Caravan world edition 566

www.caravanworld.com.au

ISSUE 569 | ON SALE NOV 2, 2017 $9.95 (inc GST)

ALL BUDGETS AND LIFESTYLES – FIND THE MOTORHOME FOR YOU!

Motorhome L egends 9

VANS Tested

CARAVAN

FIRE SAFETY

TopTips

OODNADATTA TRACK AND MT ISA TO TOWNSVILLE

Explored

DIY

FRESH WATER

FILTER

www.pacificcaravans.com.au 37 Capital Link drive Campbellfield 3061 Ph (03) 9357 6971 - Email: Info@pacificcaravans.com.au

www.atlanticcaravans.com.au Email: sales@atlanticcaravans.com.au Phone (03) 93576971

contents RV TESTS

TRAVEL

Zone RV ZV-20.6

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The freedom to venture further

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A classy offroader

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Fifth wheelin’ it

Bonetti Cruisinator

126

A smart camper conversion

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Paradise Independence Deluxe

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More than a touch of luxury

Wirraway 260SL

56

A good looking, smooth drive

Kea Beach

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A quality budget option not to pass by

Shoalhaven Heads, NSW

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This RV friendly town played a great host

New editor Tim joins the CW team

News 14

Tech Talk DIY

22

How to install a fresh water filter

Tech Talk Q&A

28

Your questions answered

Tow Test

136

Toyota RAV4 Cruiser

Readers’ Rigs

200

Real people, real rigs

Events 214 What’s happening around Oz?

Getaway Gear

216

New products and accessories

SPECIAL FEATURES 30

When a broker is the best option

142

How to eat like royalty on the cheap

150

Do you know what to do in an emergency?

Lithium battery guide

Editorial 10

Have your say

Our inaugural motorhome event

Caravan fire safety

REGULARS

Postbag 20

Welcome to Motorhome Legends

Budget touring

190

RV news from around the country

MOTORHOME LEGENDS

Caravan finance

Townsville to Mt Isa, Qld An outback road trip must-do

Aussie icon inspiration

Trailblazers 230E

166

Discovering the iconic Aussie route

Kedron AT5 Snowy River SR-19

Oodnadatta Track, SA

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COLUMNS Street Talk

36

MOTORHOME LEGENDS 198

Which one is right for you?

Mal reflects on our freedom to travel

Picture Perfect

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Shoalhaven Heads, NSW

On the Trails

202

The benefits of retiring on the road

We examine lithium battery packs

Towing safety

176

Rules to know before you go

Buying a caravan

182

Don’t get overwhelmed at the shows

Future of RV Design The cutting edge of future travel

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204

190

WIN! 124

104 166

The caravan you want is now easier to find

SEND US YOUR MOST INSPIRING PICTURE OF YOUR RIG!

SEE PAGE 200

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First Words

Tim van Duyl

EDITORIAL

EDITOR Tim van Duyl tim@adventuresgroup.com.au DEPUTY EDITOR Natalie Cavallaro natalie@adventuresgroup.com.au STAFF JOURNALIST Peter Quilty peter@adventuresgroup.com.au FIELD EDITOR Malcolm Street DESIGNERS Janina Roque, Nicholas Ramsamy, Danielle Beadman COLUMNIST Anita Pavey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kirstie Bedford, David Gilchrist, Graeme Kemlo, Ali Millar, Philip Lord, Cathy Anderson, David Cook EDITORIAL AND NEWS 125 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, VIC 3161 submissions@adventuresgroup.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

SENIOR VIDEO DIRECTOR Anna Pastukhova anna@adventuresgroup.com.au PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTORS Stuart Grant, Matt Fehlberg, Glenn Wardle

DIGITAL

PRODUCT OWNER Will Dolman will@adventuresgroup.com.au DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGERS Katrina Minchenko katrina@adventuresgroup.com.au Leah Glynn leah@adventuresgroup.com.au

MARKETING

marketing@adventuresgroup.com.au PARTNER MARKETING MANAGER Lauren Grigg 0436 407 493 lauren@adventuresgroup.com.au

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

sales@adventuresgroup.com.au HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS Christopher Jefferson 0477 775 020 chris@adventuresgroup.com.au VICTORIA/SOUTH-EAST Rowena Lyrigis 0428 950 936 rowena@adventuresgroup.com.au Renee Bordieri 0429 018 098 renee@adventuresgroup.com.au NSW/QLD/WA Serena Prasad 0429 489 615 serena@adventuresgroup.com.au Danielle Gowan 0435 065 325 danielle@adventuresgroup.com.au NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Andrew Wilson 0437 034 003 andrew@adventuresgroup.com.au PARTNER MANAGER Eleanor Rattray 0402 135 296 eleanor@adventuresgroup.com.au PRIVATE ADVERTISING www.tradervs.com.au/sell CUSTOMER SUPPORT 1300 MY ADVENTURE (1300 692 383) support@adventuresgroup.com.au

EXECUTIVE GROUP

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Robert Gallagher rob@adventuresgroup.com.au CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Matthew O’Meara matt@adventuresgroup.com.au CONTENT DIRECTOR Travis Godfredson travis@adventuresgroup.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Phone: 1300 MY ADVENTURE (1300 692 383) (ext. 3) Email: subscriptions@adventuresgroup.com.au Web: www.caravanworld.com.au/subscribe

ADVERTISING TERMS & CONDITIONS

www.adventuresgroup.com.au Caravan World is printed in Australia.

We are proudly Australian-owned and members of a number of industry bodies which are working to grow the caravan and RV market in Australia Total printed copies: 17,400

POWERED BY

NEW ADVENTURES The Caravan World team welcomed its newest ‘vanner, Matilda, this past month on a calm Victorian evening. She is of good weight, with all ten fingers and toes, and in the words of her parents Laura and Ashley Gray, ‘lanky’.

Laura is a dear friend of mine, someone I have worked with over the past few years as she blossomed from a copy editor to hold the top seat. We don’t know yet whether Matilda can back a trailer, but with Laura’s cando attitude ingrained in her DNA, I expect nothing less in the coming years. We will keep you updated on how the family is, and to Laura and Ashley, my sincere congratulations.

For the Gray family, new adventures await, as they do for me, but my new baby is made up of this magazine, you the readers, and the wider caravan industry.

My previous role was similar to Laura’s but in the marine industry, as editor of Tradea-Boat. This apparently made me a good candidate to become the sixth editor of what I have quickly learned is the most respected publication in the world of caravan adventures.

I have to admit I am somewhat of a novice when it comes to some of the finer details, but with a love of, and history in the outdoors, I am ready and hungry to learn. Luckily for me I have been baptised twice in a month, with my second day on the job the start of my first Race to the Cape event and within a month, my first Best Aussie Vans.

BEST VANS, EXCELLENT LOCATION

I write you from a cabin in Victoria’s Grampians National Park late on a Wednesday night. The day went almost according to plan with only three unexpected happenings. I’m here for Best Aussie Vans, our most important and enjoyable event of the year. Hosted between three shires surrounding the park, I’m with our team tracing the tracks and discovering the spots you most need to know about. While I visit ‘The Gramps’ as often as possible – this is my third trip here this year – this is my first with ‘vans in tow.

I won’t give too much away, for that you need to wait another month when we start to tell the full story, but before then I must thank the team involved. I have been lucky enough to have been the lead on four similar events in the boating scene and the parallels are strikingly similar. Long days that are hot and cold, battery issues for camera people, the occasional moment of panic when something is missing, but more importantly, an attitude to see things through for the best results, regardless of time and energy. We had ‘vans in the rain, we had tow-tugs making steep climbs, and we had judges tirelessly examining products. Yet, at the end of each long day, some close to 16 hours, every question was met with an eagerness to achieve the best result for you, our Caravan World community. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Safe travels, Tim

Caravan World is published by Adventures Group Holdings.

ACN: 155 672 192 ABN: 29 155 672 192 All material in Caravan World is protected by the Commonwealth Copyright Act, 1968. No material may be reproduced without written consent. *Recommended maximum retail price.

Distributed by Gordon & Gotch. Printed by Bluestar Web, 83 Derby Street, Silverwater, NSW. ISSN 2205-0620

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Note to readers Caravan World does not solicit, nor would it accept, payment for editorial commentary within its pages. All reviews are completely independent and reflect the opinion of the individual tester.

Bosch Australia have developed a new technology aimed at making towing safer.

A WIN FOR TRAILER SAFETY

A

new towing innovation will aim to improve the safety of RVers, on Australia's roads. Bosch Australia recently launched its Trailer Safety Control (TSC) system which combines 'on-trailer' anti-lock braking (ABS) and sway mitigation, aimed at making your next holiday safer when you're towing a caravan, camper trailer or trailer. It's a welcome

30 per cent of caravan accident claims in 2016 were due to loss of control.

development in the area of RV safety, with loss of control accounting for 30 per cent of caravan accident claims in 2016 alone. Oversteering and fishtailing were among the main causes of these accidents.

TSC has been under development since 2014, following identification of the problem by the Australian Safety Systems engineering team. The Bosch global Centre of Competence for Trailer Safety in Australia was established by 2015. Bosch Australia say the new technology has the potential to reduce the number of trailer related incidents by up to 45 per cent. They also said it will automatically intervene when necessary at the first sign of instability or wheel lock.

The system will be mounted to the trailer's chassis and will comprise an Electronic Control Unit with integrated motion sensor and wheel speed sensors. These sensors will detect the trailer's movement, and the speed of each individual wheel.

With the support of DexKo Global, Inc., the global leader in engineered trailer running gear and parent company of Dexter and AL-KO VT in regards to trailer brake development, Bosch aim to release TSC in early 2018. It will be fitted to all trailers (with the exception of truck trailers) with electric brakes, and will initially be offered in Australia and the USA.

PARK TO REOPEN CMCA RV Park Railton will reopen this month, and we are looking forward to an exciting season ahead. Further details are available online at our website or on GeoWiki. Meanwhile, CMCA RV Park Ingham is now closed for the wet season, and we’d like to thank all members who stopped in for a visit, and in particular those members who volunteered their time as park custodians. Although the park is now temporarily closed, we still invite all members to visit our sites in Euston and Railton, and would like to remind members that our parks in Ingham, Euston, and Railton, each incur a $3 administration fee, per person per night. We encourage members to book sites in advance, which can be done via the online booking system in the Member Portal. Similar to that of a toll system, payments are to be made into a CMCA RV Park funds account, in $15 increments. This system ensures that we are able to keep the

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administration fee as low as possible. Unused funds will remain in your CMCA RV Park funds account until used. If you would like this refunded, please request in writing to NHQ. CMCA

News

SUCCESS FOR LEISUREFEST

Clockwise from this image: the Jayco Adventurer; Olympic Debonair; JB Caravans Gator 16 Series; Nova Caravans’ La Dolce Vita.

RV enthusiasts proved the industry shows no sign of slowing down with 32,306 people attending October's Melbourne Leisurefest. The number was the highest attendance in seven years, as people flocked to Sandown Park to see more than 220 exhibits showcasing the latest model caravans, pop-tops, tents, camper trailers, motorhomes, campervans, slide-ons, 4WDs, boating and fishing, camping and outdoor accessories. Visitors were allowed to bring their dogs, to accommodate the 70 per cent of caravanners and campers who prefer to travel with their pet. According to the Caravan Industry Association of Victoria, senior adventurers made up the majority, however there is an increase in family attendance.

Rob Lucas, CEO of CIA VIC said family demands are still big, along with consumer demands for greater luxury items.

Mr Lucas said this year's event met expectations, and the organisation was keen to continue to listen the wants and needs of consumers.

“We listen very carefully to consumers needs hence the introduction of dogs into association shows. Allowing dogs into our shows as been met with great applause from consumers with little or no concerns from exhibitors.”

The caravan you want is now easier to find

tradervs.com.au

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News More Aussies are expected to hit the road domestically this summer

POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR DOMESTIC TOURISM Aussies are tipped to hit the roads for more domestic travel over the upcoming summer months, according to forecasts from Tourism Research Australia. Latest figures from the organisation show both New South Wales and Victoria had growth of six and 10 per cent respectively, in the June 2017 quarter compared to the previous year. Results for Queensland and Western Australia weren't quite as positive, with a slight downturn in the numbers of people caravanning and camping in the domestic market for the year ending in June 2017. The Caravan Industry

of Australia has attributed this to challenges the industry has faced including Cyclone Debbie in Qld and the general economic downturn in WA. Tourism Research Australia said while there would be an increase in domestic nights and trips for the 201718 period, it would be at a more modest rate than past years, due to slower economic growth. Regardless, the Caravan Industry of Australia said these figures were positive for the upcoming season, and was a great opportunity to promote the fun that can be had on local camping and caravanning holidays.

BENDIGO LEISUREFEST

MSA 4X4 was successful after the federal court ruled their patented drop-down fridge slide design had been breached

If you missed out on Melbourne's Leisurefest, then never fear because Bendigo is the place to be this month.

The Bendigo Caravan and Camping Leisurefest will be held from November 24-26 at the Bendigo Racecourse.

You'll be able to see the latest in caravans, Rvs, camping equipment and more. There will also be plenty of daily seminars to take part in.

LEGAL WIN FOR AUSSIE 4WD MANUFACTURER Queensland based MSA 4X4 Accessories has had a legal victory, after a major copyright infringement ruling in the federal court.

In a strong message to others in industry who breach copyright, the Federal Court of Australia ruled in favour of Shane Miles, saying there had been a breach by a competitor on his patented design for a drop-down fridge slide.

Australian Ute Trays and Bodies was found to have infringed Mr Miles' exclusive patented design, affording Mr Miles legal avenues to seek damages and have the product imitations removed. Mr Miles says, “our drop slides are

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engineered to perform at the highest level and are supported by a lifetime guarantee.

It’s disgraceful to see the livelihood of small Aussie businesses being ripped off by patent infringers.” Mr Miles explains that it can take him up to three years to finalise a new product design and have it launched in to the market.

“It would be hard to continue to spend money on innovating new products when companies who behave like vultures and scavenge on other people’s product ideas are waiting in the sidelines to send it to a cheap Chinese factory to have it copied with inferior materials.”

DISCOUNTS FOR ACC MEMBER Members of the Australian Caravan Club can now get a 10 per cent discount at Strut Re-gas of Caboolture in Queensland, thanks to its member benefits programme.

Just remember to produce your current ACC membership card to obtain your discount.

News Check out our latest videos online!

Get CW on your tablet!

ISSUE 569

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u

ISSUE 569 | ON SALE NOV 2, 2017 $9.95 (inc GST)

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MoLeg torh om endse

ALL BUDGETS AND LIFESTYLES – FIND THE MOTORHOME FOR YOU!

9VANS Tested

www.TradeRVs.com.au www.caravanworld.com.au

CARAVAN

FIRE SAFETY

TopTips

OODNADATTA TRACK AND MT ISA TO TOWNSVILLE

Explored

DIY

FRESH WATER

FILTER

Motorhome Legends - Paradise Independence Deluxe,

Wirraway260SL, and KEA Beach, all reviewed!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! Get the heads-up on awesome caravan content by liking Caravan World on Facebook!

Did you know Caravan World is available in a digital edition for your Apple or Android device? Jump on to www.caravanworld.com.au/ subscribe to get your copy today!

The Optitec Remote Control Jockey Wheel makes it EASY! Come and visit us at Sydney Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo between 3rd-6th Nov, STAND #331

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+

the f o r e t t Le

MON T H

Write to: Caravan World Postbag, 125 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, Victoria 3161; or email: submissions@adventuresgroup.com.au Please include your full address (not for publication). Letters chosen will be edited for publication, may be shortened, and may appear online.

PAYLOAD PROBLEMS

Through editorials, articles and letters it is becoming obvious that caravan payloads are an issue. Because of this I took up the offer of Queensland Transport and the Australian Caravan Club to have a free weigh of both caravan and tow vehicle. The caravan was loaded as we would normally travel with the exception that the water tanks were filled to the maximum. The upshot of this was our caravan ended up 200kg over the manufacturer’s guidelines. Our van is a Jayco Silverline 25.78.5. Jayco’s payload for this caravan is 475kg. However when we purchased this caravan we asked for, and had the payload increased, to 600kg. The caravan ATM is 3236kg. We weighed in with the caravan off the car at 3440kg. The tow ball weight was 270kg. Fortunately the overall weight of the rig including the Jeep Grand Cherokee was 5980kg, so there is a little to play with.

When we returned home we decided to explore why. First off, I had fitted a second battery of 50kg; a 90L grey water tank, at around 30kg mounted; and a 200W solar panel at 20kg fitted, resulting in a total of 100kg. Apart from this, the caravan was standard. So let’s look at the scenario of the average caravan. Our Jayco has two 95L water tanks which equals190 kg; 20L in the hot water tank and two nine kg LPG cylinders. The total of this is 228kg.

This leaves us with 272kg for food including fridge and freezer; 50kg clothes; 50kg for cutlery and utensils; and 30kg of linen, bathroom and cleaning equipment, with a total weight of 180kg.

Because we like to free camp we have a generator, 300W inverter, and satellite television, all approximately 50kg. Add to this, books, magazines, games, electrical leads, two water hoses, waste water pipes, tent pegs, clothes pegs, clothes line, table, chairs, barbecue and mount. This roughly brings us to our limit 600kg. I’m still trying to fathom where the extra 200kgs are. Unless the caravan manufacturers allow a workable payload, caravanners are going to end up being found overweight and fined.

Philip Martin via email

UPGRADING YOUR GVM

I thought it appropriate to tell you of my findings following my research into upgrading the GVM on my 2017 Ford Ranger.

The Ranger was purchased in June on a trip to Brisbane for the Caravan and Camping show where we also ordered a 18’6” OptionRV Traction Caravan. The Ranger remains in Brisbane unregistered till we return in December for Christmas when we will drive it home to Darwin. Whilst in Brisbane the vehicle has had an ARB Canopy and long range tank fitted. A snorkel, drawer system as well as bull bar, side rails and steps are on

Congratulations to Peter Taylor whose submission has been selected as this month’s CW Postbag ‘Letter of the Month’.

He wins an RV Inline Water Filter from B.E.S.T. Water Filters, valued at $110.

With a B.E.S.T. (Bacteria Elimination Silver Treatment) water filter, you can ensure you have clean, safe water – wherever the road may take you.

The filter means you can safely draw water from town, tank, creek or bore water sources to fill your caravan’s tanks, and the chemicals

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order and still to be fitted before we drive it home. In view of the current discussions regarding GVM and GCM, I started to see that we were running into problems with weight issues with all the accessories being fitted to the vehicle if we were going to be able to tow our new van legally. Nearly all the Suspension Manufacturers do a GVM Upgrade for the Ranger increasing the GVM from 3200kgs to either 3330kgs or 3500kg’s but I couldn’t find anyone that also increased the GCM. I really couldn’t see any benefit in doing the GVM upgrade as it didn’t help my towing situation and it looked like I would just have to take my chances and tow illegally. Then I stumbled upon Lovell’s springs who do the GVM upgrade to 3500kgs. The difference with Lovell’s upgrade over the others offered is that Lovell’s is a SSM (Second Stage of Manufacture) approved upgrade. So using the Lovell’s upgrade on the Ranger this is what you achieve. Upgrade your Ford Ranger GVM with a Lovells second stage of manufacturer (SSM) approved GVM upgrade. Currently Lovells are the only manufacturer with SSM federal approval to upgrade the Ford Ranger GVM from 3200kg to 3500kg that will deem the BTC (Braked Towing Capacity) to remain at OE capacity. Not only does a Lovells GVM upgrade retain OE BTC (so it will not de-rate your Braked Towing Capacity like other GVM upgrades do) but it legally nominates a new GCM which is recognised federally. The Lovells GVM upgrade calculates the GCM by the correct method – GVM plus BTC = GCM. See below for before and after GVM upgrades figures.

Before Lovells GVM Upgrade GVM – 3200kg Braked Towing Capacity - 3500kg GCM – 6000kg. Ford rate the GCM to 6000kg and not 6700kg After Lovells GVM Upgrade GVM – 3500kg Braked Towing Capacity - 3500kg GCM – 7000kg Lovells must supply comprehensive testing reports supplied by an authorised testing laboratory which show that the brakes and vehicle stability are able to with stand and perform safely with the additional weights. This testing procedure is not a basic brake test; it is an extensive highly complicated test with computer monitoring equipment and is normally carried out on an air field strip.

In view of the above I now plan to proceed with the Lovell’s GVM upgrade as it essentially increases our Ranger’s GVM to 3500kg and GCM to 7000kg so I can tow our new OptionRV legally. I have no affiliation with Lovell’s whatsoever but thought their product should be bought to the attention of caravan owners out there as I know I was having trouble getting our outfit to fit within the original GCM of 6000kg for the Ranger.

Peter Taylor via email

and sediment will be removed and the bacteria destroyed. The filter is multi-directional, can be used after long periods of non-use and

involves a simple, DIY installation.

For more information, visit www. bestwaterfilters.com.au or call 1800 240 822.

Postbag

Issues surrounding towing weights are always a hot topic

must be subtracted from the payload figure. In the case of the Ranger, the maximum payload would be 759kg. As you correctly mentioned, in this example, the maximum towing weight for the caravan would be 2800kg, which in my case with a van with a verified tare of 2720kg, doesn’t leave much room to carry anything.

Another interesting example is the Toyota Landcruiser 200 series: Tare 2640kg + tow ball weight 350kg = 2990kg leaves a payload of 360kg. If you load the Cruiser to it’s GVM of 3350kg you can then only legally tow a van with a GVM of 3150kg. Total legal capacity is only 6500kg, not 6850kg. I think you’ll find it impossible load the 200 series to its rated GCM without being over the GVM, ATM or both.

