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Equipment

Any enquires about  NSWRA's equipment should be directed to the Equipment Officer ..

Bert van Netten
40 Nunda Road
Wangi Wangi  NSW  2267

Phone:  02 4975 3693
Email:    van_netten@idl.net.au

What do we own?

This is only a summary.  The lists in the "Where is it?" section below are more complete.

• The trailer
• Catering Equipment.  This includes tables, gas bottles and stoves, cooking utensils & weapons, cleaning materials, water bottles.
• A large plastic water tank.
• Administration.  A box of sundry pens, paper etc.  Result hangers, bunting, loud hailer.
• Safety.  First aid kit, spare batteries, Epirbs
• Course Related.  Flags and Intention Boards.

Where is it?

• In the Trailer  (Word file)  This is a listing of the equipment housed in the trailer.

• Other Places.  (Word file)   This is a listing of equipment that is not in the trailer.

Please notify the Equipment Officer of any updates needed to these files after each event. If an item of equipment is missing, let us know.

Surplus Food

Food such as tea, coffee and sugar that is not going to be affected by heat and is not heavy can be stored in the trailer. Anything else should be transported and stored by other means.

A Surplus Food Listing  will be maintained here so that future caterers can make use of it..

Helpful hints for users of the Trailer - Julian Ledger 8/2002

Download a Word version.

The trailer was built to rogaining specifications in the mid 90's to both store and transport equipment to events. The great advantage of the trailer is that it keeps everything together and saves truck hire, finding storage and loading before and unloading after events. For it to used successfully it does need some care and respect. Read on! It has had at least one major overhaul and being a registered vehicle is maintained to a high standard requiring a pink slip every year. In the event of damage or breakage occurring this must be reported to the Club Equipment Officer. It should never be towed if it is not road worthy.

Towing

The trailer is heavy and suits a six cylinder vehicle although it has often been towed by a Camry (2.2 litres). If a smaller car is all that is available then equipment not required can be removed to reduce weight. With more powerful vehicles like larger four wheel drives care should be taken - the trailer is not unbreakable.

When connecting the trailer use a second person to guide the reversing driver. Use the jockey wheel to lower the trailer onto the tow ball making sure that the trailer is properly connected and the pin engaged. Remove the jockey wheel and store it in your car. Connect the safety chain to the car - if length is a problem there are spare links in the wooden tool box.

The trailer has a flat seven pin connector. There are adaptors in the tool box for older style round six and seven pin connectors. When connecting use a second person to ensure that brake lights, side lights and indicators are working. 

Due to its size the trailer has a braking system to assist the towing car's brakes. This works off the horizontal towing shaft. For it to be engaged the small hinged metal lug must be swung in the up position to allow the shaft to move back and forth. For reversing only, the metal lug should be in the down position. This ensures the brake is not engaged. Failure to do this runs the risk when reversing of the trailer popping off the tow ball and damaging the car rear bumper.

Finally before departing ensure that the ratchet brake is let off by lifting the lever.

Allow extra time for journeys as towing the trailer should not be rushed. Take it easy on any steep, windy sections or off road access to the event. Do not unhitch the trailer and leave it in any public area en route to an event as it is a simple thing for anyone to steal it. (A complete orienteering trailer with equipment has been lost in the past). The trailer is best at the event the day before as the organisers will need access to it. Last minute trailer arrival leads to unnecessary stress.

Loading/Unloading

The trailer is custom designed and makes remarkable use of a limited amount of space. It must be loaded carefully and in the specified manner. If this is not done there will be pile of equipment left over which does not fit. At the event the person who unloads the trailer should also be available at the end to help loading. This task cannot be rushed. Equipment must be loaded clean and unless it is unavoidable always dry.

There are five padlocks which are keyed alike.

The bottom tray contains tables, cooking benches and wash stands. These fit ingeniously together and instructions on the bottom of tables indicate how this must be done. When moving equipment in or out ensure adequate assistance to avoid back injury.

The two main doors are heavy and must be raised/lowered with care. The hinges and arrest arms are relatively light weight and must not be strained. Closing the doors can be done by one person however is best done by two. It is never necessary to force the doors.

The very top narrow tray is for signs and notice boards. The road directional "Rogaine" signs are best put in a car before the trip for easy access. The two main top trays are mainly used for storing water containers. They are not suitable for heavy equipment as for towing the centre of gravity is better kept low. Once all the water containers are removed the wooden benches are taken out to gain access to the blue plastic containers and general equipment.

The BBQ plate and the wooden box with the two hot water urns are both a two person lift. When reloading put them in first in their places marked on the trailer base. Other equipment then fits around. Gas containers must be secure and not able to move around. Check also that valves are tightly closed. No perishable food or garbage should be left in the trailer. To make the best use of the space soft items such as the banner and the bunting can be stored last.

At the event the trailer should be parked on level ground with the jockey wheel firmly fixed and a stone chocking a wheel. Always also set the ratchet safety brake. The trailer can be used as a speakers rostrum. It is not suitable for children to play on.