12m cable for the caravan. Additional cables are available should you require them however – just call us.

Is an Infrared night and day camera really necessary?

The Infrared Night and Day camera we supply with the BD-21 Caravan, Camper and Motorhome kit has a row of LEDs that emit Infrared at night so that the camera can detect and display a ‘night view’ image. Contrary to popular belief, the LEDs on all of these types of cameras do NOT emit visible light to illuminate the area in front of the camera – they emit Infrared only. The Infrared capability is very effective at showing an image in darkness with little rearward illumination – as you would experience when travelling forwards at night when the monitor is mounted on the rear of the caravan or motorhome.

We also find that our Miniature Number Plate Camera as used in the BD-23 Car, SUV and 4WD kit also provides an excellent image at night as it is low light sensitive. When reversing, the reversing lights on the vehicle are on which illuminates the path behind the vehicle and provides more than enough light for an effective image to be displayed. As you can see, each camera is very effective at night in its intended application.

Why does Aussievan also offer dash mount monitor for buses and large Motorhomes?

In many large Motorhomes, the use of the boom mount isn’t ideal because of the distance between the front seats – meaning the monitor ends up being too far away from the driver. A dash stand is optionally available to mount the monitor on the dash board in conjunction with the the BD-21 Caravan, Camper and Motorhome kit to overcome this limitation.

In a Motorhome, dash mounting the monitor is not a safety issue because of their high seating positions and large dash. This is why we provide a dash stand as an alternate to the boom mount for use with the BD-21 kit for Caravans, Campers and Motorhomes. It is really the most practical way to mount a monitor in a bus or large Motorhome with a wide dash board.

Why does Aussievan use a flexible boom mount for the monitor?

Aussievan developed the flexible boom mount to make Reversing Camera systems safer and more universal for all different types of vehicles. Using the boom mount means that the Monitor does NOT sit on the dash board.  There are no messy wires.

Placing a monitor on the dash board or windscreen in Cars, SUVs and 4WDs is dangerous because it will be in the direct line of sight of the driver, interrupting their vision of the road. A dash mounted monitor is also affected by heat through the windscreen (shortening its life) and the image displayed is more difficult to view because of reflected ambient light.

The various windscreen suction mounts now available are also difficult to use and to keep stuck to the windscreen on a hot day. They work great in the shop, but in real life situations can be a real source of frustration! That’s why we have come up with our flexible boom mount that positions the monitor over the center console. It’s reliable, and a universal fit for virtually any vehicle, with the added advantages of not obstructing the view out the windscreen, and keeping the monitor out of the bright ambient light so the image is more easily viewed.

Is there a “Woza” trailer cable connection with the caravan kit?

No, we don’t use a “Woza” trailer cable connector kit that some of our competitors use. We believe it just adds unnecessary complexity to the design and means there are more holes to be drilled in the vehicle and trailer to mount the connection brackets. Also, because the curly connector cable used is a separate cable in itself that plugs into a bracket on the rear of the vehicle, and then to a bracket on the trailer, you have two connections that could potentially fail.

With the Aussievan kit, we provide two cables – a 6m one that goes from the monitor to the rear of the vehicle, and a 12m or 20m one that goes from the trailer hitch to the camera on the rear of the caravan. These cables screw together with a bayonet type fitting, and are therefore secure when travelling. They are easy to position out of the way when not in use, yet still be on hand to connect together without having to install any brackets to terminate them. We also include aluminium dust caps that screw onto the ends of the cable to protect the pins when the caravan is not in use and the cables are disconnected.

Are the cameras waterproof and shock resistant?

Yes, we source many different cameras from various manufacturers and then stringently test them for quality and reliability. The cameras we have chosen to include in our kits are the best of those available and are tested for their water tightness, shock resistance and general durability in the field. Only once they pass our tests will they be included in our kits, so you are assured of buying a top quality product.

Which kit should I consider for my application and why?

There are two kits available, the Easy RearView kit BD-21, single camera system for Caravans, Campers and Motorhomes, and the dual camera system BD-23 kit for Cars, SUVs and 4WDs with caravan.

The differences between the two kits come down to the camera included and the length of cable provided in the kit effectively. We have found that the Colour Infrared Night and Day camera is most suitable for use with a Caravan, Camper or Motorhome due to its exceptional night vision, 90 degree field of view and adjustability. This camera works well where you mount it up high on the back of a Caravan, Camper or Motorhome and it will allow you to have a wide view of the what is behind the vehicle (due to its mounting position up high) and road without any distortion or ‘fisheye effect’ in the image.

It is not advisable to use a camera of greater than 90 degrees on the back of the van, because cars following the caravan will appear to be far away, when in fact they are right up behind you! A 110 degree angle camera, that many of our competitors use, will not give you a true perspective of the road behind.