Les Trask, via email

A RESPONSE FROM MALCOLM STREET TOWING WEIGHS HEAVILY

I write this letter in reference to the CW567 issue. Malcolm Street’s article “The Hidden Kilos” does not mention all of the considerations when selecting a tow vehicle, and may therefore mislead some readers. My example and explanation follows: Suggested load: Four people 300kg + gear 300kg = 600kg Examples given in your article: Ford Ranger Crew Cab 4WD Tare (fuel tank full) quoted 2111kg GVM quoted 3200kg GCM quoted 6000kg The tare of 2111kg + load of 600kg = 2711kg GCM 6000kg – 2711kg = 3289kg Let’s assume the ball weight is 10 per cent = 329kg Vehicle mass is now 2711kg + 329kg = 3040kg. This is well under the GVM of this vehicle; so it could legally tow a 3289kg ATM caravan with a 600kg load on the vehicle.

Toyota Landcruiser 200 series Tare mass quoted 2640kg (no mention of fuel) GVM quoted 3350kg Let’s assume ball weight of 10 per cent of 3500kg van = 350kg The GVM is now 2640kg + 600kg +350kg = 3590kg. This is 240kg over the allowable GVM and so it would not be legal.

Twin cab utes with their higher load capacity (GVM - Tare) are a reasonable choice for people who have a 600kg load.

A Landcruiser has a limited GVM load capacity with a large caravan and subsequent high ball weight, i.e. 710 kgs – 350 kgs = 360 kg. This 360kg must cover people, fuel plus gear – so very careful and selective loading is required.

This should have been mentioned in the article “The Hidden Kilos” as the article infers that there are no considerations or problems if a Landcruiser is chosen as the tow vehicle.

B Gibson via email

WEIGHTY MATTERS STRIKE AGAIN

I was reading this article with interest as you constantly refer to the reduction in towing capacity when the aforementioned utes, not to mention the 200 Series Landcruiser, are loaded to their maximum GVM. In some respects you are correct however, when talking about loading the test vehicles to their maximum rated GVM you seem to forget about the towball weight which, when the caravan is hitched to the tug, becomes part of that GVM. For example, with the Ford Ranger, if you load it to its GVM then connect up my caravan (which has a ball weight of 330kg) you are then 330kg overloaded. Whatever the ball weight is, that

The caravan you want is now easier to find

From the number of letters received on my article, “The Hidden Kilos”, and towing weights in general, it’s clear that it’s both a subject of interest and also one of confusion. Consequently I’d like to clear up a few issues.

The point of the article was to show that it’s necessary to understand the Gross Combined Mass (GCM) supplied by tow vehicle manufacturers because it overrides in many instances the maximum braked towing capacity, in this case the much spruiked 3500kg offered by just about all the ute manufacturers.

A few readers have pointed out that I forgot the Tow Ball Mass (TBM). I didn’t forget it but in order to simplify the calculation l left the weight on the van, not the hitch of the tow vehicle. In good old 20/20 hindsight I should have made that clearer. However, when looking from a GCM point of view, it doesn’t change anything, the weight is still there in towing combination. If planning on placing a heavy load in the tow vehicle, then I’d recommend making sure the tow vehicle Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is not exceeded.

Another point of confusion appears to be how tow vehicle manufacturers get their Kerb Mass figure. It assumes the vehicle is in a drivable condition, with all fluid reserves filled to capacity and, in most cases, a full tank of fuel. RV manufacturers often differ here with empty tanks and in the case of motor homes, 10 per cent of fuel, to get their Tare mass.

Briefly to reiterate on load calculations. For the tow vehicle, the loaded weight should include the Kerb Mass of the vehicle, any extras fitted like tow hitch, weight distribution bars, bull bars, passengers, any loaded gear and the loaded Tow Ball Mass (TBM).

For the caravan, it’s obviously the Tare Mass plus load minus the TBM. If the combined weights of the tow vehicle and caravan exceed the GCM, whatever the towing capacity might be, then it’s not a legal combination.

Some have pointed out that although a Toyota Land Cruiser is regarded as the king of the tow vehicles in Australia, it still has tow capacity, GVM, TBM and GCM limits. Which it does and it seems that many a caravan built in Australia is getting too close to the tow capacity of vehicles commonly available in Australia.

There’s what’s legal and what might be safe for the average driver. Which is why any load calculation on any vehicle, not just utes, that specify a 3500kg towing capacity should be done carefully indeed. tradervs.com.au

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SO FRESH AND SO CLE AN Access to fresh and clean drinking water is a necessity on long trips on the road. We recently visited Coronet RV to see how a water filter is installed.

C

WORDS AND PICS PETER QUILTY

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W recently observed the DIY installation of an Aquaport three-way mixer tap (after initially replacing the existing kitchen tap) during an upgrade of a Coronet RV pop-top. The filtered water sink mixer tap also incorporated an Aquaport caravan/marine drinking water twin filament replaceable cartridge filtration system.

The premium filtered water three-way mixer tap not only supplies hot and cold pressure water but also filtered drinking water - all from the one tap. The filtered drinking water is supplied through a dedicated outlet, keeping it separate from the hot/cold onboard or mains water. (This twin filament drinking water filter was installed under the kitchen sink.)

Correctly installed and maintained, the fresh drinking water filter will provide many years of trouble-free use and a convenient, secure supply of high quality drinking water. The filtration system has also been supplied with quick and easy connection pieces for the faucet and tubing installation.

The Aquaport caravan/marine water filtration system has two stages - Stage 1 (Sediment Filter) and Stage 2 (Carbon Filter).

It’s a compact filter system designed to be used in tight places, and provides great tasting water. And it’s recommended that the filter cartridges are replaced within six months or 1200L, whichever occurs first.

Dependent on water quality and the volume of water being filtered, the life and performance of the cartridge may vary. If you notice a reduction in volume or flow from the filter faucet, or return of an unpleasant taste/odour to the filtered water, the filter cartridges will need replacing.

And if the water filtration system is not

used for an extended period of time, such as when your caravan/boat is in storage, it is recommended that the filters are replaced prior to use of the filter system. Additionally, if the Aquaport water filter system has not been used for over 48 hours, 1-2L of water will need to be flushed through the system before the water is used.

You should pick a location under the sink to mount the system. The location should be easily accessible, with clearance at the bottom of the filter to allow ease of removal of the filter cartridges. And ensure there is enough space on either side of the system for the tubing connections.

Once you have completed the steps as illustrated by the images hereabouts, check for any leaks and fix if necessary. And leave the tap on to allow water to flush through the system for approximately five minutes.

NB. These images and captions depict the simplicity of this installation of a DIY fresh water filter performed by The RV Repair Centre foreman, Paul Hewat, in Bayswater (Vic).

Tech Talk

1

All the DIY water filter components required for the installation.

How to install a fresh water filter

2 Ensure the RV's water pump or mains water connections are off and release any water pressure in the system before disconnecting the existing hot/cold water hoses from the two way kitchen mixer tap under the sink as shown. Then remove the mixer tap holding camp directly under the tap.

The caravan you want is now easier to find

3 With the hoses disconnected and the two way mixer mounting clamp removed, it's time to lift the existing tap from the kitchen sink.

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How to install a fresh water filter (Continued)

4 With the existing two way kitchen mixer tap removed, the installation of the three way mixer tap is designed to be a direct replacement.

5 With the three way mixer in place it’s time to tighten the stem nuts under the kitchen sink. This can be tricky as access is limited on some RVs. Here’s a tip – remove the shelf in the cupboard if installed and use a mirror and light to assess the area.

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6 With the tap installed, reconnect the hot and cold water hoses to their corresponding unions.

Tech Talk

“Correctly installed and maintained, the fresh drinking water filter will provide many years of troublefree use and a convenient, secure supply of high quality drinking water ’�

7 Installing the water filter connection to the mixer tap union port.

8 Install the on/off plastic tap combined T piece to the existing cold water hose. The tap is used when changing the water filter elements.

The caravan you want is now easier to find

9 Installing the hoses to the water filter housing. Tip: do this before installing the water filter housing.

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Tech Talk How to install a fresh water filter (Continued)

10 Ideally mount the water filter housing within the kitchen sink cupboard or close by, and do this with the shelf or drawer in place if removed for better access. A handy hint is to allow enough elbow room to replace the filter cartridges.

11 With the water filter body affixed within the cupboard, connect the filter hoses as shown. Check that all hoses and connections are tight and you’re now ready to commence testing.

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12 Connect mains water or turn on the water pump within the RV. Flick the mixer tap through its cold water and filtered water cycle as described in the instructions provided, until you obtain a continuous flow and all air is extracted from the system.

It may take a few minutes for the air to be extracted from the filtered water elements and produce clean drinking water.

Tech Talk

Q&A COUPLING QUESTION We have an offroad van with a standard coupling. Recently, I was reversing the van into our driveway which has a steep pitch from the road (about 15-20 degrees). We plan to do some offroad travel including a trip to Cape York. I do have concerns of the coupling separating from the towball. Will standard coupling survive?

Roy De Jong, Nambucca Heads, NSW If a 50mm ball coupling is adjusted properly (that is, it does not have excessive play) and is secured properly on the towball then it is very unlikely it will shear off. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, but there is certainly opportunity for the coupling and/ or towbar to be damaged. At 20 degrees I don’t think your driveway has a significant enough angle to damage the coupling or towbar. An offroad coupling would be of benefit on Cape York tracks.

TYRE TROUBLES I have a road van but use it on dirt roads in the outback. I keep speed down and when a road train or faster vehicles approach me from behind I pull over and let them pass. I don’t think you need an offroad van to travel on rough dirt roads, you jut have to be careful is all. My question is about tyres. My van has a pair of 14in ‘C’ Light Truck tyres fitted at the moment. I have not had a puncture but worry they are not tough enough.

John Silva Via email

with Philip Lord Commercial Light Truck tyres typically have a strong construction that should cope with driving on dirt roads with their sharp rocks and other potential puncture hazards. While they have an excellent load rating and strong construction, the tread pattern is usually not the best for offroad travel. Given that you have said you take it easy on the dirt, I would suggest that you stick to the LTs you have. If you think you’ll encounter rougher terrain, then I would suggest you get All-Terrain or Mud-Terrain offroad tyres (in Light Truck construction).

AUTO OR MANUAL? There has been discussion on whether to use ‘full auto’ as against ‘manual auto’, when towing but I have seen nothing about changing between the two whilst moving There are times where I will use the full auto, for instance on good roads/highways etc and then there are times when I will use manual auto, streets/hills/bad roads when towing my caravan. Is any long term damage being done, to my 2014 Prado’s transmission?

Peter Broadbridge Hawthorne, Qld Using the manual mode on occasion is fine. If the conditions present no stress for the auto, I leave it in Drive. If there is a need for engine braking or lower gear, I use manual mode. The exception is where I am towing into a headwind and prefer to hold a lower gear to reduce strain on the transmission.

BOLT FROM THE BLUE Rust had started to eat away at the surfaces of the steel plates of our hitch, so after removing the hitch it was time to break out the angle grinder. The rust was gone within minutes. We are looking at fitting an offroad hitch, possibly a Hitchmaster DO35 or AL-KO but haven’t gotten that far with research. Can you please tell me whether particular rated bolts should be used to attach the new hitch, such as high tensile; galvanised, stainless steel or mild steel?

Our van is a modified 2001 Jayco Westport 20’6 tandem with a tare of 1912kg and AGM 2760kg.

Ferg le Juge de Segrais Guilderton WA Yes you should only use high-tensile, zinc-plated bolts to attach the hitch to the A-frame, making sure that they are of a length that allows the attaching nut to fully thread onto the bolt. You should torque the bolts to the appropriate tension using a torque wrench. For both the AL-KO and Hitchmaster, their respective manufacturers currently specify the use of M12 Class 8.8 or 1/2in Grade 5 bolts with Nylon insert nuts or spring washers at a minimum. Vehicle Components says to torque nylon insert nuts to 75Nm and those using spring washers to 90Nm; AL-KO does not specify torque values, instead saying to contact the bolt supplier for such information.

Win

T HI S !

HITCHMASTER® DO35 All-Terrain Drop-On Coupling The HITCHMASTER® DO35 is designed, tested and manufactured in Australia by Vehicle Components and valued at $405. This coupling provides an easy drop-on connection no matter the road surface. Featuring a smooth, spring loaded lock mechanism, a bumper and safety cap, an ultra low profile housing, and weight distribution hitch (WDH) compatibility for most vehicles. The winner will receive a HITCHMASTER® DO35 V2-R which includes a spanner, tow pin and tow pin cover.

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How to win

If you’re stumped by a technical or towing problem, send your question to submissions@adventuresgroup. com.au with ‘Tech Talk’ in the subject line or send a letter to Caravan World Tech Talk, 125 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, Vic 3161. All entries must include your full address (not for publication).

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Special Feature Caravan finance

r o f g n i o G

BROKER

In the second instalment of a six-part series, we ponder broker vs bank when deciding on RV finance.

S

o, you have decided to join the ranks of the growing army of grey nomads and even the not so grey nomads who are living the Australian dream of buying a caravan, camper trailer or RV and travelling around the country.

You’ve done your research, spent hours on the internet comparing options and days at caravan shows inspecting countless offerings and finally found your dream caravan, camper trailer or motorhome.

Like many Australians you probably even have a few dream holiday spots picked as your first destination. Unless you’re one of the lucky few who can afford to pay cash, you might prefer to keep your savings and finance the purchase.

Probably a little less thought, however, has gone

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into comparing loan options.

Hence, the continual conundrum: broker vs bank.

CW spoke to one of Australia’s leading caravan and RV financiers, Credit One (ERIC Insurance Broker of the Year for the third successive year as well as RACV’s inaugural Finance Broker of the Year), about the differences between banks and brokers and how to get the best deal when financing your dream purchase.

Whilst in the past many Australian caravan buyers thought that their ‘own bank’ would offer the best deal or benefits over dealer financing, more and more savvy caravan buyers are choosing finance brokers to help them make the smart choice when it comes to arranging finance.

WORDS PETER QUILTY

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Above: Decide whether a broker can help get you on the road faster.

Right: There is a chance with a bank loan that you can miss out on significant savings.

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Banks generally only offer their own product and will generally be geared to either home loan redraws or personal loans, but brokers like Credit One can arrange finance specifically tailored to caravan buyers etc.

“When deciding to finance their next caravan, camper trailer or RV, a large percentage of Australians will head straight to their own or nearest bank,” said Credit One’s general manager, Jarred Lembo.

“However many finance experts caution that if this is your strategy you may be missing out on some significant savings.

“There are countless reasons why it pays to use a finance broker when shopping for your next ‘lifestyle’ loan and even if you still want to use your own bank, you can still use a broker to help process the application on your behalf.

“But if your heart is not set on using a

particular bank, a broker can be your best friend.”

Lembo offers the following reasons why a specialist qualified finance broker is better than a bank.

CHOICE “The foremost advantage of a broker over bank is choice. When you sit in front of a broker you are sitting in front of 12 banks and maybe 50 or 60 of the best available products. Having more choices, you’re more likely to get to ‘yes’ and a loan product most suitable to your needs.”

EXPERIENCE “Ask your bank manager how much experience they have had specifically with caravan loans.

Brokers often have many years’ experience specialising in financing certain asset classes

Special Feature Caravan finance consuming. At Credit One there are no voice prompts or long waiting times. Your caravan finance specialist will keep you in the loop throughout the process by phone or email and will generally have a variety of options to choose from presented to you on the same day. This is a great way to save time and of course money.”

PERSONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER “Your finance broker is like ‘your own personal banker’. They know what needs to happen, are aware of time constraints such as your planned holidays and unlike bank staff are in it for the long haul. At Credit One, every caravan finance client is looked after by a dedicated account manager for the life of their loan. Your account manager can assist with payout enquiries, loan balance and early repayment and insurance options.”

SAVINGS “With low fixed rate loans and loan terms of up to seven years you’re sure to find a loan and repayment option that best suits your needs.”

SECURITY “Generally a finance broker will arrange a loan where the only security for the loan is the asset that you are purchasing rather than your bank which requests security over your home or other assets.”

“There are countless reasons why it pays to use a finance broker when shopping for your next ‘lifestyle’ loan...”

(such as caravans) and are committed to their client for the long term. With a Credit One express caravan broker you will deal with the same person from go to whoa. Banks are huge companies and often move their staff around and reward good performers away from their customers.”

SPECIALISATION

“If you’re looking for specialised assistance with your loan, it pays to talk to a specialist broker such as Credit One. Bank staff often don’t have the specific training or experience in one area but service whoever happens to walk into the branch.”

FOLLOW UP

“Following up on the progress of your loan application can be frustrating and time

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Special Feature Caravan finance

Above: Get your caravan finance sorted before you are tempted at the next RV show you attend!

CONVENIENCE “A broker generally provides a dedicated real person to handle your enquiry from start to finish rather than call centres or voice prompts.”

(Credit One even provides a dedicated account manager for the life of your loan to handle enquiries relating to payouts or even just to assist with annual insurance renewals.)

SPEED “In most cases, a specialist caravan and camper trailer finance broker can approve a loan application the same day rather than waiting a week or more with a bank.”

When dealing with a broker such as Credit One for your caravan and RV finance, you are provided with the expertise of many years’ experience, personalised service and access to many great options for your situation.

A broker can help from the beginning to the end of the process, whether you are purchasing for the first time or upgrading your existing

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camper trailer, caravan or RV. So, when it’s D-Day on RV finance, here are just some of the benefits of using a broker such as Credit One: • Competitive interest rates and products • Flexible loan terms from one to seven years • No obligation quotes • Being affiliated with many reputable lenders, the provision of a wide range of products • Assured quick and no fuss service In forthcoming issues of Caravan World, we’ll cover the following caravan finance topics: • Broker finance: what are my options?

• Securing the deal: How do I know I’m getting the best rate when it comes to RV finance?

• Insuring your financed RV: How/where/ why/who?

• Ready to buy: Getting your finance preapproved before you hit the shows for the best deal!

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s d n e leg MEET

WHERE

NSW’s Shoalhaven Heads was the picturesque setting that hosted a diverse range of some of the country’s best motorhomes at our inaugural ‘Motorhome Legends’ event.

PICS ANNA PASTUKHOVA

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Motorhome Legends A look at some of the country’s best

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WORDS KIRSTIE BEDFORD

T

Above: The inaugural Motorhome Legends event was a huge success, showcasing some of the country’s best motorhomes in the stunning location of NSW’s Shoalhaven Heads.

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he inaugural ‘Motorhome Legends’ event kicked off in August, showcasing some of the country’s best motorhomes in the pretty NSW locale of Shoalhaven Heads.

Three motorhomes, an entry-level, mid to high-range, and luxury motorhome, were put through their paces in an event designed to take the hard work out for you when deciding on your next RV purchase.

Reviewed by industry stalwarts including Malcolm Street, who has assessed and driven literally hundreds of motorhomes and caravans over the past two decades, and CMCA CEO Richard Barwick – the KEA, Wirraway and Paradise were crawled under and over, and driven on and offroad so we could give you our verdict of how they perform.

The manufacturers and content crew created quite a presence in the small regional village – often seen frequenting Hedy’s Restaurant at the Shoalhaven Heads Hotel for a well earned glass of wine and quality pub tucker by the

fireplace after hours spent out on various locations around town. But don’t think it was all wining and dining; days were jam packed assessing every inch of the motorhomes around the region. We covered everywhere from the Shoalhaven River to Two Figs winery perched at the top of one of Mount Coolangatta’s foothills, to get the best perspective of these motorhomes for you, and it wasn’t all plain sailing either – our drone used for panoramic and elevated scenic shots was blown off course several times, once landing in a nearby paddock leaving videographer Anna scrambling amongst bush to find it. You’ll be relieved to hear she did, going on to produce incredible shots for Caravan World. Malcolm spent most of his time with his head in the engine, or under the motorhome, ensuring the technical aspects were in check, while Richard was looking at how they fit in the industry and how they would best suit members. I stepped up to the challenge of reviewing the aesthetics – looking

Motorhome Legends A look at some of the country’s best

The Location Shoalhaven Heads is a small town in Shoalhaven in southern NSW. It’s a short drive south-east of the quaint village of Berry, and two hours from Sydney. The town sits at the foot of Mount Coolangatta, and is situated on both Seven Mile Beach and the mouth of the Shoalhaven River.

STAY Shoalhaven Heads Holiday Park shoalhavenheads.holidayhaven.com.au

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at how the motorhome functions, and what it has to offer from a comfort perspective.

You’ll get our full verdicts in the individual reviews, but we were most impressed by what we saw and what the event holds for the future.

As Richard Barwick states, “we see this as just the beginning of something big. It puts a diverse range of vehicles on offer, which are appealing to all price ranges and lifestyles and is a great way to recognise partnerships and supporters of CMCA, and they all offer freedom of choice.”

Malcolm Street says looking at motorhomes at somewhat diverse ends of the financial spectrum was certainly interesting.

“Whilst the more expensive motorhomes were a good look at frontline RV technology in all its forms, the KEA Beach was a great demonstration of what is available for those keen to embrace the motorhome lifestyle, yet on a limited budget. Of particular interest was the retro fit rear bed kit that turned the rental motorhome into something much more practical for the retail market.”

From an aesthetic point of view, I found the KEA to be the perfect entry-level for a family.

It's durable and I was particularly impressed with the cab bed, or as I liked to call it the ‘mezzanine’, the perfect hideaway for the kids, while the Wirraway and Paradise provide more than a touch of luxury, with home comforts many people wouldn’t even have in their own homes, including soft closing cabinetry, liquor cabinets, and in the Paradise, heated massage chairs in the cab.

“You’ll get our full verdicts in the reviews, but we were most impressed by what we saw and what the event holds for the future”

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Motorhome Legends A look at some of the country’s best

The Reviewers

RICHARD BARWICK Richard is CEO of CMCA, an avid RV camper and has been in the self-drive tourism industry for more than 25 years.

At the end of long days reviewing the motorhomes, and a quick bite to eat, either at Hedy’s, or earlier in the day, the Table Talk Cafe (a friendly little cafe with plenty of variety – and importantly great coffee!), we headed back to the Shoalhaven Heads Holiday Park, bordered by Seven Mile Beach and the Shoalhaven River.

With the motorhomes parked on the lawn (where there’s no shortage of space for RVs), we bunkered down in the cabins, which were like mini cottages with a lounge, two bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom. The perfect spot for kids (or grandkids), the park has a swimming pool, jumping pillow, and outdoor cinema, and you can even take your furry friends in the winter months with small dogs welcome from JuneAugust.

