Feb052010

New Year – New Direction

By geistrunner | February 5, 2010 | Posted in TBA | Tagged , , , , , , | Comment (1)

In 2010 Geist importation into Australia is at a crossroads. If a new importer takes on the product, and there are several options here, then some spectacular new vans and possibly motorhomes could come into the Australian market towards the end of 2010. The only problem is, will the factory produce less quantity than it is currently requiring for the wholesaler to buy, to accommodate this. Even though the RV industry in Australia is going very well, a minimum order of 1,000 units per year over the UK and Australia may be outside what is feasible to sell. As a premium product, the Geist just doesn’t cut it in the budget market arena and hence the volume is unlikely to move. Will the factory consider a flat pack unit to be shipped and assembled within Australia like some of Australia’s most popular brands are now doing? It certainly would force the RVMAA lobby group to shed some of their own members off if they were to go up against the new Geist brand then. Lets just say that there are many very reputable people within Australia who would love to go this way. It is now in the hands of the factory in Germany. Don’t expect many changes until at least mid 2010 though as this would be a major investment to tool a factory in Australia to accommodate the Geist brand. The UK is focusing on motorhomes this year and don’t rule out some hitting Australian shores. A lot of interest remains with the Phantom range. Those people wanting a NEW Geist Phantom Motorhome in Australia in 2010 should let me know via email, support@geistowners.com . I am told the door is now on the other side to comply happily with the ADR’s in Australia instead of special approvals. Prices have not been released as yet.

Most parts for existing Geist stock are readily available within 1-2 weeks now through our supplier network at www.geistowners.com . Any one having problems with insurance should consider either changing to CIL or AAMI who I believe are supporting the brand. Readily available parts are always the issue with insurance premiums rising or lowering. All Geist owners should inform their insurance companies of the new availability of parts within Australia. Feel free to quote the support@geistowners.com email address to insurance companies who doubt the availability.

The www.geistowners.com membership continues to grow and with your funds we are starting to make some inroads to securing the brand again within Australia. So far in our first 6 months we have been able to:

1. Convince businesses in most states to start bringing in Geist parts to Australia.

2. Help hold a reasonable price at the auctions in Sydney and Brisbane.

3. Encourage new owners and support their finding of parts.

4. Represent the members to the Dept. Transport & Roads (Federal) – Ongoing with the coupling

5. Organise FREE Geist Gatherings (1st one in March 2010)

6. Link owners for emotional and physical support.

7. Join members with repairers in breakdown situations

8. Provide ongoing information to members regularly.

9. Administrate the forum for all Geist Owners.

Still to come in 2010 we hope to:

1. Establish an importer in Australia.

2. Provide more information to media on Geist.

3. Talk further with Geist UK and the factory on new product and the future.

4. Provide at least two GG’s (Geist Gatherings) in Australia

5. Create a comprehensive Geist manual for Australia.

6. Build the Geist service centre network.

7. Create a new Knowledge Centre for members.

What we need from you.

Just be a www.geistowners.com member and support the businesses around Australia who bring in your parts. By doing all this we make the interest for an importer or re-assembler to re-establish themselves in Australia a likelihood. If we walk away, so does the Geist brand and your investment in your van or motorhome.The Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia (RVMAA) would love us to walk away as their lobby group pushes the import & safety fear card onto the public and the Australian government. As owners we know the quality of the product we tow and the safety it has over many RVMAA members vans, but does the Australian public? It seems the baffle them with B**l S**t method still works on some overwhelmed buyers.

Support www.geistowners.com and help fight to keep Geist vans on the road. Donations can also be made to aid the fight and travel to the UK and Germany for further discussions when the timing is right.

Catch you on the track.

Peter Treasure (GeistRunner)

By geistrunner | Posted in TBA | Tagged , , , , , , | Comment (1)
Dec092009

General News

By geistrunner | December 9, 2009 | Posted in Geist Owners Group | Comments (0)

It has been a pretty busy month or so, with the auctions, LMC’s (factory) stance and hitch issues to try and sort. In all though we are heading into Christmas with what seems to be a good supply of parts accross Australia. The UK have helped out our suppliers quite a bit. We are very close to announcing that March 19-22, 2010 will be the first official FREE GG(Geist Gathering) for our members. It will be in Eastern Victoria. Members attending will also be able to vote where they would like the next one later in 2010 with an offering of $1,000 to run it. We have had a good uptake of members since the auctions and we hope more will come on board. This is a letter from one new member.