We include the Colour Miniature Number Plate Mounted Camera in the dual camera kit because it is easy to mount on the number plate without drilling any additional holes in the car (it utilises the existing number plate bolts), and it provides a 150 degree field of view which means you can see out to both sides of the vehicle and down to the bumper bar at very close range. This is important to make sure you see a child or object standing immediately behind the car. They are much more likely to be seen using this camera, as opposed to using the Infrared camera with its narrower field of view, when attached near the number plate.

How are Aussievan’s reversing camera kits different to our competitor’s?

Aussievan’s kits are different to our competitors because unlike our competitors, we don’t just source the standard ‘off the shelf’ components and repackage them. We have closely evaluated and field tested all of the ‘off the shelf’ components and have then gone back to only the best manufacturers with our own specifications and had the components made especially for us, incorporating our ideas to enhance performance and durability.

For example, our wiring harness and cable connectors are unique to Aussievan – none of our competitors offer the same quality, ease of installation, neatness of design and durability. Also, our flexible boom mount is unique to us, as is the pivoting system for the monitor, the monitor itself and both of our cameras. If you see a product that looks similar to ours on the outside, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s the same on the inside – where it counts.

Our products are also fully C-Tick certified and tested against emitting any electromagnetic interference which can interfere with your vehicles electrical system. We are also continually improving the kits to enhance them. For example – with the recent edition of the enhanced voltage regulator to provide clean 12v power to the monitor and camera, 7” monitor with non-stretched image, zoom, pan, tilt functions and much more.

Our efforts in research and development ensure the product you buy works perfectly in its intended application, first time, every time, and they will offer many years of trouble free service. Just ask our competitors how many of them have a full time electrical engineer on staff, and how many of them actually own a 4WD and Caravan and use their own products daily?  We do!

What if I need help, who can I contact?

The Product is fully backed up by Aussievan Products P/L, based in WA. Contact details are on the box as well as in the operating instructions. There is also a troubleshooting section at the end of the operating instructions and more information is also available on the website.  For technical assistance email to technical@aussievan.com.au .

Can I use the existing antenna connector on the wall outside of my caravan?

It is highly recommended to connect the antenna cable directly to the base unit by going through a hole-in-the-wall fitting or window or any convenient opening simply because less connections means better quality signal. However, if you really want to use the “wall connection”, please go through the procedure outlined in the “Please Read Prior To Installing” sheet found attached to the operating instructions.

Can it be left on the roof while travelling?

Strongly NOT recommended for obvious safety reasons. The EasyTune antenna package comes complete with quick release brackets and telescopic mast for easy put up and take down.

How much power does it draw?

Maximum current draw while motor is rotating is less than 300mA, which is less than a third of an Amp or 3.6W.

Can it run on a 12V battery?

Yes, the EasyTune antenna is workable on 12V. However, the rotating function is disabled. The rotator motor is a 12V AC synchronous motor. With a 12V DC power source, the motor lacks the 50Hz alternating current component to operate. In this case you simply adjust the antenna by hand or use an inverter.

What about vertical polarisation?

It’s included in the package, you will find a vertical bracket to mount the EasyTune antenna in a vertical axis. Mount the vertical bracket on top of the mast and simply drop the EasyTune antenna into the bracket.

Will it pick up Digital?

Absolutely! The EasyTune antenna is fully “Digital Ready”.  It picks up Digital HDTV, DVB-T, UHF, VHF and even Digital and FM radio.

What is the range?

Range is very subjective because not all TV transmitters put out the same power. A major coverage antenna may have a 200km radius whereas a small country town repeater station may only have a 2km radius. With the EasyTune antenna, you are bound to get reception if you are within range or at the fringe coverage of even the tiniest country town repeater station.

Does it work?

Absolutely! The reason being is that the EasyTune antenna is a directional antenna as opposed to most other mobile home or RV antennas which are omni-directional or symmetrical. Almost always when going on a holiday trip, you will be away from major populated cities or metropolitan areas and you need the extra directional gain to home in on the weak signals.

I’ve been through so many antennas…it’s not funny! Why is yours any better?

The best antenna for a caravan is a house antenna we all agree. But it’s big and clumsy and fragile. The EasyTune is based on same type of antenna as the house antenna. The elements are housed in a tough UV stabilized ABS shell and what’s more, it has a built in booster, a remote control rotator and it comes as a complete package with mast, brackets and cables designed especially for mobile homes.

Can I use a 12 volt to 240 volt power inverter with the EasyTune?

Yes, you can use a 12 volt to 240 volt power inverter into which you would plug the standard EasyTune Antenna’s 240 volt power supply. This enables you to operate the standard BD-11a antenna effectively from your caravan batteries when you are not plugged into the mains power at a caravan park. There are many ‘can’ sized inverters that are small and convenient to use with the EasyTune.  The total power requirement is less than 5W.