All in all the event created the perfect opportunity to test out three varying price points in motorhomes and meet the manufacturers – we’re excited to see this event expand to showcase even more motorhomes in 2018.

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Above and left: Offering a beautiful combination of beachside scenery and stunning bushland countryside, Shoalhaven Heads was the perfect location for Motorhome Legends.

MALCOLM STREET Field editor Malcolm Street began travelling in an RV in the early 1970s and became an RV journalist in 1999. Each year he reviews more than 40 motorhomes and caravans in Australia and New Zealand.

KIRSTIE BEDFORD Kirstie started her career as a journalist nearly 25 years ago and has worked heavily in the tourism sector. She loves nothing more than a self-drive trip exploring new places and putting pen to paper to share her experiences. tradervs.com.au

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Motorhome Legends A look at some of the country’s best

THE MOTORHOMES

Kea

Wirraway

Paradise

Entry-level motorhome

Mid-high range motorhome

Luxury motorhome

Manufacturer: KEA Make and Model: KEA Beach RRP: $78,990 Facilities: Kitchenette with fridge, stove and grill, toilet/ shower combo Bedding: Double bed, cab bed Suits: Couple, family Contact: www.keacampers.com

Manufacturer: Wirraway Make and Model: Wirraway 260 SL RRP: $239,000 Facilities: Kitchen with roll-out pantry, cooktop, oven and grill; ensuite with separate shower and washing machine Bedding: Double bed Suits: Singles, couple Contact: www.wirraway.com.au

Manufacturer: Paradise Luxury Motorhomes Make and model: Independence Deluxe 28FT RRP: $525,808 Facilities: Kitchen with pantry, soft closing cabinetry, cooktop, oven and grill; three metre wide ensuite with separate shower and washing machine/dryer Bedding: Double bed and sofa bed Suits: Couple, family Contact: www.paradisemotorhomes.com.au

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ar

.au

S w w w. c

ava

D EO

H EE T E VI

n w o r ld.c o

m

luxur y living

ON THE MOVE The Paradise Independence Deluxe motorhome boasts plenty of luxe touches to add more than a touch of style to your next holiday.

PICS JACK MURPHY VIDEO ANNA PASTUKHOVA

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Motorhome Legends Paradise Independence Deluxe

In brief...

8.6m (28ft 3in) body length Slide-outs on both sides Fully self contained Carries three to four passengers The caravan you want is now easier to find

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I

WORDS MALCOLM STREET

am very familiar with the Paradise Motor Homes range, but I was particularly interested in this motorhome because it is the top-of-the-line model, built to order, and so presented a rare opportunity to review Paradise’s flagship motorhome.

Myself, CMCA CEO Richard Barwick, and The Wanderer Editor Kirstie Bedford, had an excellent opportunity to inspect the Independence Deluxe at the auspicious Motorhome Legends event in Shoalhaven Heads, NSW recently. We road-tested three motorhomes, and this one was the cream-of-the-crop in terms of luxury appointments and features.

GENETIC ENGINEERING At the top of the Paradise range with a price tag of more than half a million dollars, the

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Motorhome Legends Paradise Independence Deluxe

Measuring up Pros Very spacious interior High level of appointment Front living area Overall storage capacity

Cons LR Licence required Bins under slide-out awkward to get at Pricey!

Clockwise from main: The Motorhome Legends crew enjoying a brew indoors; The Paradise calls for an LR Licence; four 150W panels ride up top; a stainless steel barbecue is a welcome happy hour addition.

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Independence Deluxe is not a new motorhome design, but a continuation of an existing model range and built with the same genetic structure.

It has a high tensile alloy frame, and a composite fibreglass body structure that uses mouldings for the front panels, and a one-piece fibreglass roof. It’s not obvious, but a feature of the lower panel work is that it’s easily detachable from the upper panels in the event of an accident.

Weight distribution is important to Paradise, and it ensures that both the front and rear axle loading is correct and that the motorhome is level from side-to-side. This is certainly a consideration when slide-outs are used, especially when the offside one is almost as long as the wall. Aiding that are the four optional hydraulic corner levelling jacks – they make it very easy to set up the motorhome on non-level sites. tradervs.com.au

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Paradise Independence Deluxe Weights and measures External length 8.6m (28ft 2in) External width 2.49m (8ft 16in) Internal height 2.02m (6ft 8in) Travel height 3.23m (10ft 7in) Tare 5920kg GVM 7200kg Engine 3.0L twin turbodiesel Base vehicle Iveco Daily 70C 210 Gearbox Eight-speed auto Max power 150kW@3100-3500rpm Max torque 470Nm@1400-3000rpm

External Brakes ABS Fresh water 250L Grey water 100L Battery Lithium 300A Wheels xx Solar 600W Air-conditioner Twin Truma Aventa Gas 4x4kg

Internal Cooking Dometic 3+1 cook top/grill, convection oven Fridge Waeco 218L 12V compressor Microwave Convection Bathroom Dometic 19L cassette Hot water Bosch instantaneous

Options fitted Underbody external storage bins with sealed strut-assisted access doors; Storage bins LED lighting Dometic windows-tinted, double-glazed with thermal blinds, fly screens,venetians and curtains; Streamline top mounted electric awning; Automatic electric entry step Outside LED lights with internal switch and security motion sensor; Front nudge bar and tow bar; Superior quality vinyl flooring; Energy saving high output LED 12V lighting Extensive overhead cupboards and window pelmets Auto 240V power selection from generator, inverter or mains Dometic ducted underfloor central heating Truma Aventa slimline rooftop reverse cycle air-conditioners with remote; 4 x 4kg gas cylinders; 300Ah/12V lithium batteries; 240V earth leakage; circuit breakers and double pole power points; 4x150W solar panels with 60A regulator External hot and cold shower; Stainless steel slide-out barbecue; Dometic 2.6kva pure sine wave generator with auto start system; 3000W inverter, 120A charger, auto charging vehicle/house batteries; Fresh water auto fill system Grey water level indicator; Internal gas venting system reduces dust and noise ingress; Smoke alarm, fire blanket, fire extinguisher, internal safe and Co2 alarm; Jack HD TV antenna Automatic satellite TV system with vast box; Automatic hydraulic levelling system

Price as shown $525,808 plus on-road costs

More information To enquire about this motorhome, for more information or to find your closest Paradise dealer visit www. paradisemotorhomes.com.au or phone (07) 5597 4400.

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NOOKS AND CRANNIES All the external bins, of which there are plenty along both sides of the motorhome, are fully sealed and have strut-assisted doors for easy opening. Those fitted under the slide-outs are, of course, more difficult to get at when it’s fully open.

Some of the bins already have a function, like those built into the nearside slide-out that contain a barbecue, flat-screen TV that has a Paradise-manufactured mounting, as well as a fridge. In addition, one of the lower bins contains the electrics and charger controls. Richard Barwick was particularly impressed by the external storage options and features.

“The articulate professional design allows for loads of room, highlighted by the dual slide-outs and ample storage option. The external additions just add value including foldaway barbecue and television along with additional fridge accessed outside and streamlined automatic awning.”

A LUXURY PAD Richard felt the attention to detail demonstrated in the interior of this luxury unit was a real credit to the Paradise team.

Clockwise from above: Two slideouts instill an open feel to the luxurious Paradise; heating and massage controls for the cabin seats; an organised pantry helps at camp; electric and gas burners for camping on and off the grid.

Motorhome Legends WirrawayIndependence Paradise 260SL Deluxe

“Paradise should be congratulated on a very aesthetically pleasing, practical and luxurious motorhome”

LOUNGE

ROBE

VANITY

SEAT TOILET

SEAT

TABLE

SEAT

QUEEN BED SHOWER

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Motorhome Legends WirrawayIndependence Paradise 260SL Deluxe

“If you’re looking for five star luxury on wheels, you’ve found it – Paradise really does reflect its namesake”

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Motorhome Legends

Paradise Independence Deluxe

Clockwise from left: The plush swivelling seats maximise internal space at camp; two columns of drawers provide ample storage in the kitchen.

Ratings Value for money “This is a very hard value to judge given the price tag. For keen motorhomers!”

Driveability “Despite its bulk, an easy motorhome to drive”

Liveability “A very easy motorhome to live in a style that one could easily become accustomed to”

Suitability for intended touring “Very suitable indeed – either for short days on the road and long stops or the other way around”

Layout “Well thought out”

Quality of finish “Certainly everything fitted is of high quality”

Build quality “Fit and finish appear to be up to the Paradise standard”

Creature comforts “Well there is no shortage of those”

Innovation “Paradise has always been innovative in its approach and that has not changed”

X-factor “No shortage of that in every area”

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“The finer touches are appealing, including the leather lounges and swivel chairs, large queen-size bed, full-face mirrors, and technology improvements, and the use of space in the en-suite where the washer/dryer is very desirable,” he says.

“I do like a couple of simple, but effective improvements, in particular the light block-out blinds and the magnetic locks on all the drawers and cupboards.”

Kirstie Bedford was equally impressed, noting the surround sound, soft closing cabinetry and heated massage seats in the front cab. “It’s literally a home away from home, in fact, I’d go so far as to say many hotel apartments aren’t to the quality, luxurious standard as the interior of this motorhome.”

HOURS OF POWER Powering the Independence is an Iveco Daily cab chassis. Its GVM of 7200kg, which will require the drivers to have an LR truck licence, comes with a generous 1300kg payload capacity, and the process of getting a licence is made easy by using someone like TDT Training, (see: www. transportdrivertraining.com.au, who assist you through both your theory, and practical, driving training). It is good that Paradise has opted to use the twin turbo-diesel engine, which delivers up to 150kW of power and a very healthy 470Nm of torque – something all diesel drivers appreciate. Even though it’s 8.6m (28ft, 3in) long, the Independence is a very easy driving vehicle, especially with Iveco’s smooth eightspeed gearbox. For the electrical system, there’s no shortage of power with the 300A Lithium

Motorhome Legends

Paradise Independence Deluxe

battery being charged up by to 600W of solar panel capacity or the 2.6KVA pure sine wave generator. For quiet camping applications, the 3000W inverter/charger will deliver the 240V load.

THE BOTTOM LINE There’s no doubt that the Paradise’s Independence Deluxe is an expensive motorhome. However, it does come fully kitted

Above: The Paradise was easy to drive, despite its size. Above right: There’s plenty of comfort in the cabin.

out with just about every motorhome comfort and safety feature in the known RV universe.

Staying with the tried and true seems to be the new Paradise owners formula for the moment, and that would seem to be very wise for what is a very luxurious motorhome.

Richard believes Paradise would be at the top of everyone’s wish list, “with a price tag that is applicable to the quality”.

“The attention to detail is a real credit to the manufacturers ability to deliver a fantastic motorhome. You could want for no more than what is provided in the Paradise Independence Series. Paradise should be congratulated on a very aesthetically pleasing, practical and luxurious motorhome.”

Kirstie Bedford agrees, “if you’re looking for five star luxury on wheels, you’ve found it – Paradise really does reflect its namesake.”

@WonderlandRV www.WonderlandRV.com.au

“Quality Redefined” Choose Your Composite Colour

THE LASTING DIFFERENCE

Australian Made Computer Designed

Choice of 21 Layouts Jigsaw Construction

Custom Designs CNC Cut from Solid Sheets

Quality Appliances CNC Cut from Solid Sheets

3 Year Warranty Skilled Labour

After Sales Care 80% Screws

IMPECCABLE FINISHES INSIDE & OUTSIDE

PLUSH UPHOLSTERY THROUGHOUT NSW DEALER Five Star Caravans: (02) 4947 9999 www.FiveStarCaravans.com.au

2, 3, 4 OR 5 BERTH

SMART PRACTICAL DESIGN WA DEALER Rockingham RV: (08) 9528 1151 www.RRV.com.au

In brief...

7.9m (26ft) body length 5250kg GVM Mercedes-Benz underpinnings Slide-out fitted

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Motorhome Legends

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Wirraway 260SL

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Stylish and easy to live in, the Wirraway 260SL proves it’s a smooth ride that looks the goods on the road as well.

PICS JACK MURPHY VIDEO ANNA PASTUKHOVA

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M WORDS MALCOLM STREET

ildura, located on the Murray River in Victoria might seem to be an odd place for a motorhome manufacturer to be located. In fact, it’s actually typical of Australian motorhome manufacturers, which unlike the Victorian caravan builders are usually based further afield. Wirraway is a boutique manufacturer and under Rob Tonkin has found a successful market niche, building mostly a range of B class motorhomes. A typical example being the 260SL, the 260 being 26ft (7.9m) and the SL being a slide-out.

THE VEHICLE Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the Wirraway choice for its 260 range and this vehicle has a 519 CDI cab chassis that comes with a 3L V6 turbo diesel that puts out a maximum of 140kW and a very torquey 440Nm. It also comes with a GVM of 5250kg which is higher than the normal Benz specification of 5000kg and requires an LR licence. Having a Tare of 4600kg gives the motorhome a load capacity of 650kg.

Clockwise from main: Embrace the touring lifestyle with the Wirraway; the slide-out cooking facilities are perfect for dining al fresco; cruising in the Wirraway is a smooth ride; external access to drawer storage.

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Motorhome Legends Wirraway 260SL

BODYWORK The most noticeable feature of the 260SL is of course the offside slide-out. It takes up more than two thirds of the wall area and is electrically driven. For those who worry about such things, there is also a manual override.

Another noticeable item is the external storage capacity, of which there is plenty. Much of the storage is drawer based, which is very handy, but the rest are more conventional. There are of course the usual dedicated bins for batteries and gas cylinders but I particularly like the ones at the nearside rear, which contain a very user friendly slide-out barbecue, and tank connected hose reel. Apart from anything else, it makes it easy to wash the motorhome down even if not

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Measuring up Pros Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519 CDI cab chassis 650kg load capacity Spacious interior with slide-out open Nicely finished interior Drawer style external bins

Cons Access to external bins under slideout when it is out Lagun table really only for one Handing the keys back

connected to mains water.

In the body building department, the 260SL has chassis built from RHS aluminium which supports a 12mm plywood floor. Composite styrofoam/fibreglass vacuum sealed panels form up the wall structure which includes double glazed acrylic windows and the Dometic door with glass insert. The two pack epoxy paint finish sparkles in the sunshine increasing the longevity of the vehicle. An option fitted to this motorhome is the levelling – very handy when using the slide-out.

ON THE ROAD Driving the 260SL is certainly a pleasurable chore. Being fitted with the most powerful of the Sprinter engines, the 140kW 3L diesel delivers tradervs.com.au

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the grunt when needed but otherwise just cruises along. Certainly the Mercedes automatic gearboxes are some of the smoothest and most responsive in the business. Noise wise, there are certainly some of the expected rattles and grunts from the rear but nothing that couldn’t be fixed with a towel or cushion in the right place.

STEP INSIDE Wirraway motorhomes come with a choice of interior decor, either a more traditional Tasmanian Myrtle timber or a modern white contemporary look. In this case, the 260SL has the latter and the overall effect is a light and bright interior. Having the full width bathroom across the rear of the motorhome does result in the perception of a very spacious interior.

There are some slide-out based motorhome layouts I have seen where the slide-out looks a bit like an afterthought rather than being integrated into the overall design. Not here, because built into the slide-out, working from rear to front are an east-west queen bed, fridge with microwave oven above and, up front a sideways facing lounge. Of course the driver’s cab seats swivel around, thus forming an area for lounging and dining – the sideways lounge having a detachable table, which is stored under the bed when not being used.

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Motorhome Legends Wirraway 260SL

Clockwise from main: The retractable interior blends style and comfort; mirrors help brighten the interior; the high quality finish is evident throughout; divided storage under the bed; fitting the top-loading washing machine high saves on space.

Ratings Value for money “For a boutique builder motorhome, it rates quite well”

Driveability “The Benz is a very smooth driving machine and there are few rattles from behind”

Liveability “I could live in this without too much trouble”

Suitability for intended touring “Fully self contained for long term remote travel”

Layout “Neatly laid out interior with room to move”

Quality of finish “Just about all fittings and finish are of high quality and reliability”

Build quality The Wanderer editor Kirstie Bedford was equally impressed with the Wirraway.

“It is a really beautiful motorhome, with a stylish bathroom and kitchen, liquor cabinet and power points at every turn, including three in the roomy ensuite alone,” she said.

“There’s ample storage under the bed, a fulllength pull-out pantry, and large fridge. In the ensuite is a washing machine and separate shower. For couples wanting a luxurious homeaway-from-home, this motorhome is definitely the one for you.”

For CMCA CEO Richard Barwick, the build quality of the Wirraway was something to be commended.

“It’s a quality vehicle which is well-made, some of the features will allow members to enjoy

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“Generally speaking well finished throughout”

Creature comforts “A motorhome built for travelling in style”

Innovation “A fair bit of the innovation is hidden in the electrics and control systems”

X-factor “In this price bracket, you’d expect plenty of X factor and that is what you get” tradervs.com.au

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Clockwise from top: The exterior of the Wirraway is very attractive; expect luxury cabin appointments in the Mercedes-Benz base; visibility is excellent.

Wirraway 260SL Weights and measures External length 7.9m (26ft) External width 2.25m (7ft 5in) Internal height 2m (6ft 6in) Travel height 3.15m (10ft 4in) Tare 4600kg GVM 5250kg

Engine Base vehicle Mercedes 519 CDI cab chassis Engine 3L V6 turbo diesel Gearbox 5 speed automatic Max power 140kW@3800rpm Max torque 440Nm@1400-2400rpm

External Brakes All wheel disc brakes Fresh water 140L Grey water 80L Batteries 2x120AH Solar 1x130W Air-conditioner Air Command Ibis Gas 3x4.5kg

Internal Cooking Dometic oven/grill/hotplates Fridge Dometic AES 184 litre 3 way Microwave 27L microwave Toilet Thetford china bowl Shower Separate round cubicle Lighting 12V LED Hot water Truma 14L

Options fitted

Price as shown $239,000 plus options of $16,500

SEAT

More information To enquire about this motorhome, for more information or to find your closest Wirraway dealer visit www.wirraway. com.au or phone (03) 5023 0230.

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PANTRY

Levelling system Satellite TV TEC29 internal start generator Washing machine ROBE FRIDGE TOILET

TABLE SWIVEL SEAT

VANITY SWIVEL SEAT FRIDGE

STEP

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ROBE

SHOWER

Motorhome Legends Wirraway 260SL

“Wirraway has a strong reputation in the marketplace for producing an excellent product”

the comforts of home, especially with the good storage capacity complemented by the quality of the décor.”

He said the motorhome was great value for money.

“Vehicles like this will always retain their value. Wirraway has a strong reputation in the market place for producing an excellent product.

The attention to detail in the vehicle is an added attraction.”

POWERING UP Sophisticated power systems sometimes put people off but in this case the 120A batteries, 130W solar panel, 25A smart charger and auto filling of the drinking water tank is all controlled by a control panel located above the entry door.

That area is where the water tank, generator controls and radio/CD player are fitted, so everything is centrally located. A benefit of the

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Motorhome Legends Wirraway 260SL

Above: Driver comfort matters on tour. Left: The Wirraway offers a myriad of internal and external features to get you on the road easier.

electrical control system is that it’s either set and forget or can be played with by those more technically inclined.

THE BOTTOM LINE Whilst much attention is grabbed by the spacious interior of the 260SL, where the accent is very much on living area, the outside of the motorhome has much to offer as well with both its Mercedes-Benz undercarriage and the external bins that give not only easy storage access but a good number of external lifestyle features as well.

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As relaxing as its name suggests, the KEA Beach offers a chance for motorhomers on a budget to get on the road, and add their own personal flair to this RV. PICS JACK MURPHY VIDEO ANNA PASTUKHOVA

In brief...

Retro fitted ex-rental motorhome Day/night lounge changed to island bed Volkswagen Crafter powered 7.2m (23ft 8in) long

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Motorhome Legends KEA Beach

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F

or the most part, in the motorhome market in Australia, there are two different design styles. One is aimed at the retail market and the other is mostly for the motorhome rental companies. The prime difference is that retail motorhomes are mostly two and maybe four berth rigs, usually with at least one fixed bed. Whereas rental units are often for between four and six people and frequently have beds that have to be made up each night from day/ night lounges.

For rental motorhome operators the usual modus operandi is that after a number of year of service, the motorhomes are sold out to the retail market. Whilst they are often something of a bargain for someone who cannot afford a brand new motorhome, there is often a problem with the bed configuration, particularly if the luton is the only fixed bed.

THL who have Britz and Maui, amongst other names in their rental fleet have come up with an interesting solution to this particular problem in the form of the KEA Beach. In its original configuration, the Beach had a rear club lounge that could be folded down into a bed every night.

For resale, the motorhome has had something of a makeover, in which the principal work has been to remove the lounge and fit a fixed island bed instead. To say the least, that is an interesting idea because it instantly widens the appeal of the motorhome to a wide group of potential buyers. For those KEA motorhome fans amongst our readers, I should point out this is not an original KEA design but something out of the Britz/Maui stable. So, what do you get for your money?

THE VEHICLE The Beach, a 2010 model, has as its base vehicle, a Volkswagen Crafter 100. If you think it looks like a Mercedes Benz Sprinter of a similar vintage then you’d be correct because in those days VW had an arrangement with Benz to use a very similar bodywork. VW supplied the engine, a 2.5L turbo diesel that delivered a maximum power rating of 100kW and a torque of 300Nm. Whether those figures are still obtainable now is open to conjecture but recently my own diesel powered vehicle, a few years old, had something of a major (read expensive) service and that improved things very noticeably. Part of the Benz/VW deal was that VW also was able to use the Mercedes six speed Shiftmatic automated manual gearbox. The

WORDS MALCOLM STREET

Measuring up Pros Good for those on a tight budget Retro island bed fitting Opportunities for those who like to add personal touches Relatively small size, makes it an easy motorhome to drive Has four forward facing seatbelt fitted seats

Cons Definitely more than a few rattles Tight fit around island bed Shelves needed in front cupboard High kilometres on the odometer

Clockwise from top right: The KEA Beach is a bargain for those looking to enter the market for the first time; it’s a motorhome that’s easy to drive; all the requisite features are present, both internally and externally; the basic external look is uncomplicated and neat.