Hi Peter

My wife and I purchased our van ( XK 660 ) from the Brisbane auction, we were the couple that had traveled up from Melbourne, your answering of our questions at the time were invaluable. Our planning to buy a Geist van started back in 2006 after seeing them at the Melbourne Caravan and Camping Show, we were both disappointed when Oakhurst went into Liquidation, but still determined to buy one we had been watching the second hand market for a XK 660 when we came across the auction in Brisbane.

So the plans were made, we drove to Ipswich on the Thursday before the auction, it was a long 18 hour drive, Friday morning 9 am we were at the auction yard viewing the vans, we were only there to purchase a XK 660 of which their were two, lot 21 was only missing the decorative curtains , lot 22 was missing the awning , DVD sound system, spare tyre, Gas bottles, mattress and microwave, so lot 21 had to be the one for us.

We took down the VIN number and all other details and headed off to the Queensland Transport office in Ipswich to obtain a 4 day unregistered vehicle permit thus allowing us to tow the van back to Melbourne, later Friday afternoon I purchased and installed the 12 pin connector needed as my original was only 7pin.

Saturday arrived we headed to the auction, spoke to yourself and met Alan from Toowomba who gave us a complete hands on question and answers session in the XK660 caravan, both yourself and Alan were very informative many thanks.

The bidding started for lot 21 at $**,*** and finished with our bid at $**,***, to say we were happy was an under statement, at the completion of the auction we hooked the van up and headed for Warrick ( stopping at the front gate to get an insurance cover note with aami ). Our second night saw us stopping at Gilgandra then on to Cobram for the third night , leaving a short trip on the final day to home.

We had no problems with the van traveling from Brisbane to Melbourne and have since had a weekend stay at Wilson’s Prom.

Many thanks again Jan and Peter.

It is great to receive these good stories, and to be fair 90% are good stories. It has started a terrible year for Geist and has finished with an upbeat that can hopefully continue us on to 2010.

I’ll leave you with a little poem that I wrote just yesterday, it talks about one babys reception that might of been, if born at Flaggy Creek (where we are now). It involves a little happy banter with the local council too over a bridge that has been closed on us for the next 12 months. It is also dedicated to my grandfather who died 6 December 1969.  I hope you enjoy it.

Safe travels, Merry Christmas and Blessings on your family.

Catch you on the track

Geist Runner

A Flaggy Creek Christmas

What if baby Jesus was born at Flaggy Creek

By crikey mate, It’d be a great bo peep

All the locals, they’d gather in the hall

Of course they’d dress it up a bit, like, before a fancy ball

We wouldn’t fuss a lot, that’s just not in our local genes

As long as everyone’s comfy, that’s well within our means

Why not invite some friends around

Like Roo or Wombie and even Billy’s hound

But you know, I can’t begin to tell you, just how the Wise men would fair.

Roaming round the district, following detours that just aren’t there

“The bridge is out at Wuk Wuk”, a local cries, “you’ll have to go around”

“That’s not wise” says one of three, the King is born, just upon that mound

“Can’t we go a different way? That’ll be a solid haul”.

“Not unless you can walk on water mate, the council’s got the call”

After extra hours of travel time, the wise men would arrive

To bare gifts of loving gratitude, to the King just born alive

There wouldn’t be much more fuss than that

Maybe a barbie, then a passing of the hat

Yeah, I think God, he’d be happy too

No fuss, just a bunch of Aussies, fair dinkum through and through

By Peter Treasure – Flaggy Creek

In memory of Charles Langford Treasure who passed 6 December 1969 – A Flaggy Creek Pioneer, Wuk Wuk Resident, Bush Poet and Servant of Christ.

By geistrunner | Posted in Geist Owners Group | Comments (0)
Nov102009

Geist Auction – Sydney

By geistrunner | November 10, 2009 | Posted in Geist Owners Group | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

The last of the auctions is about to happen this weekend at Pickles Auctions – near Bankstown airport. On Saturday I will be in attendance to help potential buyers out and catch up with existing Geist owners. If you would like to attend and ask some questions, please feel free. If you are after a Geist, this is the last opportunity to get one. The auction starts at 11:00 am on Saturday 14th November. Going off Brisbanes auction, this will be well attended but a great opportunity to get a very good van at a fair price.