How is the EasyTune antenna powered?

The EasyTune Antenna is powered by a 240 volt power supply that plugs into the mains 240V and transforms the voltage to 12V AC out to power the motor that rotates the antenna and also to provide power to the signal amplifier. This model, the BD-11a.  Only a single coaxial cable is used to connect to the antenna.  Power, rotation and signal are carried through a single coaxial cable.

Do I need an antenna with a signal amplifier or booster?

Antennas for use by Caravaners need to be of a manageable size and they are often used in poorly serviced areas, making a masthead amplifier essential. It is often said masthead amplifiers are only there to compensate for the signal loss caused by the coax cable to the receiver and because caravaners are dealing with short cable lengths, are not needed. However, a good masthead amplifier such as the one inside the Aussievan EasyTune, will increase the gain of weak signals in remote areas, and compensate for the compact dimensions of a portable antenna, without adding significant noise to the signal.

Amplifiers placed within the caravan itself – a long way from the antenna, amplify the noise generated through the cable run. So whilst the signal is amplified, the noise that affects the quality of the picture is too and they are not recommended. To keep noise to a minimum it is also important to use high quality shielded coaxial cable from the antenna to the caravan. The EasyTune uses only high quality coaxial cable from the antenna to the base station and for the two cables that connect the TV to the base station.

What is the difference between Analogue and Digital TV?

Digital Television broadcasting is transmitted using digital modulation rather than analogue modulation in the channels available in VHFIII, UHF IV and UHF V. Each service occupies a 7MHz channel, and may contain a High Definition program, a Standard Definition program or multiple programs, all available with a 16:9 display format, and associated sound up to ’5.1′ channels, together with text and data, closed captions etc.

The quality of digital TV is much better than Analogue, not only because of the wider picture, but because it doesn’t suffer from ghosting and interference like Analogue TV does. You require a digital tuner to receive Digital TV broadcasts, this necessitates installing a set-top box with your old analogue TV, or purchasing a new TV with an in-built digital tuner. Upgrading is worth the cost in terms of picture and sound quality and therefore enjoyment of the viewing experience.

Can you explain TV Channels and frequencies?

In Australia TV is transmitted over the frequency range 45-820 MHz and is divided into 5 bands as per the table below. The Channel designation is that which has been commonly adopted by the commercial TV stations e.g. 9 is Channel 9 in capital cities. Analogue and Digital broadcast channels are distributed throughout the VHF III and UHF bands.

Where can I find a list of transmitting stations throughout Australia?

The Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations Book lists all licensed broadcasting transmitters operating in the broadcasting services bands. The publication provides information on individual transmitters.  Readers should note that while the entry of a transmitter indicates the existence of a service, it does not guarantee that the particular service is operating.

The Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations Book is published in PDF format and is updated quarterly. The current edition can be viewed/downloaded in its entirety or by individual section at www.acma.gov.au

What sort of coaxial cable is used with the Easytune?

To keep noise to a minimum, it is important to use high quality shielded coaxial cable from the antenna to the caravan. The EasyTune uses only high quality coaxial cable from the antenna to the base station and for the two cables that connect the TV to the base station. .

Is the EasyTune compatible with horizontal and vertical transmissions?

Yes, the EasyTune in its standard position is setup to receive horizontally polarised signals, and we include a special bracket in the kit to enable the antenna to be mounted on its side to receive vertically polarised transmissions. If you have an older model of EasyTune and do not have the vertical mounting bracket with your kit, one can be purchased for a nominal charge by contacting Aussievan.

How do I tell if the signal is transmitted horizontally or vertically?

The easiest way to determine which is in use in a given area, is to look at how the local townsfolk have set up their home antennas, and copy the orientation when erecting your EasyTune antenna, or refer to the Australian Broadcasting Directories publication which lists all stations.

What is Horizontal and Vertical Polarisation?

TV signals are transmitted in two planes relative to the ground. One is deemed horizontal polarisation, where the energy waves are transmitted horizontally, and the other vertical polarisation when they are transmitted vertically. To receive the signals correctly, the antenna must be oriented either horizontally (i.e. parallel to the ground) for horizontal polarised transmissions or vertically for vertical polarised transmission.

If I am having a problem with a product, who do I talk to?

Please email us on technical@aussievan.com.au or call us on 1800 200 138 and we can offer you technical support to try and resolve your problem.

What is the warranty on the products from Aussievan?

All of Aussievan’s products are covered by 12 months warranty against manufacturing defects and workmanship.  The customer must pay the cost of returning the product to Aussievan with a copy of the receipt or warranty card.