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Motorhome Legends KEA Beach

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Clockwise from main: No special licence is required to drive the 2010 VW Crafter; all the requisite features like the microwave are included, you’ll find everything you need inside; under the bonnet you’ll find a 2.5L turbo diesel engine.

KEA Beach Weights and measures External length 7.21m (23ft 8in) External width 2.34m (7ft 8in) Internal height 2.15m (7ft) Travel height 3.2m (10ft 6in) Tare 3740kg GVM 4490kg

Engine

Base vehicle Volkswagen Crafter 100 (2010 model) Engine 2.5L turbo diesel Gearbox 6 speed Shiftmatic Max power 100kW@3500 rpm Max torque 300Nm@2000 rpm

External

Brakes ABS disc Fresh water 85L Grey water 85L Batteries 2x110AH Solar 1x80W Air-conditioner Air Command Ibis Gas 1x9kg

Internal

Cooking Dometic 4 burner, grill and oven Fridge Isotherm CR219 12V 219L Microwave Sharp Carousel Toilet Thetford cassette Shower Flexible hose Lighting LED Hot water Suburban 23L

Options fitted None

Price as shown $80,000

TABLE

SEAT

SHOWER

TOILET

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ROBE / DT

More information To enquire about this motorhome, for more information, or to find your closest KEA dealer visit www.keacampers.com.

QUEEN BED FRIDGE

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ROBE / DT

Motorhome Legends KEA Beach

downside of these was that in the lower ranges, gear changes were often hesitant and that little feature remains.

ON THE ROAD The particular Beach motorhome that I looked over had about 300,000km on the clock and I was keen to see how it performed on the road.

Certainly the turbo diesel and gearbox ran as expected but the most noticeable feature was a few rattles, mostly from cupboards and overhead lockers. However, these were mostly easily identified and if you encounter these, you’ll find they can usually be fixed easily.

“It means you can ensure it’s adapted specifically to your needs before you make the investment”

BODYWORK The Beach has a somewhat distinctive rental motorhome look about it with its fibreglass composite walls, moulded fibreglass luton peak, Hehr style habitation door with separate insect screen and tinted glass sliding windows.

Rental motorhomes often don’t have much of an external storage but this one does with a tunnel book across the rear offering enough storage for all the essential camping essentials. I had a

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Motorhome Legends KEA Beach good look round inside the motorhome but there were no signs of water leaks – something to pay attention to in any secondhand motorhome purchase.

The Wanderer editor Kirstie Bedford was impressed with the flexibility the motorhome offers.

“The KEA is adaptable, with varying configurations, durable, affordable, and you can try it before you buy-it which is a unique aspect of this motorhome,” she said.

“It means you can ensure it’s adapted specifically to your needs before you make the investment.”

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CMCA CEO Richard Barwick said, “if you are getting into the market for the first time, this is the vehicle for you. It has a compact but spacey design, having all the features you need and different bedding configurations.”

He also remarked on how easy the KEA Beach makes RV travel.

“Many consumers don’t have the big budgets, and it’s very comfortable travelling in a vehicle like this. One of the highlights is the Tare weight of the vehicle which allows anyone with a Class C licence to drive. It is easy to drive and park, making life simpler for all age groups.”

Left: The KEA Beach offers a comfortable and easy drive.

Below: Teaming the rear passenger seats with a table at camp.

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Motorhome Legends KEA Beach

Right: It’s easy to cook up a storm in the kitchen. Below: The necessities are there with the combo bathroom.

Ratings Value for money “A tricky one, depends very much on the potential buyer!”

Driveability “Shiftmatic gearbox takes getting used to”

Liveability “Has all the essentials and apart from the bed walk around, fairly easy to get at”

Suitability for intended touring “No problems if spending most nights in caravan parks”

Layout “Tight in some areas but will certainly suit a couple”

Quality of finish “Rentals are built for tough use and that is what you get”

Build quality “Like most rentals, built for practicality and durability but that said, it ain’t bad”

Creature comforts “It does have all the essentials”

Innovation “I like the idea of the island bed retro fit making the motorhome a more saleable proposition”

X-Factor “It’s hidden in the refurbishment, particularly the island bed installation”

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A LOOK INSIDE It’s surprising what a difference changing the rear bed arrangement makes. Although there are definitely other clues as to the Beach rental heritage, having a 1.88m x 1.53m (6ft 1in x 5ft) island bed in the rear changes the layout perception entirely. Some of the essentials are the same, like the kitchen bench along the nearside and a combo bathroom opposite.

However, the Beach has been retained as a four berth motorhome, so there’s a two person forward facing seat on the right behind the driver and a 2.13m x 1.53m (7ft x 5ft) luton

bed above the driver’s cab. Both cab seats swivel around, a feature not found in all rental motorhomes and there’s a small round table that can be used between the seats. Small is the operative word though and there’s room for improvement there.

Generally speaking internal storage isn’t too bad for a motorhome this size and there’s plenty of overhead locker storage plus a small wardrobe behind the passenger seat.

A problem with the island bed installation is that access around the foot of the bed is tight, particularly around the half height cabinet on the offside. There isn’t an obvious solution to that, apart from downsizing the cabinet and shifting the microwave oven (undoubtedly the biggest problem) so it might be a compromise that has to be accepted.

But really, it doesn’t want for much. In Kirstie’s words, “it might be entry level (as far as motorhomes go), but it still has everything you need for a family.

“It’s under $80K and while it’s compact, nothing has been overlooked,” she said.

“There’s a cab bed for the kids (with a television!), kitchenette, shower over the toilet, and of course a double bed, and you don’t need a special licence to drive it.”

Richard Barwick, CMCA CEO, agreed with the KEA Beach’s value for money.

“If you are getting into the market for the first time, this is the vehicle for you. Many members

Motorhome Legends KEA Beach

and consumers don’t have big budgets, however it is very comfortable travelling in a vehicle like this.

“It is easy to drive and park, making life easier for all age groups.”

only really viewable from the rear forward facing seats. Given the 85L of fresh water capacity and solar panel capacity, the Beach is going to be good for a night or three of bush camping.

Above: Get on the road faster in the KEA Beach.

THE BOTTOM LINE

ELECTRICS

For travellers whose budgets don’t extend far, the Beach should get their attention. For people who are prepared to do a bit of work, the Beach offers potential. Much of the hard work is done, so the rest is up to you.

I’d have to say the Beach is well setup with 220AH of battery capacity and 80W of solar power. Mains power points are in mostly logical places but the TV set above the front wardrobe is

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WDH270 (RRP $459) Weight Distribution Hitch (600 lb) Tow Rating 3500 kg Towball Weight 270 kg Round Bar style Standard WDH Shank included

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Introducing Trakmaster’s latest addition to their range of fixed design offroad caravans. Following the long tradition of building offroad caravans that are high quality, tough and extremely capable, the Pilbara S takes the best, most popular of the layout designs and sits as a package ready and waiting for your next adventure.

The Pilbara S incorporates 5 full height layouts at 15’10” x 7’, two 16’10” x 7’6”, 18’6” x 7’6” and 19’6’ x 7’6” with all the basics plus a few extras to make your travels just that bit more comfortable. Hand built to the same craftsmanship standards as any Trakmaster’s custom built caravans, the Pilbara S is built like a custom caravan without all the hassle.

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29-31 Waldheim Rd, Bayswater, VIC 3153 Ph: (03) 9720 0822 | www.trakmaster.com.au

LITTLE CORNER OF

e s i d a r pa We head to the friendly town of Shoalhaven Heads in regional NSW, to see what it has to offer the RV community.

PICS ANNA PASTUKHOVA AND JACK MURPHY

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Motorhome Legends Shoalhaven Heads, NSW

Shoalhaven Heads is a stunning location, with plenty of attractive features that make it great for RVers

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F WORDS KIRSTIE BEDFORD

Clockwise from main: The sun sets on another stunning day in Shoalhaven Heads; just one of the excellent meals enjoyed at The Heads Hotel; Two Figs Winery consistently wins national awards.

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rom my vantage point at Two Figs Winery, at the top of the Mount Coolangatta foothill, Shoalhaven Heads is like something out of a children’s fairytale.

Green rolling hills, vast golden fields dotted with cows and horses, rows of vines, and a river winding through the middle of it. It was this spectacular scenery which drew Shayne Bricker to the region 15 years ago, when he decided to leave his corporate job in the US to purchase 140 acres, converting part of it to a winery.

The conversion paid off, and 15 years later, Two Figs Winery now consistently wins national awards; and the wine not only tastes great, but you can drink guilt-free knowing they follow organic practices. The only problem is, you’ll have to visit the region to taste it because it’s only sold locally, but it’s worth the trip, and on a sunny day you can stand in front of this picture perfect view and see all the way from Shoalhaven Heads to Nowra.

The Shoalhaven Heads region has 10 wineries which form part of the Shoalhaven Coast Wine Region, dotted from Kangaroo Valley to Bawley Point. Most are concentrated around

Shoalhaven Heads, so there’s no shortage of places to stop, wine, and dine, and if you visit in June, you can partake in free wine tasting all weekend at the annual Shoalhaven Coast Winter Wine Festival. For those who want a guided experience, Bigfoot Adventures at Coolangatta Estate winery, just down the road from Two Figs, operates a one-hour scenic trip in a 4WD open sided tractor-bus to the summit of Mount Coolangatta, where you’ll also hear about the history of Coolangatta Estate.

TO TOWN WE GO The beauty of small towns is often visiting the local village – and Shoalhaven Heads is no exception. Ten minutes from the Shoalhaven Heads Holiday Park, where we were staying, along a winding road between farms dotted with cows (and the odd horse) is a quaint township called Berry. Before you enter the township proper, you come across the historic Berry creamery building, described in 1895 as “the largest and most complete butter factory in the colony”. Down the aptly named Creamery Lane, it’s now home to The Treat Factory, a

Motorhome Legends Shoalhaven Heads, NSW

“The beauty of small towns is often visiting the local village – and Shoalhaven Heads is no exception”

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Clockwise from main: Some of the country’s best motorhomes hit the road in Shoalhaven Heads; the KEA Beach makes a pit stop; the stunning coastal scenery of the region is breathtaking; stopping for an all-important snack at Berry.

Journey planner Prepared to explore. www.hemamaps.com

Prepared to explore. www.hemamaps.com

60-year-old business, which produces more than 200 lines of bottled products including hand-made sauces, pickles and relishes. Peer through the front glass cabinet at rows of handmade chocolate and fudge, and be sure to have a tasting. I guarantee you won’t be able to resist the passionfruit or ginger varieties.

“To share?” the shopkeeper asked, when I point at a few thick slabs of the creamy treat I plan on purchasing.

“We’ll see if it lasts the trip back to the holiday park,” I replied.

Further down the road is the pretty township, with its historic buildings and art and craft stores. Step behind the main shopping strip to find mini-laneways with cafes and homewares.

Parking is plentiful, and when I was in town a Jayco pulled up, and parked, right outside the pub.

Some fudge did make it back, but not after I’d made a significant dent in it myself, and I only spared some because I wanted to leave room

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Shoalhaven Heads is a village in regional NSW. The town sits at the foot of Mount Coolangatta and is situated on both Seven Mile Beach and the mouth of the Shoalhaven River. It is served by the main Bolong Road, which runs from Gerroa to the north, to Bomaderry and Nowra to the south. It is bounded by national park to the north, the Shoalhaven River to the south and farm land to the west.

Visit visitnsw.com

Motorhome Legends Shoalhaven Heads, NSW

“Events in this region are aplenty, so it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, there’s bound to be a festival or event of some type”

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Motorhome Legends

Shoalhaven Heads, NSW

This image: There’s plenty of lush parkland and riverside scenery from which to take in the tranquility.

Below: Shoalhaven Heads Holiday Park has a great atmosphere and plenty to keep the kids entertained.

for dinner at Hedy’s Cafe at The Heads Hotel – named after European actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr. The pub is everything you want from a local and more, with oversized couches in front of a large fireplace and quality pub grub – think Japanese panko crumbed calamari and slow-cooked Moroccan lamb shank.

Wander (or stagger) the short distance back to the holiday park where you can jump in your RV parked in one of its powered, or unpowered, riverfront sites (there are 16 ensuite sites and 132 powered sites). Additional family members can stay in one of the 27 two-bedroom cabins, which are more like cottages, with your choice of bedroom configuration (some with bunks), bathroom and a separate living area and kitchen.

There’s plenty to keep the kids, or grandkids, entertained from a solar-heated swimming pool, playground and jumping castle to minigolf, and games room, all in a gated community with access to both Seven Mile Beach and the Shoalhaven river.

Events in this region are aplenty, so it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, there’s bound to be a festival or event of some type. And, if not, you’ll just have to kick back on the beach or river and watch the world go by.

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e h t n I ZONE If you’re mostly sticking to the roads but want the freedom to venture a bit further now and then, Zone RV have the van for you.

In brief...

A wonderfully stylish caravan with external livery The choice of internal colours, upholstery material and quality furniture set this rig apart The available payload is a generous boost for those that like to take a substantial swag

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Tested

ZoneRV ZV-20.6

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WORDS AND PICS DAVID GILCHRIST

Measuring up Pros A sizeable available payload Ample water storage Stylish interior design Sturdy chassis and drawbar

Cons Small ensuite No drawbar tap Limited external storage

T

he Zone. Sooner or later, everyone hopes to get there. After all, being in the zone is when we do our best, when we’re having the finest time. So, the chance to collect a new Zone RV caravan meant an expectation of a fine caravanning experience. We took the Zone RV’s ZV-20.6, the first of Zone’s new Venture series for a spin in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Zone RV designed the new series for those keen to tour on the bitumen and to venture onto the gravel from time to time. Managing Director Matt Johns reckons it’s ideal for those who want to try a little remote travel while avoiding the really harsh stuff. With that in mind, we hit the road to see if the ZV-20.6 met its promise.

Clockwise from main: The Zone RV ZV-20.6 is a road tourer that allows you to hit the gravel as well; the exterior finish is typically stylish of the brand; there’s the expected external storage; the toolbox is tipped for future improvements.

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AROUND THE OUTSIDE On first glance, the Zone RV ZV-20.6 has a closed cell composite body with Panelock bonding technology that offers a seamless front, roof and rear composite panel construction which helps to form a modern, state-of-the-art appearance. It’s a

construction style that the Zone RV team imported into their manufacturing from their experience in the marine industry and a standard that Zone RV maintains in this range.

UPSIDE DOWNUNDER Underneath, the 150x50mm chassis appears well made with RHS Duragal Steel Chassis, laser cut CNC folded members and Epoxy Chassis Shield protection to ward off corrosion. What’s more, the Vehicle Components CRS-Coil Dual Axle 3300kg suspension is ideal for the type of touring this rig is designed for. The suspension includes internal polyurethane bump stops that provide a much higher secondary rate of suspension before the coil spring becomes coil bound making this suspension ideal for outback roads. On the downside, Zone RV don’t offer airbag suspension upgrades for this range. That’s bad news for anyone who otherwise likes the range but wants

Tested

ZoneRV ZV-20.6

high end all-terrain suspension. Nonetheless, this suspension is quite reasonable for soft 4WD touring. Up the front, the drop-on DO35 hitch is a popular and successful hitch with the versatility to accommodate off-roading adventures. Considering the rig also boasts tandem axles and Dexter Electronic Stability Control, it’s a versatile and easily towable caravan.

EXTERNAL FEATURES The downside of taking an early look at a van that’s an early release of a new range is that, more often than not, its presentation is a little under done. While the first impressions were on par with expectations that are synonymous with Zone RV’s growing reputation for quality, the front side opening toolbox presentation was disappointing. It featured no compartments or in-built shelving. However, Matt Johns said the box on the rig we tested was still a work in progress and the box would soon feature a gen set slide-on on one side, and gear tray on a slide-

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on the other side of the box. Storage-wise, the exterior featured a front tunnel boot and, other than the toolbox, no other external gear storage. On the upside, the exterior boasts a drop-down table access to entertainment plugs, twin gas bottles and plenty of water storage. Water storage includes 100L of fresh water storage and a 100L grey water holding tank. Those worried about a large stick or rock perforating one of the tanks shouldn’t fret as checkerplate protects the tanks. A small note on the plumbing, although this van is a stripped down all-terrain rig, it’s a pity that Zone RV haven’t included a water tap on the drawbar. It’s rather nice filling up the billy for an outdoor cuppa.

STEPPING INSIDE These days it’s not unusual to come across an attractive looking caravan interior.

Nonetheless, Zone RV’s penchant for producing products whose livery embraces both style and comfort is present in this new Venture series caravan. A comfy dinette with cloth-upholstered seating that compliments the cloth-upholstered bedhead is just part of a kit that draws an audible sigh out of you as you enter. Just the same, it’s important to look for those things that make life on the road easy and comfortable. First up – at the entry, the steps are electronic meaning there’s no need for awkward twisting and tugging to set up the steps just to get inside. Of course, when it comes to feeling comfortable, a good air-conditioner is key. The Zone RV rig comes with a reverse cycle Truma Aventa airconditioner. It’s a good unit that caravanners typically say is a more efficient cooler than heater. Nonetheless, with 1700W of heating power, the energy saving heat pump function ensures a pleasant on-board temperature while dehumidifying and cleaning the air.

Ratings Value for money “A quality build and stylish layout offer the opportunity for many outback adventures”

Towability “Relatively low weight, twin axles and electronic sway control help make this rig very easy to tow”

Liveability “A small ensuite mars an otherwise comfortable living area and a quality layout”

Suitability for intended touring “This van is ideal for short, offgrid camping and blacktop touring, although it would benefit from an external shower”

Layout “A quality layout with a cramped ensuite”

Quality of finish “Zone RV have attended to details inside and out providing an overall quality finish”

Build quality “Quality workmanship produces a first-class rig”

Creature comforts “The Zone RV features a standard set of creature comforts but lacks items like a diesel heater or exterior kitchen”

Innovation “Few items are particularly innovative but small details like a magazine holder that doubles as an electronic tablet holder are noteworthy”

X-Factor “A high quality, stylish finish boosts its X-factor in a van with an otherwise paired back specification list”

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Tested

ZoneRV ZV-20.6

GOOD COOKING

Clockwise from main: Style and comfort are key inside this fresh looking caravan; the quality stove will please gourmet travellers; the inviting dinette is perfect to relax at; there’s more than enough storage inside as well.

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The kitchen is a reasonably standard arrangement, found in many contemporary caravans currently on the market. However, a quality stove, cooktop and microwave combo combined with adequate benchtop is enough to keep a wayfaring gourmet satisfied. What’s more, well-built drawers and cupboards mean you’re not likely to pick up a splinter while searching for the can opener. Better still, the drawers are self-closing. It’s worth remembering that Zone have populated the kitchen with cupboards with shelving rather than drawers to keep weight to a minimum.

It’s a reasonable compromise for those happy to organise their kit in something like wellsealed plastic containers. Not all storage options are stripped bare. There is a very handy slide out pantry by a sizeable fridge freezer. tradervs.com.au

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ZoneRV ZV-20.6

ZoneRV ZV-20.6 Weights and measures Overall length 8.1m (26ft 6in) External body length 6.24m (20ft 5in) External body width 2.5m (8ft 3in) Travel height 2.95m (9ft 8in) Internal height 1.98m (6ft 6in) Tare 2250kg ATM 3300kg Payload 1050kg Ball weight 165kg

External

ROBE SEAT

TABLE

SEAT

PANTRY

Clockwise from main: The bedroom is tastefully decorated; there’s plenty of bathroom storage; there’s room for all your hanging items in the bedroom.

TOILET FRIDGE

Frame No Cladding Seamless front, roof and rear composite panel with laser cut alloy and fibreglass fairings and corner protection Chassis 150x50x3mm lightweight RHS Duragal Steel with lazer cut CNC folded members coated with hard wearing EPOXY Coating Suspension Vehicle Components CRSCoil Dual Axle 3300kg Coupling DO35 Brakes Electric Drum 10in Dexter Wheels 17x7.5in alloy Water Fresh Water Storage 100L, food grade poly water tank Grey Water Storage 100L holding tank Battery Single 120AH AGM battery package, 20A 240V C=charger, 30A DC-DC charger and solar management Solar 100W Flexible Lightweight Solar System Air-conditioner Truma Aventa Air Conditioning (Reverse Cycle) Gas 2x9kg Sway control Dexter Electronic Stability Control and Brakesafe Break-Away System

Internal QUEEN BED

SHOWER ROBE

Cooking Swift gas oven and grill, 3 x gas burner and one electric cooktop Fridge Waeco 190L AES (3-Way) fridge/ freezer Microwave NCE 23L Bathroom Internal Shower and extracting 12V roof fan Washing Machine No Hot water Gas/240V Truma

Options fitted

BATHROOM BLUES AND BEDROOM BLISS There’s nothing more likely to put a damper on a road trip than a frustratingly small shower. Although the ensuite includes plenty of storage, a reasonable-sized vanity, a quality toilet, it skips what is arguably the most important part of what makes for a worthwhile ensuite – the size of the shower.

For an over-sized chap like me, a shower

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that fits properly around me is essential.

Unfortunately, this shower is small enough to make picking up the soap akin to a sardine reaching for the tin key. It’s tight. At the other end of the caravan, the bed is bliss. Laying here, surrounded by the tasteful bedroom livery is sensational. It’s as welcoming and comforting as a spring breeze on the last day of winter.

None

Price as shown $ 88,900 2017 (drive away Qld)

More information To enquire about this caravan, please visit www.zonerv.com.au or phone (07) 5471 6410

WHO IS AURA?

Aura Caravans, will at all times strive to manufacture a range of products to suit the diversity of the ever evolving market place. We will do this in accordance with all regulatory bodies and achieve a result that will be well accepted and respected amongst our peers, our dealers and our customers.

www.auracaravans.com.au OUR DEALERS Cameron Caravans www.cameroncaravans.com.au Kratzmann Caravans www.kratzmann.com.au RC Cravans www.roncartercaravans.com.au

Tested

ZoneRV ZV-20.6

Above: The Vehicle Components CRSCoil Dual Axle 3300kg suspension is ideal for the type of touring this rig is designed for.