Catch you on the track

GR

By geistrunner | Posted in Geist Owners Group | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)
Oct272009

Geist Auction – Brisbane

By geistrunner | October 27, 2009 | Posted in Geist Owners Group | Tagged , , | Comment (1)

For anyone wanting to catch up with me this weekend, I will be at the auction of Geist Caravans at Devlan Auctions 68 Industrial Avenue, Wacol QLD on Saturday morning. I will also be inspecting the vans Friday afternoon to check for missing items etc.. anyone wanting to buy a Geist should really consider being there and talk to me on what they require. Existing owners should be happy that these vans are finally being sold as this will clean the market of any cheaper stock once and for all. I will be promoting the benefits of owning a Geist to all that will listen on the day. Hope to see you there.

Catch you on the track.

Geist Runner

By geistrunner | Posted in Geist Owners Group | Tagged , , | Comment (1)
Oct032009

Back on the road

By geistrunner | October 3, 2009 | Posted in TBA | Comments (2)

This week we have been at Ansu Leisure (Pimpinio) looking after Andy and Sue’s caravan yard whilst they have a break in Sydney. Sue has been diagnosed with MS and we wanted to give them a break away. It has been surprisingly pretty busy and I haven’t managed to put the tractor through any caravan sides yet. Must be alright. We head back on Monday to the Geist Retreat. The October newsletter will be out soon with some more info on Geist auctions and an owner who is going to start importing some UK Geist vans. Yay!!! Also update on parts, yes I have found a supplier in Europe and our new importer is bringing in some larger molding very soon for our 4 main repairers. It is starting to happen. I will also be talking to the contributors of our donations to see which way we go from here. Lots to talk about, I’ll be notifying all members this week so if you are not a member yet then it is time to join. Oh did I mention about the 2010 Geist Gathering? No I didn’t, well I will by an email out to all members. Keep an eye on your email.

Catch you on the track.

GR

By geistrunner | Posted in TBA | Comments (2)
Sep092009

Back at the Retreat

By geistrunner | September 9, 2009 | Posted in Geist Owners Group | Tagged , , , | Comment (1)

Well we got back to the Geist Retreat on Friday. It was a quick trip back down, 7 days driving from Townsville (not my quickest at 4 days) which kept us from seeing many people. A contrast to the 4 weeks heading north. We have already emptied the van and will continue the clean up over the next week in between other jobs. As normal when we come back to the retreat it rains, with 28mm recorded in the gauge since Monday night. it is just what the farm needs here and much of yesterday was spent moving and drenching cattle, going through sets of wet clothes and being hailed on (light) when riding the four wheeler. This off course felt like golf balls as my father and I were fleeing on our respective bikes.

I received a great email from David yesterday that I would like to share with everyone. It shows just what we are trying to achieve in helping other Geist Owners out that are in our group. He also shares some great new anti sway technology for tow vehicles which should work really well with Geist vans. I have asked David to let me know more after he has utilised this technology.

————————————————————————–

Hi Peter,

I have to thank you again for your invaluable advice 2 weeks ago when things were going pear shaped with the trailer sway on the AK595. It really is an unnerving experience when you feel you are not in control of the towing vehicle, it feels very unsafe.

I would like to feed back to you how things have developed since then.

After resanding the paint of the friction pads and sanding all of the paint of the steel ball we continued on and things had greatly improved, but the friction pads would still foul up again after 11/2 – 2 hours travelling (even with the bare steel ball) and the dreaded swaying returns.  So regular sanding or reduced speeds were required.

I have received the Alko ball last week and have noticed a big improvement in the sway.  We travelled 2 1/2 hours each way with only a couple of occasions of milder swaying noticed when travelling at about 105-110 klm/hr.
Alko sent the wrong plate to suit the Hayman Reece bar so there might be a further improvement once I can fit the plate.

The territory will be replaced in 6 weeks by a jeep grand Cherokee CRD which may reduce the swaying also. I found the territory (2WD) a good towing unit on the flat and small inclines but it labours too hard when hill climbing.