Above right: Stylish and capable, Zone RV will take you everywhere in style.

OFF-ROAD

POWER UP Power-wise, the electrical kit in this caravan is worthwhile. While, the power system includes a single 120AH AGM battery package, 240V charger, 30A DC-DC charger and solar management together with a 100W flexible lightweight solar system, the real impressive thing here is the fact that unlike other brands, electrical wiring is not a

SEMI OFF-ROAD

4 YEAR NATIONWIDE WARRANTY

haphazard web but a sophisticated, insulated loom like a motor-vehicle wiring loom.

THE BOTTOM LINE This is a chic, stylish rig that, while cut back by comparison to other Zone RV luxury vans, is a capable, comfortable van that should spark the interest of anyone with the financial wherewithal to cater for its price tag.

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP

RVMAP ACCREDITED

www.grandsalute.com.au

LUXURY FEATURES

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE

EXCLUSIVE DEALER Melbourne City Caravans PH 03 9303 7200 EMAIL info@melbournecitycaravans.com.au w w w. m e l b o u r n e c i t y c a r a v a n s . c o m . a u

HEAVY DUTY s tyl e The Kedron AT5 has serious offroad credentials and perfectly adds a touch of class to your next rough track adventure.

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Tested Kedron AT5

In brief...

Tandem axle offroad 6.4m/21ft van Air bag fitted independent suspension Rear door entry Front bedroom, rear bathroom layout

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I

WORDS AND PICS MALCOLM STREET

Clockwise from right: In addition to the jerry can holders and gas cylinders, you’ll find a storage box on the drawbar; with plenty of outback experience, Kedron have their own suspension system; there’s plenty of storage in the van’s exterior; built for serious offroad travel, Kedron’s AT5 is well-equipped.

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don’t usually start a caravan review by mentioning the tow vehicle, but since the new Land Cruiser 70 wagon was the first thing I saw when I turned up to the Kedron factory to look over their new All Terrain AT5 caravan, I will.

Through their alter ego company, The Gall Boys, Kedron have had a long and established relationship with Toyota in Australia. Frequently when I turn up to the factory, they have something new and shiny to play with. At least, Glen Gall, their lead photographer/videographer and marketing man does. Don’t know what the rest of the crew do, but Glen always seems to have something interesting to drive around in.

Now the LC70 is a real man’s tow vehicle.

None of that fancy Land Cruiser 200 stuff here.

Of course you get all the Toyota essentials, including a genuine 3500kg of towing capacity but the drivetrain is quite simple, a rumbly 151Kw/430Nm, 4.5L V8 turbo diesel that’s attached to a five speed manual transmission.

There’s no auto transmissions here either. It is a great tow vehicle and pulled the Kedron AT5 without any problem at all. Our destination for this photo shoot was the Dayboro area northwest of Brisbane. It’s cattle country and I got to chat across the fence with a number of the bovine residents, curious about what I was doing in drive by photo shoots.

THE VAN Kedron’s AT5 is a van built for the serious offroad stuff, there’s no doubt about that. For

Tested Kedron AT5 a start, it is in the heavyweight league with a Tare mass of 3065kg and an ATM of 3500kg.

That also puts it straight into heavy tow vehicle capacity (like an LC70) so there’s no doubts about what sort of tow vehicle to purchase.

Incidentally you can get an ATM upgrade to 3990kg on the load-sharing air-bag suspension option, but that will require a tow vehicle not so readily available as a Land Cruiser.

At 6.4m (21ft) in length, the AT5 is not a particularly long van, but for a serious offroad van, I don’t see that as a disadvantage. It’s enough to be comfortable in, but not a difficult towing proposition.

CONSTRUCTION Kedron’s AT5 is built in the same style as all

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Measuring up Pros Stylish interior Large bathroom External storage capacity Decent sized kitchen bench area Designed for extended remote travel

Cons Heavy weight tow vehicle required Tow ball mass might be an issue, ie care with loading Not cheap

their vans, with a hot dipped galvanised chassis that has 150mm x 50mm (6in x 2in) drawbar and chassis rails. The chassis is fitted with independent air bag suspension and the poly moulded water tanks are fitted between the chassis rails. As you might expect there’s plenty of ground clearance. Under the alloy cladding, the van body is supported by an interlocked aluminium frame that is held together with high tensile steel punch pins.

A look at the drawbar area reveals it’s very busy looking. In addition to the gas cylinders and jerry can holders, there’s also a large storage box built to include a generator slide and the fuel tank for the diesel heater. On this particular van, one of the options fitted is a bike rack atop the storage box. Within the van body

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Kedron AT5 Weights and measures Overall length 9m (29ft 5in) External body length 6.4m (21ft) External body width 2.46m (8ft) Travel height with air bag On road ride height – 3m (60mm clearance from bump stops), air bag on bump stops – 2.99m, air bags at full height 3m (for comparison) AT5 with coil suspension 3m Internal height 1.98m (6ft 4in) Tare 3065kg ATM 3500kg (upgrade ATM to 3990kg, subject to tow vehicle) Payload 435kg Ball weight 225kg

External Frame Interlocked aluminium wall frame with solid high- tensile steel punch pins Cladding Metallic alloy Chassis Hot dipped galvanised 6in beam Suspension Kedron KRS Air Bag Coupling Vehicle Components DO-45 Brakes 12in electric Wheels 17in alloy rims Water 2x100L 1x60L drinking water Grey water 60L Battery Lithium 300Ah Solar 3x150W, 1x80W Air-conditioner Dometic Harrier Gas 2x9kg Sway control AL-KO ESC optional

itself, a tunnel storage runs across the front. It does not run right through though, because the offside area is taken up by the electrics. This includes the battery management system and the air bag controls.

hinged. Additionally under the rear seat there’s an inwards facing drawer whilst behind the front seat and facing into the bedroom is a handy three door cupboard, complete with a bit of bench space above.

STEPPING INSIDE

COOKING UP

It’s clear from a look inside the AT5 that the Kedron team have been doing a little bit of work on their interiors. The basics have not changed in the rear door entry van, with a front island bed, rear bathroom and mid area kitchen and dinette. However, the overall colour scheme including the use of a few contrasting colours and different materials has given the inside a bit of impact. That includes a bit of semi concealed mood lighting that adds to the overall atmosphere even in daylight.

Across the way, the kitchen bench area is quite spacious. It does come with all the usual features – microwave oven, four burner cooktop/ grill/oven and a sink/drainer. The latter item is a little different to the usual stainless steel unit and does have a touch of class about it.

A point of note is the drawer and cupboard space, of which there is no shortage. Like the rest of the van, these had piano hinges and marine style latches for the doors and metal sides for the drawers. One of the middle overhead lockers is where the water tanks gauges, service switches and radio/CD player are to be found. A flat screen TV is mounted at the forward end of the kitchen and therefore can be seen from both the dinette and the bed up front. Between the dinette and the bathroom in the rear, both a Waeco 218L fridge and a multi shelf pantry are fitted in, thus ensuring a good food supply warehouse.

SITTING BACK I reckon it’s the cafe style dinette that draws the attention in this van, not only because of the classy looking upholstery job but more importantly because it looks a great place to sit down and relax. Both seats have end footrests and they are long enough to be able to stretch out a bit. Above the multi fold table are both 12V and 240V outlets and also, the Eberspacher diesel heater controls. No need to move from your seat if feeling a bit cool. For storage, there are the usual overhead lockers which, like the kitchen ones, are side not top

UP FRONT In the bedroom area, instead of large windows on either side, Kedron has opted for tiered smaller ones. There are a couple of advantages

Internal Cooking Thetford 4 burner, grill and oven Fridge WAECO RPD 218L, 12V compressor Microwave Samsung 1150W Bathroom Thetford cassette toilet, separate shower cubicle Hot water Truma Aqua Go Comfort Plus instantaneous gas

Options fitted Daewoo Mini front load washing machine Dometic Eberspacher diesel heater Air bag suspension Next G antenna Front bike rack

Price as shown $137,120 (on road, Qld)

More information To enquire about this caravan, please visit www.kedroncaravans.com or phone (07) 3350 3333.

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Kedron KRS Suspension Generally speaking most caravan manufacturers outsource their suspension systems for good reasons. However, the Kedron team having had plenty of experience in outback, rough road travel took up the challenge of designing their own. The result is the Kedron Recovery Stub (KRS) with an Air-Coil Interchange (ACI) feature. This means it can easily accommodate either air bag (in this case) or coil springs. There is also the option of disc brakes. One feature to note is an easily repairable stub axle which is often a problem in remote locations.

Tested Kedron AT5

Clockwise from top: A stylish interior design provides great ambience; metallic silver storage cupboards around the bed look quite striking; the club style dinette is a real attention piece; the spacious bathroom has classy detailing.

Ratings Value for money “Pricey but you get what you pay for”

Towability “Heavy van, needs large tow vehicle”

Liveability “Spacious interior with minimal compromise”

Suitability for intended touring “Well designed for offroad touring”

Layout “Few tight spots, easy to walk around”

Quality of finish “High end quality throughout”

Build quality

ROBE SEAT

TABLE

SEAT

PANTRY

“Generally most items are finished well”

Creature comforts FRIDGE

SHOWER

“There’s nothing missing”

Innovation QUEEN BED

“Not so much innovation, more user experience”

X-Factor ROBE

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TOILET

WM

“Inside and out catches the eye, that is for sure” tradervs.com.au

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Tested

Kedron AT5 here. They still allow the same level of light and ventilation and are less easy to break into than the larger sized frames. At night time, for safety reasons, just the top windows could be left open.

Under the 1.88m x 1.52m (6ft 2in x 5ft) bed, there is the usual storage area, still reasonably sized, despite the tunnel storage. I have to admit the generous array of cupboards and drawers does look quite impressive in its metallic silver finish. Both bed occupants get a 240V power point and 5V USB charger outlets.

BATHROOM DETAILS

Electrical power There’s absolutely no shortage of electrical power in the AT5, with the 300A lithium battery charged by a total of 530W of solar panels. When hooked up to mains power, a 60A three stage charger takes over, so even if the batteries get heavy use they can be charged up quickly. Whilst that might seem excessive, it does guarantee extended periods for remote camping, the real limiter being water and food supplies. Water should not be too much of an issue, with two 100L fresh water tanks and a further 60L of drinking water.

Across the rear, the shower/toilet area is quite spacious. Certainly the shower cubicle is larger than usual and given the rectangular shape of the bathroom, there’s enough space for the cassette toilet to have cupboards all around.

There is also still room for the vanity basin, mirror and a wall mounted Daewoo washing machine, which is all very classy.

THE BOTTOM LINE Certainly Kedron’s AT5 is a serious offroad caravan contender. It does require a heavy duty tow vehicle and it’s built in a way that demonstrates the Gall Boys bush travelling experience, yet in a style that has both class and comfort.

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Tested

Snowy River SR-19

AUSSIE ICON reimagined Partially built in China, the Snowy River SR-19 is a high quality caravan that’s destined for success in Oz. PICS STUART GRANT

In brief...

6.4m (21ft) tandem-axle caravan Aluminium frame 2265kg Tare weight

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T WORDS PETER QUILTY Clockwise from main: Pete found the modern styling pleasing; the mattress lifts on gas struts to reveal a storage area under the bed; four can dine at the tri-fold table and dinette; there’s generous cold storage capacity in the 184L Thetford N604 fridge, and check out the pantry alongside it.

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here has been movement at Caravan World, and the word has been passed around – at least by this reviewer – that when it comes to the Snowy River SR-19, the company has certainly met its brief to build quality vans with attention to detail. Some parts of the caravan are manufactured in China, but if the 6.4m (21ft) SR-19 is anything to go by, Snowy River caravans are more than capable of handling hills twice as steep and twice as rough, as the ones the great Banjo Paterson wrote about. I’m no Clancy of the Overflow, but I was suitably impressed with much more than just its durable aluminium frame and strong fibreglass armour.

ALL STYLE INSIDE For starters, the spacious internal layout sports a spiffy finish. I just loved the convex light silver overhead cupboards in the dinette and kitchen, which oozed ultra-modern appeal.

Centrally located on the offside wall, the galley has nearly all of the requisites including components such as a Thetford MK3 minigrill and 184L Thetford N604 three-way fridge.

And they’re complemented by a three-quarter height, four-tier pull-out pantry, roundbowl sink with drainer, Camec rangehood, Swift dLuxx microwave, with a built-in entertainment system below – and generous storage all-round, including dark silver lower cabinetry.

In fact, the only negatives to my mind are the absence of an oven, and also that the microwave above the sink was set a little too high. Perhaps an external slide-out barbecue would come in handy?

Centrally located on the nearside wall, the living area is neat and tidy. The cafe dinette, tastefully appointed in brown fabric, will comfortably seat two with plenty of leg-room.

But perhaps four people around the tri-fold table would be a slightly cramped affair. And I reckon a couple of footrests would add to this comfort zone.

There are three overhead cupboards above the table, with one of these comprising the electrical suite, along with two small cabinets and two powerpoints under the table. I also thought the loungeroom’s window could be much more panoramic.

On the contrary, the plush bedroom features windows that attract superb vistas. I particularly liked the deep robes with plenty of hanging space and the storage capacity including the dressers, two overhead lockers, small corner cabinets on each side at the foot of the bed and also under the queen-size bed which provides plenty of ‘stretch out’ space.

”I just loved the convex light silver overhead cupboards in the dinette and kitchen, which oozed ultramodern appeal”

Tested

Snowy River SR-19

Measuring up Pros Bright and fresh interior Relatively lightweight towing van Convex overhead cupboards Alluring entry-level price

Cons No stoneguard Dinette could do with footrests No grey water Microwave set too high

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Clockwise from main: Tracking well behind the LandCruiser on a winding road; the basin is small but does the job; the bedroom is well lit with large windows and plenty of LED lighting.

Snowy River SR-19 Weights and measures There is also a large Ranger RV ventilation hatch with screen directly above the bed and a 22in Finch flat screen TV on the offside, which can be viewed from the bedroom or dinette.

I’ve seen more lavish bathrooms, but to be fair I should be comparing apples with apples considering this van is more entry level than high end.

This ensuite boasts a one-piece fibreglass shower, Thetford toilet and a recessed 2.5kg top-loading washing machine, with a slide-out benchtop that’s a great spot to sit your washing basket, while the opaque shower door is perfect for privacy. There are two overhead cupboards above the vanity and two cupboards below, but the rectangular pedestal-style washbasin was quite small. And for added convenience the sliding ensuite door has a towel rail and a toilet roll holder.

There is also a small Ranger RV ventilation hatch with screen at the entry to the ensuite, and immediately to the right of the entry door are four spacious shelved cupboards. The SR-19 also has a footwell, external illuminated grab handle, internal stainless steel grab handle,

PANTRY

ROBE

FRIDGE

TOILET

WASHING MACHINE

Overall length 6.97m (22ft 10in) External length 6.4m (21ft) External width 2.4m (7ft 10in) Travel height 3.05m (10ft) Internal height 1.98m (6ft 6in) Tare 2265kg ATM 2665kg Payload 400kg

External

Frame Aluminium Cladding Fibreglass Chassis DuraGal Suspension AL-KO torsion Coupling AL-KO ball Brakes AL-KO Wheels 15in alloys, with 235/75 R15 tyres Water 2x95L Battery 1x100Ah Solar 1x120W Air-conditioner Houghton Belaire 3500 Gas 2x9kg Sway control Optional (Dexter DSC)

Internal Cooking Thetford MK3 minigrill Fridge Thetford N604 three-way 184L Microwave Swift dLuxx Bathroom Thetford toilet and one-piece fibreglass shower, washing machine, 2.5kg top-loader Hot water Suburban

Options fitted none

QUEEN BED

Price as shown SEAT

ROBE

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TABLE

SEAT

CUPBOARD

$54,990 (driveaway, Vic)

More information

SHOWER

To enquire about this caravan, please visit www.springvalecaravan.com.au or phone (03) 9798 3954.

Tested

Snowy River SR-19

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Ratings Value for money “Why buy secondhand when you can get the SR-19 at just over $50K?”

Towability “With a relatively lightweight Tare of 2265kg, the SR-19 rides on a DuraGal chassis and the security of AL-KO independent rubber torsion suspension”

Right: Pete detected some “semi-offroad capability.

Above: Plenty of room for bits and bobs on the fold-out table.

Liveability “...the galley has nearly all of the requisites...and generous storage all-round, including dark silver lower cabinetry”

Suitability for intended touring “I detected some semi-offroad capability

Layout “For starters, the spacious internal layout sports a spiffy finish”

Quality of finish “I just loved the convex light silver overhead cupboards in the dinette and kitchen, which oozed ultra-modern appeal”

Build quality “I was suitably impressed with much more than just its durable aluminium frame and strong fibreglass armour”

Creature comforts “I particularly liked the deep robes with plenty of hanging space and the storage capacity”

Innovation “Snowy River has certainly met its brief to build quality vans with attention to detail”

X-Factor “The bright and fresh look gives the Snowy River a stylish edge”

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and a single pull-out step. And there’s also a roof-mounted reverse-cycle Houghton Belaire 3500 air-conditioner for climatic comfort.

All in all, the predominantly glistening white interior (fibreglass walls and ceiling) is bright and fresh and well-lit with adequate LED lighting. However the jury’s out on the black tapware, but then again, each to their own.

I’m a real fan of vacuum-bonded sandwich fibreglass composite cladding, but not so much the mocha colour of the SR-19. However, I’ve since sighted a model bedecked in white fibreglass and, in my opinion, that radiates a more sleek and stylish aesthetic effect.

And I’m also partial to a welded box section aluminium frame, which Snowy River has utilised on the SR-19. Both timber and aluminium frames have their pros and cons - timber is cheaper and more flexible than aluminium, but is vulnerable to rot if there’s a leak; aluminium, for the same weight, offers considerably increased strength and corrosion resistance and is not susceptible to rot (meaning longer life and lower maintenance), but is more costly to produce.

TALE OF THE TOW With a relatively lightweight Tare of 2265kg, the SR-19 rides on a DuraGal chassis and the security of AL-KO independent rubber torsion suspension. It also comprises adequate battery (1x100Ah), water (2x95L) and solar (1x120W) capacities, which obviously would require a beef-up if venturing off-grid for extended periods. There is provision for another battery courtesy of an additional battery box.

I towed the SR-19 with a LandCruiser up and down a number of undulating hills north-east of Melbourne, and it somewhat evoked the prose from Banjo Paterson’s iconic poem, The Man From Snowy River. I detected some semi-

Tested

Snowy River SR-19

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Tested

Snowy River SR-19

offroad capability and to that effect wouldn’t mind taking it around ‘Kosciusko’, “where the pine-clad ridges raise their torn and rugged battlements on high”.

The 6in drawbar houses twin 9kg gas cylinders, with an A-frame tray behind, but has no stoneguard in front, or protection for the water tap. However, the front window does have a window shield.

Meanwhile, there’s a sizeable front boot and three-quarter width tunnel boot, otherwise it’s relatively deficient on exterior storage. The van’s rear has a reversing camera and a spare wheel on a two-arm bumper bar, plus there’s also the convenience of an Aussie Traveller awning and a drop-down picnic table.

Clockwise from main: The Snowy River SR-19 rides smoothly on the tried and true Duragal chassis; plenty of gas at camp; although convenient, the two water outlets on the a-frame could be better protected.

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Tested

Snowy River SR-19

Above: Dual axles and torsion bar suspension deliver a stable ride.

Left: The locker doors drop down for unimpaired access to the external storage compartment under the bed.

THE BOTTOM LINE The partially imported Snowy River is a worthy addition to the quality RVs currently on the market these days. The price point is also excellent for those looking to dip their toes into the caravanning lifestyle. Why buy secondhand when you can get the quality SR-19 at just over $50K?

h t f i F

WHEELING IT Blazing a trail for fifth wheel caravans, Trailblazers230E is a top choice for offroad travel.

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Tested

Trailblazers230E

In brief...

7.2m (23ft 7in) fifth wheeler Towable by ute sized vehicles Built for offroad use Front bed, rear club style lounge layout

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I WORDS AND PICS MALCOLM STREET

n Australia, fifth wheelers seem to be the poor relation in the Recreational Vehicle industry, with only a small number of manufacturers/dealers either producing them or importing them. It’s a bit of a shame I think, in which perceptions or lack thereof count for a great deal.

One local manufacturer that has constantly had them on the books is Victorian-based Trailblazers RV and it produces a range varying in length between 5.5m (18ft) and 9.1m (30ft).

One of the newer models is the 230E, an offroad model. I first saw it in Brisbane but managed to get a much closer look at Thirlmere Lakes National Park (south west of Sydney) when proprietors Phil and Christine Richardson had to stop there overnight on their way to Melbourne. One of the little logistics issues when working in the RV industry in Australia.

LENGTHS AND WEIGHTS On the subject of logistics, the 230E has an external body length of 7.2m (23ft 7in), which might be considered a good length in a caravan but is even better in a fifth wheeler because the overall towing length is the best part of 2m (6ft 7in) shorter, but you still get the same interior length. An item of interest is the external width at 2.3m (7ft 7in), which is narrower than quite a few caravans. There’s some advantage there if you’re traversing narrow, winding tracks. The awning looks slightly unusual as it’s mounted on the roof rather than the side. It’s less protrusive and keeps the width down.

An ATM of 3450kg and a Tare of 2400kg give an impressive payload of 1050kg. Whilst the pin weight of 590kg might cause a few heart palpitations for a conventional towing setup, Phil Richardson at Trailblazers RV says it’s fine for a fifth wheeler, where the ideal pin weight above the wheel axle is 25 per cent of the Tare and ends up above the rear axle in the load area. As with all prospective towing combinations, doing a few GVM and GCM calculations is essential.

Note that because the tow hitch is in the vehicle, not off a towbar then the normal specified maximum towing mass does not apply.

OFF THE ROAD A look at the 230E would suggest that it’s built for offroad travel. There are a number of clues, like the de rigueur blacked out external panels and window areas, along with the bulky offroad tyres and wheels. A look under the fifth wheeler reveals underbody armour to protect the three 180L water tanks and a very strong looking chassis, and that look is made easier by the sharply raised rear end that gives a very good departure angle. Given the manoeuvrability of a fifth wheeler anyway, that’s an excellent asset.

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Another is the AL-KO Enduro independent suspension with trailing arms, coil springs and dual shock absorbers.

Up front, the Hayman Reese Sidewinder pin and R16 hitch is designed to keep the pin weight right above the rear axle yet still give a 90 degree turning angle, without hitting the driver’s cab.

It’s also designed to be hitched up from any angle.

EXTERNAL STORAGE As noted earlier, the 230E has a payload of 1050kg, which is useful given the number of external storage bins, and the water tank capacity of 360L (fresh) and 180L (grey). There

Tested

Trailblazers230E

Clockwise from above: The 230E’s narrow profile helps when navigating winding tracks; the two 100Ah batteries are nice and close to the tow vehicle; the awning is roof-mounted to minimise snagging out bush; we love this nifty storage area under the staircase leading up to the bed.

Measuring up Pros User-friendly layout External and internal storage Ground clearance Fresh and grey water tank capacity Electrical setup Rear club lounge

Cons Low bedroom ceiling height Rarity of fifth wheelers does make them expensive Surface rust on chassis

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From top: One of five freshwater lakes in the Thirlmere National Park; a pretty setting to brush up on locomotive history at the NSW Rail Museum; stopping in at the Heritage Pump Station.

Thirlmere attractions Thirlmere has many attractions, including the Thirlmere Lakes National Park and the fascinating NSW Rail Museum.

A sure hit with rail buffs, the museam sheds light on NSW’s railway past and is a great place to take the grandkids.

are some dedicated bins for items like the gas cylinders, house batteries. Along the back there is space for the all important barbecue, along with the external shower. I like the 1.25 cubic metre storage bin under the overhang for touring essentials. Although it requires crouching over, it’s possible to stay dry in wet weather.

A LOOK INSIDE Thanks to the bedroom being in the overhang area, the 230E layout bears more than a passing resemblance to that seen in New Zealand motorhomes for many years. That is, a club lounge in the rear, kitchen bench area adjoining that and a bathroom cubicle adjoining the driver’s cab. The bed is raised in the overhang area (as opposed to a Luton peak). With the fifth wheeler design, the difficulties of getting in and out of the bed are avoided as the bedroom floor is lower, and it’s a north-south bed. A twin bed option with a semi-walk way between the beds is also available. Keeping things contemporary, Trailblazers has opted for a mostly white and light grey colour scheme, which is aided considerably by a large window area all round.

ABOVE THE OVERHANG Starting up front, two steps get you into bed.

The queen sized mattress sits on the overhang floor, so there’s no walk around space as such.

What there is though are bedside cabinets at the front, wardrobes on the sides and windows in between. Those, plus a well sized roof hatch, ensure a good airflow. Both the bedside cabinets come complete with reading lights, power points (240V and 12V) and some cupboard space. It’s not possible to stand up in the bedroom area but it’s a very effective use of space and considerably better than a motorhome Luton bed.

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Trailblazers230E Clockwise from top: Enjoy the ambience of the outdoors on the comfy club lounge; two columns of kitchen drawers for storing your travelling essentials; 12V and 240V power points provide comfort on and off the grid.

Trailblazers230E Weights and measures Overall length 7.7m (25ft 3in) External body length 7.2m (23ft 7in) External body width 2.3m (7ft 7in) Travel height 2.95m (9ft 8in) Internal height 1.98m (6ft 6in) Tare 2400kg ATM 3450kg Payload 1050kg Pin weight 590kg

External Frame N/A Cladding Fibreglass composite panel Chassis DuraGal Suspension AL-KO Enduro independent Coupling Hayman Reese Sidewinder Brakes 12in Wheels 16in Water 2x160L Grey water 1x160L Battery 2x100Ah Lithium Solar 2x120W Air-conditioner Dometic Harrier Heater Truma LPG Gas 2x9kg Sway control No Kitchen Barbecue

Internal Cooking Thetford Triplex, grill and oven Fridge Waeco 190L 12V compressor Microwave Camec Bathroom Separate shower cubicle and Thetford cassette, folding handbasin and vanity Hot water Truma 14L gas/240V DT

Options fitted

ROBE SHOWER

STEPS

TOILET

FRIDGE

MICROWAVE

DINETTE

TABLE

2x100Ah lithium batteries, 2x150W panels, reversing camera, electric awning, entry steps, 2xLifestyle picnic tables

Price as shown $125,000 (on road, Vic)

More information DT

ROBE

ROBE & WASHING MACHINE

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To enquire about this caravan, please visit www.trailblazersrv.com or phone (03) 9588 0077. tradervs.com.au

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Trailblazers230E From top: A separate shower and toilet are welcome inclusions in a 7.2m van; the drop-down washbasin above the toilet saves on space.

BESIDE THE STEPS On both sides of the bedroom steps is a considerable amount of cabinet space. The smaller one on the habitation door side offers both wardrobe space and a small laundry that contains a top loading washing machine, a Dometic rubbish bin and space for cleaning and toilet essentials.

Facing that is a bathroom, large enough to hold a separate shower cubicle, cassette toilet and a vanity area with a hinged washbasin and mirror door shaving cabinet. No excessive space but still room to move.

Ratings

AT THE BENCH I could be wrong but it seems to me that people who love to cook when they travel will be pleased with this kitchen setup. It’s a split arrangement with a full bench, containing both a stainless steel sink sans drainer and a four-burner cooker/grill and oven. Benchtop space scores quite well and there’s even a hinged extension by the habitation door.

Two columns of drawers should contain all those kitchen and other small travelling essentials, and there are a couple of overhead lockers as well.

Facing the main bench are both a Waeco 190L fridge/freezer unit and second small kitchen bench, which comes fitted with the microwave, two drawers and a wire basket slide-out pantry. I would note that Trailblazers has opted to fit the microwave under the benchtop rather than the more OH&Sproblematic space in the overhead lockers.

A bit more bending over perhaps, but much easier for those of us who are shorter.

Value for money “Relatively expensive but that’s the price of a limited run RV”

Towability “Fifth wheeler tracks well behind the tow vehicle”

Liveability “Has a very user friendly interior, with all the essentials in obvious locations”

Suitability for intended touring “A fifth wheeler with good ground clearance and independent suspension”

Layout

ALL ROUND VIEWING

“Well proportioned with no compromises”

Quality of finish “Mostly quality fittings used”

Build quality “Generally okay”

Creature comforts “Has all the essentials for remote travel locations”

Innovation “Nothing particularly innovative but a good use of space”

X-Factor “It’s a fifth wheeler and also has stylish looks”

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Why fifth wheel?

It’s just my opinion, but I reckon fifth wheelers are hugely underrated in Australia by both manufacturers and potential users alike. The main advantage of a fifth wheeler is that it gets the ball/pin weight off the rear of the tow vehicle and into the tray of the tow vehicle, above the rear axle. This suits the current range of ute type vehicles down to the ground. In addition to that, the air space above the rear of the tow vehicle can be used as living accommodation, usually a bedroom. That means either a shorter overall towing length (when compared to a caravan) or more interior living space.

I’m a big fan of seeing this style of club lounge located in the rear with windows all round.

Even in poor weather, it’s still possible to sit back in the warm and dry and watch the world going by! An every-which-way Zwaarvis mount between the seats provides a stable but easily manoeuvrable table. Overhead lockers on both sides provide storage and a flatscreen TV is mounted above the offside kitchen bench space, thus being easily viewable from both sides. There is a second TV point in the bedroom.

ELECTRICS Two 100Ah lithium batteries, two 120W solar panels and a Redarc battery management system ensure the 230E can be used off the grid for extended periods. For those essential 240V items, a 3000W inverter is also fitted.

However, there are considerable advantages in using mostly 12V items like the Sirocco fans.

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Load calculations The tow vehicle used here was a double cab Ford Ranger. It has a kerb mass of 2,111kg, a GVM of 3,200kg and a GCM of 6,000kg. Like caravan towing for this vehicle (and any of its contemporaries), it’s the latter item that is critical for this towing combination. Trailblazers RV’s 230E has a Tare mass of 2,400kg and an ATM of 3,450kg. A quick calculation, i.e., adding the Ranger GVM to the 230E ATM, that is 3,200kg plus 3,450kg, would suggest that the towing combination is 650kg over the Gross Combined Mass, when laden. However, doing a few closer calculations and careful loading would see the actual GCM be legal.

Starting with the Ranger, adding the kerb mass (2,111kg), two people (150kg), R16 Titan hitch (53kg) and the Tare pin weight (590kg) gives us a total of 2,904kg. That does not include any other load in the vehicle, nor for a loaded pin weight, nor any accessories like a bullbar fitted to the Ranger. Just for the purposes of this calculation let’s add another 200kg to include all that, giving a loaded weight of 3,104kg. Subtracting that from the Ranger GCM, 6,000kg means that the total loaded weight of the 230E can be 2,896kg. Subtracting the 230E Tare mass from that, not forgetting to subtract the pin weight (590kg), already included in the tow vehicle loading, give us 2,896kg – (2,400kg – 590kg) gives us a load capacity of 1,086kg which is more than the payload. More load will be shifted to the tow vehicle via a load pin weight but as long as the 6,000kg GCM figure is not exceeded, it is a legal combination.

THE BOTTOM LINE The 230E is clearly built by people who use their products. Little space is wasted, yet you never feel cramped in this Trailblazers unit. Certainly this particular layout shows the benefits of a fifth wheeler style when compared to a similar layout in a motorhome. Apart from a low ceiling height in the bedroom, it’s possible to have your cake and eat it too with this arrangement, thus making it better than a caravan with a similar layout as well. The 230E isn’t the only fifth wheeler in the Trailblazers stable, but this one certainly works for me.

Below: The AL-KO Enduro suspension absorbs the bumps offroad.

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OFFROAD explorer If you like to travel light, the self-contained Bonetti Cruisinator is a smart camper conversion that ticks all the boxes.

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Tested

Bonetti Cruisinator

In brief...

Camper conversion for Land Cruiser Troopie Available as complete package or just the roof conversion Ideal for two people who like remote travel Fully self contained The caravan you want is now easier to find

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B

WORDS AND PICS MALCOLM STREET

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onetti Campers might not be a name quite so well known in the RV fraternity, but proprietor Stefano Bonetti is certainly familiar among motorhome travellers, particularly owners of ex KEA motorhomes.

The reason for that is that previously, Bonetti was the National Fleet Operations Manager at KEA Campers. Along with his training as a Master Motor Mechanic in Switzerland, this gave him a considerable amount of experience in motorhome repair and maintenance, which is something that Bonetti uses extensively in his current motorhome servicing business.

That same experience has also been used to build a seriously good offroad campervan known as the Cruisinator. Bonetti is a keen offroad explorer himself, which is always handy when designing any motorhome or campervan.

Based on a Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series, the Cruisinator bears more than a passing

resemblance to a KEA Conqueror, an offroad camper produced by the then KEA Campers (Australia) which ceased production about five or six years ago. Bonetti used the original design as a basis for his Cruisinator, but made a considerable number of changes and improvements in the design process.

BASE VEHICLE Starting with the vehicle, the camper conversion is based on a Landcruiser 70 series, the Troop Carrier, aka the Troopie. Okay, so it doesn’t offer quite the comfort levels of a 200 Series but it’s cheaper and a real offroad vehicle. It’s a driver’s vehicle too – the 4.5L turbo diesel is mated to a five speed manual gearbox. That’s the only drivetrain choice.

Since I quite like driving a manual, I didn’t have any problems with that at all. Indeed the turbo diesel rumbles along in a very reassuring manner, delivering the necessary grunt.

Tested

Bonetti Cruisinator

Clockwise from main: The Foxwing awning provides great shelter; set up is relatively simple.

Measuring up Pros

Offroad travel in style Easy to set up camper Fully self-contained Large bed that’s quick to set up Good internal storage capacity Foxwing awning

Cons

Rear step would be useful Unlocking the rear doors from the inside is a bit fiddly Metho cooker slower than gas

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Kenilworth camping

On my visits to the Sunshine Coast hinterland area, I’m a frequent traveller along the Eumundi Kenilworth Road and have noticed the signs to Kenilworth Camping.

Consequently on this occasion I decided on an overnight stay. Kenilworth Camping is actually a working dairy farm that the Mary River runs through. To say the least it’s a very pleasant area indeed with oodles of space for camping without being on top of the neighbours. Facilities are basic, a few portable toilets and that’s it. Firewood is for sale if required. If you get lucky like me, then you could see some newborn calves.

The township of Kenilworth is a 10 minute drive away and if like me, you travel with just the basics, then there are some excellent cafes and the pub to satisfy food and drink requirements. In addition, there are quite a few attractions in the Kenilworth area, clearly indicated by the number of RV’ers I saw.

There is some controversy with the local council over the camping facilities at Kenilworth Camping, which are still happening at the time of publication, so if in the area, I’d suggest a visit soon.

Kenilworth Camping, Paulger Road, off Eumundi Kenilworth Road, Kenilworth Qld 4574. 0455 176 240 www.kenilworthcamping.net.au tradervs.com.au

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Left: The Bonetti Cruisinator makes good use of the interior space.

Right and far right: The cooker can be used inside or outside.

Bonetti Cruisinator Weights and measures External length 5.22m (17ft 2in) External width 1.79m (5ft 10in) Internal height 2.4m (7ft 10in) Travel height 2.3m (7ft 7in) Tare 2800kg GVM 3300kg Payload 500kg Base vehicle Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series Engine 4.5L turbo diesel Gearbox 5 speed manual Max power 151kW@3400rpm Max torque 430Nm@1200rpm

External Brakes ABS Disc Fresh water 75L Grey water 40L optional Batteries Lithium 80AH Battery Management Lavi EZA 80A Solar 1x140W Air-conditioner Optional Gas No

Internal Cooking Origo 2 burner methylated spirits Fridge 75L 12V compressor Microwave No Toilet Porta Potti optional Shower External optional Lighting 12V LED Hot water Elgena 15L heat exchanger and 12V

Options fitted 140W solar panel 80A Lithium battery Lavi EZA battery management Hot water exchange with 12V element External shower Foxwing awning

Price as shown(on road, Qld) $108,000

More information

To enquire, please visit www. bonetticampers.com or visit Bonetti Campers, 28 Valdora Road, Maroochy River, Qld 4561, 0401 914 496, stefano@bonetticampers.com.

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Tested

Bonetti Cruisinator

THE CONVERSION The essence of the camper conversion is that part of the original roof is removed and a new fibreglass framework for the base and a lid with an insulated sandwich structure added.

The basic roof conversion includes a slide-out bed, mattresses, scissors, gas lifters and gusset complete with windows. Being a little wider than the original roofline does give the Cruisinator a slightly top heavy look. However, I’d have to say on my test drive, that’s very deceptive because as far as I could tell it really did not change the vehicle handling at all. Indeed the roof conversion gives the 70 Series a very distinctive look. Undoubtedly what spoils the vehicle profile is the optional Foxwing awning on the passenger side. Although having opened it several times on my own, its advantages clearly outweigh anything in the looks department, and it is an option chosen by the buyer.

WEIGHTS

A LOOK INSIDE

With a GVM of 3300kg and a Tare of 2800kg, the Cruisinator comes in with a good load capacity of 500kg. In case that is not enough, then there’s a possible optional upgrade to 3900kg. However, I am thinking that unless some serious towing is planned, then the 500kg should be more than adequate.

A finite space does demand a bit of creativity with an interior layout. This one comes with a wardrobe and kitchen bench height cabinet down the offside and bench seating down the nearside and behind the passenger seat. A folding table is also fitted in towards the front and will seat two without any problems. All the cabinetry is built from CNC machined laminated lightweight plywood and the kitchen drawers have metal sides.

Just in case you are wondering where the bed is, it’s built into the above cab area, just like the luton in a conventional motorhome. It’s not an east-west setup though, because when required the bed base extends into the rear area, meaning a bed size of 2.1m x 1.45m (6ft 11in x 4ft 9in).

Everything else might be a bit compressed in this layout but the bed certainly is not. Clambering into bed does require a bit of dexterity but the bench seating and kitchen bench top make for good steps.

SETTING UP An advantage of this style of camper is that setting up takes minimal time. Once the corner straps are undone, the roof can be lifted from the inside. That does require a little bit of effort but the average person should be able to handle that without too much trouble. Once the roof is in position, it’s a matter of opening the windows and pegging out the Foxwing awning.

About the only other setup item is to remove the Origo methylated spirits cooker from its drawer (adjacent to the rear doors) and set it up on its purpose fitted hinged shelf – cooking is al fresco.

Options and accessories Even though the Cruisinator is a relatively small RV, there’s quite an extensive range of options. One being that you supply the vehicle and Bonetti will fit the roof conversion for just under $11,000. After that there’s everything from a Schnorkel, to a lithium battery system and a grey water tank. Apart from anything else, my choice would be a Porta Potti and the external shower.

ROBE

LOUNGE

STOVE

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Bonetti Cruisinator

Clockwise from left: There’s a place for everything in the Cruisinator; there’s plenty of handy storage; ventilation is no problem.

Ratings Value for money “If lightweight offroad travel is your thing, then it hits the mark”

Driveability “Some might find the Series 70 a bit agricultural but I quite like it”

Liveability “A place for everything and everything in it’s place”

Suitability for intended touring “Scores very well for a purpose built camper”

Layout “A bit cramped inside but everything is well positioned and has a function (or two)” Surprisingly, there is a fair amount of bench top area even with the stainless steel sink.

That’s mostly because the cooker is designed to be used outside, but of course being portable can be used inside as well.

ELECTRICS For a relatively simple campervan, the Cruisinator can have a very sophisticated electrical system. LED strip lights are fitted with abandon, so there’s no shortage of light choices

6WD anyone?

which have dimmers and can have remote control operation as well.

USB charger points are located in various places, as are tank gauges, 12V circuit switches and battery monitors.

A conventional 100AH AGM battery is standard but there’s an option for a Lavi EZA 80AH lithium battery system that includes monitoring by a remote tablet or Android phone APP. In addition, a roof mounted Solbian CP 140W solar panel can be fitted.

Quality of finish “Everything fitted looks to be top quality”

Build quality “For an almost hand built camper, it all fitted together very nicely”

Creature comforts “Everything fitted that might be needed, including an optional external shower”

Innovation Maybe the Cruisinator doesn’t have a large enough interior space for you. If not, then maybe a 6WD camper might be the go. Stefano Bonnetti built one for himself but an addition to the family meant those plans were curtailed.

However, he has done all the hard yards in the design work and there’s certainly more room inside!

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“Quite a few improvements to be seen on a previous design”

X-Factor “Even if 4WD travel is not your thing, it is not difficult to imagine”

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Tested

Bonetti Cruisinator

ROOM TO SPARE General storage is well accommodated for with the kitchen bench having seven drawers and a cupboard. There is of course space under the seating but if you have a fridge/freezer on board and say a Porta Potti, then much of that area is accounted for.

That’s not all though, there is the previously mentioned wardrobe and a secret space (not immediately obvious) between the driver’s cab roof and the bed base, which you can lift up and be used for bedding or other purposes.

Finally, a nice touch are the little pockets that run around the base of the rear roof area.

Enclosed by zipped canvas, they are useful for all kinds of small items, the only problem being to remember where everything is hidden.

THE BOTTOM LINE Clearly this style of camper isn’t for everyone but if offroad exploration is the goal in a fully self-contained vehicle that isn’t too large, then the Bonetti Cruisinator is a winner. The Land Cruiser supplies the 4WD ability and the Bonetti conversion does the rest for a great camper designed for (relatively) light weight travel in all kinds of road conditions.

If offroad exploration is your goal, the Bonetti Cruisinator has you covered.

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f o l l i k S

THE SMALL If you’re looking to lighten your load, the Toyota RAV4 is a top towing choice.

PICS MATT FEHLBERG

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Tow Test

Toyota RAV4 Cruiser

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I WORDS PHILIP LORD

Clockwise from far left: The towing capacity on the diesel is capped at 1200kg; the side mirrors are suitable for clip on mirrors; the wheel arch mouldings are new and 18in alloys are standard on the GXL; the convenient hatch makes the RAV4 a great choice for home too.

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t seems as if us Aussies just want the biggest and best when it comes to tow vehicles.

That’s no surprise when you consider the increasing popularity of bigger caravans with showers and toilets – you need something with a decent towing capacity to lug them along. Yet there is also a growing interest in smaller, lighter vans – and their accompanying nimble tow vehicles, such as the Toyota RAV4.

While the RAV4 comes in 2WD and 4WD variants and with two petrol engines (2.0L for the 2WD, 2.5L for the AWD) and a 2.0L turbodiesel (in AWD only). Here we have the GXL 2.5L auto AWD. The current RAV4 is based on the 2012 model, but with significant revisions in late 2015. As part of that update, the RAV4 got a larger lower grille, LED projector headlights and LED daytime running lights. New wheel-arch mouldings and rocker panels, LED taillights, a new wheel design, a shark fin antenna, a new instrument cluster, a more rigid body and trailer sway control cap off the changes.

The RAV4 was given another freshen up last

year, adding digital radio, Sat Nav, and Toyota Link to the GXL model tested here.

Standard gear on the GXL includes 18in alloy wheels, privacy glass, reversing camera, dualzone climate-control, sports front seats, keyless entry/start, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, auto on/off headlamps, digital radio and a 4.2in infotainment screen.

For $2500 extra, GXL buyers can opt for the Advanced Safety pack, which includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

The interior of the RAV4 GXL looks plain but is functional and well put together. The seats are supportive and there’s plenty of room for four adults and their gear. Some centre console switches are a bit hard for the driver to see, and the rear vision isn’t great but then, the rear-view camera covers off what an over the shoulder look won’t.