The jeep has a nice feature which is called “trailer sway control’ built in. If swaying is detected it counters by applying brake pressure to one wheel.

Trailer Sway Control (TSC) system helps reduce trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic.

TSC works with the Electronic Stability Program[1] (ESP) and Antilock Brake System (ABS), alternating brake pressure to automatically correct oscillation in the vehicle trailer system.

TSC does not require any driver input. It automatically activates when needed. The ESP function lamp will flash when TSC is activated.

Thanks again and

best regards

David

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Catch you on the track

GR

By geistrunner | Posted in Geist Owners Group | Tagged , , , | Comment (1)
Sep022009

Dubbo – Wagga Wagga

By geistrunner | September 2, 2009 | Posted in 2009 Jun - Sep trip | Comment (1)

Stayed near Dubbo last night, great little spot down by the river just North of the city. About 12-15 vans there and very quiet. Two big days yesterday and today, about 1000kms all up so the newsletter is running behind at the moment. Please forgive me. We should be back by Friday night and I’ll be getting it finished over the weekend. This newsletter will include:

More information on Geist importation.

Service sheets for DIY owners

Geist Parts position.

A few tips.

Membership Card mailing info.

New Members Merchandise (shirts, stickers,etc…)

Where we are at with donations for LMC discussions.

Good to see more members joining each week and we look forward to more members coming on board soon.

Catch you on the track

GR

By geistrunner | Posted in 2009 Jun - Sep trip | Comment (1)
Aug302009

Moven on South

By geistrunner | August 30, 2009 | Posted in TBA | Comments (0)

Heading south we stayed at Tiaro on Friday night. Down by the Mary River it wasa beaut spot, not much room and even with the ramps under the wheeels we slept nearly standing up. Never mind the butcher birds and lorrikeets woke us with their song in the morning. Great to hear. We had a visitor from a friendly green tree frog. It was a great little spot. The Friday night was marred by the poor umpiring of the Cowboys and Broncos NRL match. If the forward pass had been ruled on, and the separation of the football on the try line ruled properly then Cowboys would have won 10-6. Never mind next year for the Cowboys we hope. Saturday we popped down to Tin Can Bay for a looksie and then on to Kilcoy where we stayed with my Aunt and Uncle for the night. All 4 animals are travelling well, we will be heading down the track today, where to we don’t know. Mmmmm must work that out now.

Catch you on the track (don’t know which one)

GR

By geistrunner | Posted in TBA | Comments (0)
Aug272009

On The Road Again

By geistrunner | August 27, 2009 | Posted in TBA | Comments (0)

Well we headed back down the road today heading south this time. We left Balgal Beach this morning a little later than intended and stopped in to see a good friend at Giru before heading on to down to St Lawrence. Tonight well get our breath back and then head in to Rockhampton, see David and Judy Muller (The Hose Bag guys) and head for our favourite little camp spot Calliope (behind the old town museum). Appologees to those we had hoped to catch up with before we left, we really did just run out of time.

Good News!!! The membership cards came yesterday and so we will be sending them off over the next week or so to all our members. Finally they came out the right colour!!yay!!!

Saw one Geist heading north today, hello to you if you saw us near Gumlu.

Catch you on the track.

GR

By geistrunner | Posted in TBA | Comments (0)
Aug192009

Big Welcome to GeistTech

By geistrunner | August 19, 2009 | Posted in 2009 Jun - Sep trip, Geist Owners Group | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

There’s nothing like trying to do everything yourself and knowing that you have some limitations. Mine is that I don’t know everything about the technical side of Geist (I know a bit, but not everything). There is someone who owns a Geist, services Geist and knows a lot more than me about the nitty gritty, His name is Andy and he has agreed to join us here regularly to answer your questions too. He is one of our discount loyalty service agents and will be looking after our constantly growing membership of www.geistowners.com . You will see a page in the GeistOwners Members area that is named Geist Tech. This is where you can post and get feedback from Andy. Members should still feel welcome to call me too. I do know a fair bit about them too, I am just not working on the Euro vans like Andy is. Go to the Geist Tech page to get Andy’s background.

GR

By geistrunner | Posted in 2009 Jun - Sep trip, Geist Owners Group | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)