PERFORMANCE The RAV4 AWD as tested here has the 2.5L fourcylinder petrol engine, although a turbo-diesel

Tow Test Toyota RAV4 GXL

Ratings 1. Value for money 2. Towing performance 3. Hitching up 4. Creature comforts 5. Accessibility of spare parts 6. Fuel economy 7. Solo performance 8. Engine power 9. Innovation 10. X-Factor

is also available. While the turbo-diesel would appear to be the better tow vehicle choice, the problem is that its towing capacity is much lower than the petrol’s – 1200kg versus 1500kg.

The 2.5 petrol dual variable-valve (VVT-i) 2ARFE engine features an acoustically controlled induction system (which improves mid-range torque, according to Toyota), low-tension piston rings, an offset crankshaft, three-stage variable output oil pump and roller rocker arms.

The six-speed auto has Eco and Sport modes, while the AWD system – called Dynamic Torque Control AWD – has a Sport mode and cornering control to improve dry-road cornering. It controls the front/rear torque split according to vehicle speed, steering and throttle angle.

The Sport mode changes throttle response, automatic transmission shift points, front-rear torque distribution and electric power-steering assistance for better response and feel.

The heart of the Dynamic Torque Control AWD system is an electromagnetic coupling in the rear diff housing. In most situations only the front wheels are driven, and the torque split can

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Toyota RAV4 GXL Weights and measures Length 4570mm Width 1845mm Height 1715mm Wheelbase 2660mm Ground clearance 160mm Kerb mass 1630kg Gross Vehicle Mass 2130kg Gross Combined Mass 3630kg Towing capacity unbraked/braked 750kg/1500kg Towball (max) 150kg

Drivetrain

Engine 2.5L in-line 16-valve, fourcylinder Transmission Six-speed automatic Power 132kW at 6000rpm Torque 233Nm at 4100rpm Gear ratios1st 3.833, 2nd 1.909, 3rd 1.303, 4th 0.975, 5th 0.744, 6th 0.659, Final drive 4.600:1, Reverse 3.545.

Options fitted Brake controller, towbar, metallic paint ($550)

General

Fuel capacity 60L Suspension MacPherson strut (front); upper and lower trailing wishbones, coil springs (rear) Brakes Discs (front); Discs (rear) Wheels 7x18in alloy Warranty Three years/100,000km Roof load 85kg More information www.toyota. com.au

Price as tested

$38,450 (plus on-road costs)

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be manually locked 50-50 if required.

The 2.5L engine revs out quickly to its 6500rpm redline when needed, although it transfers a fair bit of noise to the cabin as revs rise. There’s plenty of torque; this is a good engine overall, hooked up to a transmission with a slick gearshifts and well-chosen ratios.

The all-independent suspension blots out large road irregularities very well, although give it enough of a hole to absorb and it will of course thump through it, and small road imperfections are felt more than in its predecessor. The steering is light and precise. Even though it feels firmer and rolls less, the RAV4 is not a sports car to drive.

TOWING GRUNT On test, we achieved 7.6L/100km driving solo and 14.9L/100km with a 1200kg van tucked behind. The RAV4 took on towing duties without complaint, although admittedly it didn’t have a huge weight to take on – the van weighed 1200kg Tare and had 135kg on the towball. The front rose 10mm and the rear dropped 55mm with the van coupled up.

Despite what appears to be a significant rear droop after hitching up, the Toyota towed our test van very well. Some slight pitching was the extent of it; no swaying and ride quality was very good. The engine felt the weight of the van of course, but was strong on our hillclimb, washing off only a little speed at full throttle up the hill.

Engine braking was not so good, while the side mirrors are shaped adequately if you were to use clip-on towing mirrors.

Within its admittedly fairly low capacity the RAV4 is a great tow vehicle. Although it could perhaps be a touch more economical when towing, the RAV4 is stable and powerful when lugging a van.

Thanks to Parravans Caravan World, 38-40 Mileham St Windsor, NSW 2756, (02) 4577 5577 for the loan of the caravan for this test.

Tow Test Toyota RAV4 GXL

Clockwise from far left: The RAV4 GXL experienced a 55mm drop at the rear when we loaded the van; the interior is plain but functional; there was no sway once it was hitched, though, and the ride quality was good; well chosen ratios make the most of the 2.5L engine; the spare tyre sits under the rear storage area and not on the door.

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Thrifty

FEEDS Cutting food costs on the road.

PICS GLENN WARDLE

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Budget Touring Food and dining

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ood is a major cost item in most Aussie households and it’s no different when you’re touring. We’ve found that, alongside fuel, food is one of our biggest expenses on the road and that’s not because we have a penchant for caviar served alongside a bottle of Moët. Food is just expensive, particularly if you’re feeding a family, and even more so once you leave the major centres behind.

But that doesn’t mean that with some smarts and a bit of careful planning you can’t cut costs in this area. In fact, there are heaps of little things you can do to save some cash while still filling your crew with tasty treats on your next camping adventure.

SMART SHOPPERS Saving cash on food starts with your supermarket bill. When you’re stocking up, look for specials and discounts, and if you’re organised and plan ahead, you could even start stockpiling non-perishables as they come on

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sale, well before you leave.

Buy dry goods you know you’ll use regularly, such as rice and pasta, in bulk. Just keep in mind how much storage space you have available in your rig. There’s no point buying so much food you can’t actually carry it.

When it comes to fresh fruit and veg, buy from local growers where available – you’ll often find you get a good deal on some very fresh produce, along with the added benefit of supporting the community you’re visiting.

Choose your fresh items wisely. Stick mostly to vegetables that keep well, such as cabbage, iceberg lettuce, root veggies and potatoes, and harder fruits that are less likely to bruise.

Trim the fat on your grocery list and keep things simple – basically, save the pricier, nonessential items for special occasions. Savvy campers will know you can be pretty resourceful when pulling together a camp meal, and food tastes better outside anyway so you won’t miss those luxury items!

WORDS ALI MILLAR Clockwise from below: Make it last, bulk out a meal with bread; food bowl regions are ripe with specials on produce at the right time of year; a new take on ‘dining out’.

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MAKE IT LAST Make your food stores last longer by cooking meals that will feed your crew for an extra meal or two – think soups, stews, pastas, curries, dahl, risottos, etc. Leftovers can be reinvented when wrapped in a flatbread or thrown between some bread and toasted in a jaffle iron over the fire.

On the flip side, if you’re making things like salads that don’t keep well, make only as much as you’re going to eat in that meal. Basically, get frugal with your food and reduce any waste.

While on the subject of waste, camping is a great time to get creative with perishable items that need using up or are coming to the end of their shelf life. We’ve been known to throw

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leftover ‘kanga bangas’ into green curry for a tasty Aussie camping twist on a Thai classic, use up leftover veggies on a camp oven pizza, or add a bit of hot sauce to what’s left of the sour cream for a spicy chilli dip that lends itself perfectly to being loaded onto a carrot stick or cracker.

And for any trip in warmer weather, a fail-safe way to make your fresh food – bread, eggs, fruit and veg – last longer, is to keep it in the fridge.

Anyone who’s spent time in the tropics will have seen firsthand the mouldy, ant-covered mush that remains when things are left out in the heat. Of course, campers with Eskis or smaller chest fridges (like us), will be all too familiar with the battle of squeezing everything in after stocking up at the shop.

Budget Touring Food and dining

Tips for packing a chest fridge or Eski

Pack items in the order of use to conserve the chill in your fridge.

Smart packing keeps things colder longer in an Eski and ensures you capitalise on your chest fridge’s 12V power consumption.

• In an Eski, use non-carbonated drinks, such as bottled juice or water, as ice blocks. Bigger blocks of ice will last longer than smaller pieces.

• Buy meat frozen for extra chill in your ‘chilly bin’ and for product longevity.

• Pack meat right at the bottom of your Eski or fridge. It’s colder down low and it reduces the risk of meat juice

dripping onto other food. Food poisoning is the last thing you need out bush (or ever!)

• Try to pack items in the order you’ll use them so you’re not rifling through and pulling everything out each time. This decreases the time the lid is open and minimises loss of cold air.

• Store fruit and vegies in a large snap lock bag to avoid cross-contamination with other items. It also stops them from falling down and being squashed by heavier goods.

Cheap cook ups: Pantry pasta Clockwise from top: When it comes to staples, capitalise on specials in the lead up to your trip; buy uber-fresh from local farmers; extend your stew with leftover veggies, then serve it up again tomorrow.

Wendy’s simple pantry pasta uses common camping staples.

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Fellow camper Wendy Freeman calls this her fail-safe ‘Pantry Pasta’ and it’s a winner because it’s quick and easy – you can cook up the sauce while the pasta is cooking – and everything comes from the pantry drawer.

Cook your pasta of choice in salted boiling water. For the sauce, saute a diced onion and a can of sliced button mushrooms in oil until soft then stir in a small tub of tomato paste. Add a small carton of long life cream (you can substitute with coconut milk, sour cream or yoghurt, depending on what you have available) and stir through, then add a can of tuna and mix gently. You could also add peas or other green vegies for a bit of colour. Season with salt and pepper and serve over cooked pasta.

- Wendy Freeman and David Howell

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Op shopping your camp crockery saves you at the till, says Wendy Freeman.

Campers’ tips: Second chances Wendy Freeman and David Howell recommend hitting the op shop when you’re putting together your camping kit to stock up on cutlery, cheap wine glasses and anything else you might need in your camp kitchen. The benefits are two-fold – you’re guaranteed to grab a bargain and you’re recycling!

From top: Pull out the jaffle iron for a yummy twist on last night’s meal; nature is an excellent provider, if you know where to look.

HEALTHY CHOICES

Cram pears with sultanas for an easy campfire treat.

Cheap cook ups: Easy peasy pears No camp dinner is complete without dessert and this delicious fruity treat is cheap, healthy and easy.

Simply core your pear, stuff the centre with a handful of sultanas and sprinkle with cinnamon. Wrap in foil and throw in the coals of your campfire while you eat your dinner. Once the pear is soft, it’s ready to go. Serve with yoghurt, cream or ice cream, and be sure to pour all the sweet, syrupy pear juice over the top.

- David and Hany Smith

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Now, if you’re going to get serious about your budget – depending on how long you’re travelling and how much of a tight-arse you want to be – you might consider a bit of rationing. For us, living on the road full time means striking a balance between feeling like we’re on holiday and wanting to eat and drink accordingly (happy hour, anyone?) and acknowledging that isn’t healthy or sustainable from a budgeting perspective.

Alcohol is pricey, so for long-term tourers and those so inclined, setting a weekly ration can be a simple cost-cutter. Similarly, reducing your meat intake can save a buck or two on the evening meal, while also being good for you and the environment. It also means you don’t have the hassle of ensuring meat is stored appropriately, which frees up precious fridge space.

Budget Touring Food and dining

Another easy win for your hip pocket as well as your health is to cook your own meals rather than buying takeaways, which end up being more expensive over time and often have far less nutritional benefits.

FROM THE LAND Nature is an excellent provider and there are heaps of delicious treats to be found around you at camp that won’t cost you a cent – if you know where to look!

While you’re probably not going to spend hours grinding up kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra) seeds into flour for your damper, as Indigenous Australians have done for thousands of years, it’s nice to know it’s there if ever you were in need. Depending on which part of the country you’re in, some of the bush foods you can forage for include Pandanus spiralis seeds (you’ll need to extract the seeds from the woody orange fruit

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Fill lettuce cups with leftover vegetable curry.

Cheap cook ups: Quick curry One of our favourite camp meals is an easy, throw together vegie curry, which we repurpose for subsequent meals by serving in lettuce leaf cups or wrapped in a roti.

Grab some canned lentils or chickpeas, any type of curry paste or powder you have on hand, a can of coconut milk and whatever vegies you can muster together – we carry dehydrated peas and dried shitake mushrooms to bulk it out when fresh isn’t available. Throw it all in a frypan or camp oven until vegies are cooked through and serve on rice.

- Ali and Glenn

An ingenious way to cool cans in a few minutes.

Cool your cans No space in the fridge but you’ve got a freezer onboard? Chill warm tinnies in minutes with this tip from our friends in the Top End. Pre-prepare by filling a plastic two-litre juice or milk bottle with water and storing in the freezer. Then, when thirst sets in, take out the bottle (now a giant ice block) and cut a large rectangle of plastic (a bit larger than your can) out of one side.

Sit the warm can lengthways on top of the ice until it melts a little indent. Then start spinning the can. It will dig a deeper groove the more you spin. Spin for around three minutes or until the can feels cold.

Simple as that!

Put the ice block back in the freezer until next time.

Hany Smith prepares and freezes meal portions in ziplock bags.

Campers’ tips: Pre-prepared treats Before leaving home, Hany and David Smith cook and prepare meals in bulk – anything from soups to bolognaise and curries – which they portion up into snap lock bags (to maximise storage space) and freeze so they have a stack of meals ready to go when the fresh food starts to run low or when they don’t feel like preparing a meal after a long day on the road.

They also dehydrate apples and figs from their garden (free!) before they leave home for delicious, healthy and long-lasting sweet treats.

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Budget Touring Food and dining

Clockwise from left: Payday out on the tracks, with this freshly caught barra; pandanus seeds require a bit of effort to crack but the taste and savings are well worth it; opera house nets are legal in some places but not in others, so brush up on the local rules to avoid a fine.

first), bush plums, quandong fruit, boab fruit, wild fig, yams, and green ants (boiled in water to make a lemon-scented bush tea). Just be certain that what you’re collecting is what you think it is before you tuck in.

Then there’s the array of creatures living in our oceans and waterways that make for a tasty, budget-friendly banquet – anything from mud crabs to freshwater yabbies and prawns, barramundi, squid and pipis. The fisherfolk among us are sure to be loaded to the hilt with all manner of jigs and lures, poppers and bombers, but even a cheap hand reel and the right bait (serious budgeters can catch small bait fish or hunt for crabs among the rocks) can land you a veritable feast if you’re prepared to give it a shot.

Make sure you know the rules of the state or territory you’re in as some nets and traps are legal in some states or territories and illegal in others. Similarly, while some require fishing licenses, others don’t. Check before you set out and carry a guide to catch and size limits to avoid budget-blowing fines!

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D FOR ENGINEERE

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LUNAGAZER $59,990 SEE WEBSITE FOR ALL MODELS

Unique engineered chassis

Built in Australia

Stronger, lighter, Smarter, SaFer

Important Facts Our Optima chassis is designed and manufactured specifically to work with our caravan bodies as an integrated unit. It is not a “generic” chassis as used by much of the industry. This means we can engineer our chassis precisely to our strength optimisation and weight minimisation requirements.

Advanced lightweight materials

Our bodies are made up of advanced, light weight materials with a “one piece” philosophy that all work together for optimum strength.

Integra FLOOR - bolted and bonded to chassis for structural integrity.

Duratherm WaLLs - great insulation properties with impressive impact resistance.

Every van is weighed off the end of the line

Uniskin ROOF - no joints and tough enough to walk on.

Caravan weight is so important for safe and legal towing. We weigh every single caravan on calibrated scales as they come off our assembly line to provide highly accurate tare mass information.

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Special Feature Caravan fire safety

t i x E EMERGENCY No one wants to imagine the worst could happen on holiday, but do you know what to do in the event of a fire?

F

ire. It’s perhaps the worst nightmare of any caravanner, bringing with it the destruction of possessions and treasured mementos, and the risk of the loss of life.

While caravans typically have fire extinguishers by the door and some travellers keep fire blankets usually near the door, there is always the problem of what to do when your exit is blocked and you can’t get to the door.

burns to a large portion of the occupant’s body and destroying the van. While the numbers of caravan fires are not large, the question of needing to escape a fire is back of mind for most travellers. It’s a problem that may well be especially important for owners of smaller, older vans that typically have smaller windows. After all, if your only escape is a window, a small one may not be a good choice.

REAL CONCERN

WINDOW PAIN

In March this year, that nightmare became a reality when emergency services were unable to stop a fire destroying a caravan in Elliott Heads.

Two years ago, a caravan parked at the Dinjerra Road Rest Area just off the Pacific Highway near Grafton, NSW, went up in flames causing severe

Escaping a caravan inferno through a window might seem to many travellers to be a worthwhile option. It’s worth knowing what sort of window you might need if escape is the only choice. Here’s the rub, there are no Australian requirements for escape windows to be fitted to

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WORDS DAVID GILCHRIST

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From top: Many caravans have fire extinguishers located near the exit; a fire blanket ready in the wings. Be sure to replace any you’ve used.

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caravans. However, if you are still considering a modification, perhaps the the Australian Design Standards that cover buses and motorhomes might be a useful guide. Those guidelines say escape windows should be at 500mm high and 600mm wide with an area of at least 0.4 square metres.

However, that’s not the end of the problem.

According to the same standards, each emergency window needs to be able to be operated from both inside and from outside the vehicle and equipped with a window-ejecting device. They need to be capable of being easily and instantaneously operated by one adult by means of a device which can be nondestructively tested in-service.

And just as you think you’ve got that covered, you need something with which you can break the window, and the window needs to be able to be locked from the outside while always being able to be opened from the inside.

Then there’s the problem of where to put it.

Going by the same standards as a guide, a caravan emergency window that could easily be at least one metre above the ground would then need something on the outside to help those inside descend to the ground like a footrest.

So, considering the array of complex problems associated with providing emergency exit

Special Feature Caravan fire safety

windows, it is perhaps not surprising no caravan window manufacturers we found, including Camec and Dometic, sell windows rated as emergency exits for caravans.

Left: Oxygen is a factor if you’re escaping via a window.

Below: Window sizes vary, so think about your options ahead of time.

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE Caravan repairer Shane Williams from The Caravan Repair Man at Narangba north of Brisbane says that for someone of his build, kicking out a caravan window in order to escape wouldn’t be a problem.

He says that someone smaller and older who doesn’t have enough strength or flexibility might have a significant problem. That’s because Shane says most windows are held in with screws and a binding material like silicon.

“Seek out further professional information from your state fire and emergency service, keep a comprehensive plan and practise it”

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Special Feature Caravan fire safety

From top: Is the extinguisher behind the sign good to go? Regular inspections will keep yours in tip-top shape; Smoke alarms require regular maintenance depending on the style.

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Although he admitted that not all caravan windows are as secure with some caravan manufacturers holding windows in with ‘foam’ and silicon.

Nonetheless, Shane reckons that kicking out the frame of the window is unlikely while kicking out the window pane is potentially easier. Having said that, he cautions against caravanners relying on the sheer chance of removing a window pane in an emergency, saying it’s not something he’s ever tried.

Although not a fire expert, he says, “My main concern, if you are in a caravan and it’s burning, you have just added a whole lot of oxygen really quickly to a fire – it probably would go straight up. So, I’d imagine you’d want to get out straight away.”

On reflection, the camera-shy yet burly repairer recommended that instead of hoping to crawl through a window in the event of a raging fire blocking your access to the door it’s better to plan ahead. He said, from his own experience being caught in a burning boat, “the main thing you ought to have is an escape plan and practise it.”

“I’d hate to burn to death so I’ve always got a bit of plan as to how I’m getting out of anywhere,” he said. For Shane, that plan would

be to undo the window lock, unwind it fully and crawl out whenever exit through the doorway is impossible.

EXPERT ADVICE Typical of other state emergency departments the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service’s advice agrees with Shane. The QFES recommends the use of an escape plan before you head off.

What’s more, their recommendation is to know where escape windows and hatches are and how they work and to keep escape routes clear of obstructions as well as checking that smoke alarms are working.

Among their many safety tips, the QFES recommends safety equipment should include a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket kept near the doors and to remember to replace used fire blankets and make sure fire extinguishers are fully charged, inspected and regularly serviced.

In the end, regardless of your ability to exit through an open window or not, the advice is to seek out further professional information from your state fire and emergency service, keep a comprehensive plan and practise it to avoid being another tragic caravan story and to help keep all your travels safe.

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We examine whether lithium polymer battery packs can give you the start up you need.

Special Feature Lithium battery packs

“Will there be the reassuring spinning of the starter followed seconds later by the engine bursting into happy life?”

THE BATTERY HAS CARKED IT In the past a jump start has required a friendly fellow traveller willing and able to get his battery(ies) physically close to yours so that jumper leads could do the job, or, in the past decade or so, one of the handy, if hefty, jump starters, which effectively have been a medium sized wet cell battery in a poly case along with an attached set of jumper leads. Now, however, thanks to the revolution in battery technology, surprisingly small lithium polymer battery packs have begun to appear which claim to be able to achieve the same thing.

The hype in the sales bumf quotes figures in the many thousands of milliamps (mA) and we are assured we can carry one of these around in our shirt pocket or handbag. Can they really do the job? Well, the short answer is mostly yes, but sometimes, unfortunately—no.

The ability of these units to start your vehicle will depend on the capacity of their internal battery, the type of vehicle they’re being asked to start and the degree of discharge in the vehicle’s battery.

IGNORE THE MILLIAMPS

F

or those who go travelling into remote — and not so remote — localities there is always that niggling doubt in the back of the mind every time you put the ignition key in its slot and turn clockwise. Will there be that reassuring spinning of the starter followed seconds later by the engine bursting into happy life? Fortunately the doubts evaporate in the vast majority of instances and without thinking we accept the reliability of the systems designed to ensure our cars will serve us well, just as we accept without thinking all manner of functions they reliably perform for us on a daily basis. But every now and then, often without warning, they fail, and we hear only a slow and lazy turning of the crankshaft or even worse, a simple “click, click” noise.

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A milliamp is just one thousandth of an amp, and they look better than amps, because there are more of them. It’s best to ignore the quoted figures for amps and cold cranking amps, the usual measure for a battery’s ability to turn over an engine. In the same tradition as milliamps sounding better than amps and claimed 120 watt solar panels sometimes really only producing 80 watts, manufacturers at times quote a peak amperage at the jumper unit’s terminal which lasts just a nanosecond or so. This is way over what is delivered at the battery clamps for a sustained period of even a few seconds. One universal and more reliable measure of these units is the watt-hour (Wh) rating, one watt-hour being equal to the consumption of a watt of energy for one hour.

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case with the terminals not exposed. Always check an airline’s battery policy before fronting up to the airport, as it can change regularly depending on any recent happenings around the world. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. Firstly, we are only going to consider the small lithium polymer jump starter kits that are now starting to flood onto the market. The older wet-cell in a poly box style remains a very effective way of ensuring you have a back-up for those days when the battery just isn’t going to cooperate—but this is 2017, and we want to take advantage of technology. The dramatic changes in battery expertise have made a huge difference in the long-term functionality of our battery-powered items. Lithium-based batteries sustain their voltage output from fully-charged to almost dead flat, are quicker to charge, hold their charge longer, are generally more tolerant of misuse and are much lighter and smaller than previous battery chemistries.

All lithium battery packs should have overdischarge protection. Generally, the power pack will turn off around 8.5V to 9.5V. In terms of

jump starters this means considerable savings in size and weight—all those tested for this article weigh less than a kilogram, come in neat little kits and are small enough to be handled by even the nimblest of fingers. And now they can also be conveniently used as torches, and via their included USB and other ports to charge many of the myriad of other battery-powered items in our life, such as phones or laptops, or incorporate those other add-ons that were a part of the more traditional wet cell jump starters, such as tyre compressors. In referring to “lithium polymer” (often shortened to LiPo) we are more correctly talking about lithium-ion technology that uses a high solid (gel) polymer electrolyte instead of the more commonly used liquid electrolyte.

Interestingly there are no Australian standards for these products. However good quality power packs should have cells that are UL approved. This is a USA standard that is generally higher than the equivalent Australian Standard if available.

The technical stuff All lithium cobalt polymer (lithium ion common name) battery cells are 3.7V each. There are usually three cells in a jump start power pack connected in series (3S), which gives a nominal voltage of 11.1 volts. Fully charged

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they are usually 12.5V. To determine the capacity in a lithium battery power pack, eg 120Whrs, divide by 3.7V = 32,430mAh (32.43Ahr), or 3.7V x 32.43 = 120Whrs. This is the formula that is used worldwide for all shipping

and airfreight. To convert watt-hours to amps divide by volts. In other words a 120Wh jump starter pack will produce a notional 10 amps (120 divided by 12) in a 12V system. Overstating of battery capacity in these products is

quite common so be aware. Battery capacity provides power. The larger the capacity the more jump start power the unit should have. Like any type of battery the price you pay is related to the claimed capacity of the battery pack. A very rough guide as to the maximum peak amps at the jumper clamps you should expect when jump starting a vehicle is to multiply the claimed capacity in watt hours by a factor of 10. For example, a claimed 60Whrs capacity x 10 should produce a maximum peak current at the clamps of 600A. The maximum cell power claims in the thousands of amps can be a little confusing. MCP is the claimed absolute power output of the battery cell itself for a period of less than 0.5 seconds. As it takes longer than 0.5 seconds to jump start a car one would assume that MCP is a marketing ploy, but not quite so. Generally the higher MCP claim will give you a higher claimed maximum peak current and maximum start current. Maximum peak clamp current is the current required to initially turn the engine over for around three seconds until the flywheel and inertia of all the moving parts in the engine takes over. We are indebted to Ross Loudon, Managing and Technical Director of Smart Jump Starters for his assistance with this.

Special Feature Lithium battery packs

CALIBRE

The Calibre SCA7800 jump starter is a true shirt pocket unit, courtesy of its diminutive size and relative light weight. Consequently, it has a more

limited 400A claimed output. The kit, in its stiff cloth packaging, comes with a car charger, USB to Apple Lightning and 30-pin/micro USB plug set, plus

the jump start battery lead and clamp set. The latter are sturdy and well shielded, with 10AWG cabling. The ‘intelligent jump start’ unit at the base of the cables has basic use information printed on it that is easy to read and handy in the vent of losing the instruction manual. In jump starting it is advised to not crank the engine for longer than five seconds and to wait two minutes between attempts. The battery unit features a torch and a 5V 2A USB outlet suitable to charging smart phones. Mains charging can be done through the included USB cable and the battery unit’s micro USB input port, using a smart phone 5V 2A transformer, otherwise charging can only be undertaken in a vehicle.

The Calibre SCA7800 cranked over the

diesel down to 40 percent SOC. Battery type: Lithium cobalt Battery capacity: 7800mAh; 28.86Wh Peak amps (claimed): 400A (200A starting current) Clamp power (claimed): 300A Battery cycles: 1000 Cable size and length: 10AWG (5.26mm2); 260mm Polarity protection: Yes Overload protection: No Dimensions: 131 x 75 x 25mm Weight: 300g Operating temp: -10 to 60°C Extra features: Torch; 5V 2A USB outport port Warranty: 12 months RRP: $149.95

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ENDEAVOUR TOOLS ET6797

The Endeavour Tools ET6797 Jump Starter/Power Bank is a nicely packaged and potent kit in a soft zip-open case, though extracting and inserting the jumper unit is annoyingly fiddly in a tightly fitting elasticised pocket. It is claimed to be 20,000mAh in capacity with 1400CCA and 74Wh, the highest of those we had under review. The kit comes with both mains and 12V chargers plus a USB to

Lightning/micro USB lead. The 8AWG booster leads are a little longer than most and the clamps are sturdy and well shielded with plenty of grip. The negative lead incorporates a safety switch with green and red lights which flash and glow in various combinations to warn of problems (over-temperature, reverse polarity, over-current, etc) but the explanatory writing on the side is so small as to be extremely difficult

to read, especially for older eyes. The operating temperature range is good.

The instructions state the need for one minute between attempts to start the vehicle and you have five such attempts to get it started after which the jump starter will automatically shut down. These protections can be bypassed by pressing the reset button for five seconds, but one might need to be wary of overtaxing the unit.

The minimum charge in the vehicle’s battery needs to be 3V. The unit has a torch and both 1 amp and 2.1 amp USB outlets (presumably 5V, though not stated) but which is which is not stated, and both 12V and 16V DC outlets for tablets or other appropriate appliances, but again not labelled.

The latter is designed to be used with a supplied cigarette plug so would require an appropriate plug/cable set-up to go with it. The warranty is a minimal six months.

This very capable unit was our go-to when any other unit failed to start the vehicle and it had more grunt than any

of the others on test. It started our diesel test car down to 20 percent Soc. This very capable unit was our go-to when any other unit failed to start the vehicle and it had more grunt than any of the others on test. It started our diesel test car down to 20 per cent SOC. Battery type: Lithium polymer (LiPo) Battery capacity (claimed): 20,000mAh Peak amps (claimed): 1400CCA; 74Wh Clamp power (claimed): 1400A Battery cycles: 1000 Cable size and length: 8AWG (8.4mm2); 325 (+)/280mm (-) Polarity protection: Yes Overload protection: Yes Dimensions: 180 x 820 x 44mm Weight: 674g Operating temp: -20 to 60°C Extra features: Torch; 2 x USB outlets (1A and 2.1A); 15A 12V and 16V tablet charging ports, cigarette plug Warranty: Six months RRP: $279

WHAT TO LOOK FOR In selecting a lithium polymer jump starter there are several significant issues you must address.

Engine size has a major impact in the demands made on a jump starter, simply because of the number and size of components that must be turned over. Generally, petrol fuelled vehicles will require minimum output peak current of: • 4 cylinders 150-200 amps • 6 cylinders 200-400 amps • 8 cylinders 250-500 amps Diesels, which have much higher internal compression ratios, will require minimum capacities of: • • •

4 cylinders 300-500 amps 6 cylinders 400-700 amps 8 cylinders 600-1200 amps

These figures can be regarded as minimums, so always go for something higher if you can afford it to ensure you have a margin of safety.

Temperature extremes can also have an impact.

Most jump starters will have a tolerance range which will, in most cases, comfortably handle ambient temperature extremes likely to be experienced in Australia. However, some won’t, so do your research, and read all the instructions before use. The temperature in

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Special Feature Lithium battery packs

OZ CHARGE OC-KANGA 12-500

The Oz Charge OC-Kanga 12-500 is a unique jump starter in that it has no internal battery. Instead it uses super capacitors to draw current from the vehicle’s battery, provided it has a minimum of 3V present, and in so doing provides a charge sufficient to start the vehicle. This obviates the need to ensure your booster is always fully charged (which, despite the best intentions, it frequently isn’t).

If your battery is below 3V, you’re obviously in trouble, but that is highly

unlikely and in the vast majority of occasions there will be some level of charge present. As it has no internal battery it is much safer to store and handle.

Generally the OC-Kanga 12-500 is designed to work on petrol fuelled vehicles up to 5L in capacity, and diesels up to 3.0L. The unit comes with a soft cloth storage bag, a car charger and a USB to micro USB charging lead, as well as its own jump start leads.

Thus, the unit’s capacitors can be

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charged from the vehicle’s batteries, from another vehicle, or additional source where there is access to USB power or a cigarette-type plug.

The OC-Kanga 12-500 has good 8AWG cables and the best battery clamps of any unit under review, they are large, strong and excellently shielded. When the unit is charged (15.5 volts) the LCD screen will display “Ready to Use” and a green ready light will flash. With the unit connected to the vehicle’s battery, press the “Run” button and you have 30 seconds to start the vehicle. This time can be extended to 120 seconds.

If the vehicle fails to start, wait five minutes and repeat the charging steps. Once charged the OC-Kanga 12-500 will hold its charge (optimum 15.5V) for several days. Charge times can vary between 90 seconds, when charging from a 12V vehicle battery with plenty of voltage available, to 180 seconds when charging from the car charger, and up to 25 minutes or more when charging off a USB point.

The kit includes a very good easy to read manual. There is no facility for

charging other appliances, running a torch or additional features. The Oz Charge OC-Kanga 12-500 started our V6 Commodore test vehicle with ease but would only handle the needs of the diesel at 55 percent state of charge, just below the level at which the car would self start, as we were advised in advance. A new unit—the “Big Red” (1000 amps towards the end of the year)—is coming which we are informed will meet the requirements of starting up to a V8 diesel.

Battery type: N/A Battery capacity: N/A Peak amps (claimed):500A Clamp power (claimed): N/A Battery cycle: N/A Cable size and length: 8AWG (8.4mm2); 300mm Polarity protection: Yes Overload protection: N/A Dimensions: 318 x 104 x 55mm Weight: 1500g Operating temp: -40 to 65°C Extra features: None Warranty: 36 months RRP: $299 tradervs.com.au

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a car boot can reach as much as 90 degrees Celsius or more on a hot day, and that will be above the operating maximum for any jump starter. At lower temperatures (around freezing) the performance of any jump starter will be greatly impaired. Try to store any tech device out of such environments as their performance might be minimised. Extremely low temperatures will impose an added load on any jump starter attempting to turn over an engine by slowing the chemical reactions which produce the current flow. Do your research and read the documentation on your proposed unit to ensure you are within operating parameters.

Having mentioned the paperwork, be cautious about believing claims for the number of starts

that can be made from a jump starter pack. A completely flat battery in a car will draw much more from the jump starter battery than one that is down only enough to just prevent the car’s starter from cranking over the engine. The number of starts on one charge will depend on the state of the vehicle’s battery.

Look for a unit that has well-shielded sturdy battery clamps: the harder they are to put on the better they will grip the battery terminals and do their job of making a good electrical connection. The larger the gauge of the cables the less resistance to current flow to the vehicle’s battery and so the more efficient it is likely to be.

Thus you also don’t want excessively long cables, to minimise resistance, but not so short that you can’t comfortably connect the terminals and have the jump starter battery securely seated on surrounding structure (don’t sit it on the battery).

One of the biggest problems that is likely to arise in the use of a battery jump starter is that it may not be fully charged when you need it. Despite the lithium technology they will slowly self discharge, so you need to a have a disciplined approach to keeping it topped up from the mains supply at home—put it on your checklist of pre-trip things to do. Read your unit’s paperwork, as some recommend

SJS 06G2

The SJS (Smart Jump Starters) SJS06G2 is a very capable and impressive unit. It comes in a poly case and is well equipped with all the necessary components and is claimed to handle your charging requirements and the grunt to start up to 7L petrol

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and 4.5L diesel vehicles. With a claimed peak of 600 amps and 300 amps of start current, it would handle most smaller diesels and larger petrol engines. It has a 2.1A 5V USB port for charging smart phones, and a port for 2A 12V, 3.5A 16V and 3.5A 19V

charging of tablets and similar items.

The kit comes complete with a range of eight plugs to suit most tablets, plus a USB to Apple Lightning and 30-pin plugs/mini USB/micro USB male plug cable. It also has a mains charger and a car charger. The leads are of heavier 8AWG gauge and the battery clamps are sturdy and well shielded.

The wait time between start attempts is a minimal 15 seconds for the first three to five start attempts, after which you are instructed to wait three minutes to cool the leads. The battery cycle claim of ‘up to’ 2000 recharges is well ahead of other units under review. The torch can be set to standard lighting, flash or an SOS signal. There is also a bank of four red lights along one side of the unit that can be set up to flash, which would provide a handy safety feature if stopped on a road shoulder in traffic, such as when changing a tyre. The manual is easy to understand and there is a range of accessories available, including a tyre compressor, work light, female cigarette plug, 50A and 175A Anderson plug leads, and a 50 to 175A Anderson adaptor lead. We found the SJS SJS06G2 started our 3.4L diesel

all the way down to 20 per cent SOC though it was starting to struggle a bit at that point. All together it was an excellent unit.

Battery type: Lithium cobalt polymer (LiCoPo) Battery capacity: 16,500mAh; 61.05Wh Peak amps (claimed): 600A (300A start current) Clamp power (claimed): 300A Battery cycles: ‘up to’ 2000 Cable size and length: 8AWG (8.4mm2); 430 (+) and 400mm (-) Polarity protection:Yes Overload protection: Yes Dimensions: 186 x 85 x 43mm Weight: 540g Operating temp: -20 to 60°C Extra features: Torch; 2.1A 5V USB port; 2A 12V, 3.5A 16V and 3.5A 19V charging port; emergency flashing beacon Warranty: 12 months RRP: $239

Special Feature Lithium battery packs

SCHUMACHER REDFUEL SLI1 The Schumacher Redfuel SLI1 is a chunky battery jump-starter in a stiff cloth carry case. It was the only one of our review units with a lithium iron phosphate battery, which may explain the added bulk and weight, as it was bulkier and heavier than others of similar output. The kit came with a mains charger, 12V car charger, 12V socket that plugged into a 6A output plug, a USB to micro USB cable and the jump start leads and clamps set.

The clamps were well shielded and of sturdy construction though the cable gauge of 10AWG was smaller than other similarly sized units (which were mostly 8AWG (about 60 per cent larger conductor). The battery unit had a simple to use on/off switch, which activated an excellent digital readout offering a simple state of charge figure (as a percentage), as well as numerous other massages to keep you informed of features turned on or unit status updates.

The unit is required to be stored between -4 and 40°C, something which might be difficult to sustain in a vehicle in various regions at some times of the year. There is a torch, which can be set for a flashing mode, and a 5V 2A USB outlet suitable to charging smart phones. There is a good manual with the kit and good instructions on a sticker on the body of the battery unit. The warranty is an excellent two years.

The Redfuel started our 3.4L diesel down to 40 per cent SOC but baulked at lower figures.

Battery type: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePh) Battery capacity: 2,000mAh/38.4Wh Peak amps (claimed): 400A; 270A cranking Clamp power (claimed): approx 300A Battery cycles:1500 Cable size and length: 10AWG (5.26mm2); 380mm

Polarity protection: Yes Overload protection: Yes Dimensions: 210 x 97 x 43mm Weight: 811g Operating temp: -10 to 55°C

Extra features: Torch; 12V 6A socket output; 5V 2A USB output Warranty: 24 months RRP: $335

TITAN-489E over temperature/reverse polarity/ over current, etc). The instructions are bit sketch and hard to translate, but they are all there. The warranty is a limited six months so it isn’t great. The operating temperature range of -40 to 60°C is the best of those under review and will cover everything you’re likely to meet in Australia. The RRP of $115 is the cheapest of our review group.

The Titan started our 3.4L diesel down to 40 per cent SOC.

The Titan-489 is a smaller and more compact unit that comes in a poly case. It has a variety of added features, including a torch, plus a red LED (both can be made to flash), a 5V 2A USB phone charging point and a 3A 12V/16V/19V charging outlet

suitable for use with tablets and similar appliances, and in the kit are a range of plugs to suit various appliances plus a USB to Apple Lightning and 30-pin plugs/mini USB/micro USB male plugs. There are also both mains charging and 12V charging plugs. The

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clamps are sturdy and well shielded though the leads are the smaller 10AWG gauge. The negative cable incorporates a smart alarm/protection switch which functions with various coloured warning lights and/or alarms to warn of problems (over voltage/

Battery type: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePh) Battery capacity (claimed): 900A starting power Peak amps (claimed): 1100 Clamp power (claimed): Unknown Battery cycles: 1000 Cable size and length: 10AWG (5.26mm2); 230 (+) and 280mm (-) Polarity protection: Yes Overload protection: Yes Dimensions: 160 x 78 x 38mm Weight: 450g Operating temp: -40 to 60°C Extra features: Torch; flashing red light; tablet 3A 12V/16V/19V charging port; 5V 2A USB port Warranty: 6 months limited RRP: $115

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charging annually, others every three months.

If uncertain, a regime close to the latter will help sustain the battery and won’t create any problems. These are complex and sometimes delicate devices, as illustrated by some of the warranties, which are as short as six months.

The one exception to this caveat in our test group was the Ozcharge Rescue Mate which is not a simple jump starter. It acts as a capacitor, drawing whatever charge remains in your vehicle’s battery—batteries are rarely at zero percent state of charge—into itself and then using that collected charge to provide the starting impetus.

TO FIND OUT MORE Calibre

www.supercheapauto.com.au

Endeavour Tools ET6797 www.justtools.com.au

Schumacher Redfuel SLI1 www.enerdrive.com.au

SJS 06G2

www. smartjumpstarters.com.au

Titan-489E

www.wallcann.com.au

Uniden UPP120

www.uniden.com.au

SAFETY The stringently enforced aircraft transport regulations on LiPo batteries tell us that there is a potential safety issue with these batteries, and this should be kept in mind. Always make sure you use the dedicated charging unit with your LiPo jump-starter, or any other appliance with a rechargeable battery. Make sure you mark or label chargers and always check before plugging them in and turning them on. Any overcharging, excessive discharging, over-temperature, short circuit, crush or penetration issues and you can get structural failure, leaking electrolyte and fire.

This is not to be alarmist, and most of these issues should be taken care of by appropriate design of ancillary equipment, but this is included by way or warning that, as with all

UNIDEN UPP120 The Uniden UPP120 comes with a sturdy poly case and the addition of a small tyre compressor which can be powered from the battery pack.

The operating temperature range is smaller than some we reviewed. The kit comes with car and mains chargers, and a USB to mini/micro USB cable.

The jumper unit has an easy to read digital screen, which shows charge status with both a battery graphic and a numeric percentage state of charge figure. The cables are the smaller 10AWG but the clamps are sturdy and well shielded. The manual recommends only three seconds of cranking with the unit and a one minute wait between attempts. Connecting a device to the USB output for charging automatically turns on that circuit and commences charging. The included air compressor is likely to be a “get out of trouble” unit only, and while it worked for us—slowly—and the screw-on valve fitting did become hot enough to make

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it difficult to remove, we wouldn’t want to be totally dependent on it. It comes equipped with an air needle attachment for inflating balls and another attachment for inflating small air beds or bike tyres. Use the compressor for no more than 15 minutes at a time to avoid overheating. The torch can be a steady light or has two speeds of flashing. The Uniden started our 3.4L diesel down to 20 percent SOC but was showing signs it was nearing its limits by then.

Battery type: Lithium on polymer Battery capacity: 12,000mAh; 44.4Wh Peak amps (claimed): 400A (200A start current) Clamp power (claimed): ‘up to 400A’ Battery cycles: 1000 Cable size and length: 10AWG (5.26mm2); 310 (+) and 210mm (-) Polarity protection: Yes Overload protection: Yes Dimensions: 170 x 80 x 40mm

Weight: 436g Operating temp: -20 to 60°C Extra features: Torch; 5V 2.1A USB outlet; USB to micro/mini USB

plugs; separate tyre compressor and accessories Warranty: 12 months RRP: $199.95

Special Feature Tech Feature Lithium battery packs

lithium-polymer battery-powered items you are dealing with something with high-energy density—which you shouldn’t be casual about.

TESTING OUR UNITS The units that we have selected to test are simply seen as a sample of the market out there today. There are huge numbers of these on sale and that has led to something of a wave of brands and models on offer. Market forces are yet to weed out the poorer performers, but we feel that those we have here are all acceptable samples from the better end of the range. We undertook tests on a four cylinder 3.4L turbo diesel in a Pajero 4WD, typical we thought, of a common level standard of camper trailer tow vehicle, and petrol-fuelled V6 Commodore.

All comfortably handled starting the Commodore. With the Pajero, we started testing our units on a charge of 12.15 volts (about 55 per cent) in the vehicle battery—insufficient to do other than a very lazy rotation of the crankshaft and unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle would not start below about 65 percent state of charge (12.25 volts) from its own battery.

This, we thought, was typical of a failing battery

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on a cold morning start. All of our units were able to provide the additional necessary kick to get the car to start promptly and easily. We then tried them all at varying battery voltages, representing drops of 10 per cent state of charge (SOC) (12.06 volts – 50 per cent; 11.90 volts – 40 per cent; 11.75 volts – 30 per cent; and 11.58 volts – 20 per cent) to find out at what stage they were unable to start the vehicle. To be honest, it is highly unlikely that a battery would get to 20 per cent state of charge without some type of prior warning that something was wrong.

THE RESULTS In conclusion we would have to say we were genuinely impressed with the capacity of all of these units, even the smallest. Only the Rescuemate, which we were told in advance would not start a diesel over 3.0L in capacity, failed with that vehicle. Even the smallest did the job of kicking over the diesel down to a level of just 40 per cent state of charge on a cool mid-winter’s day, though it was sometimes an obvious struggle, requiring the glow plugs to be heated-up first, and then two or three attempts.

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Travel

Oodnadatta Track, SA

ICONIC AUSSIE e r u t n e v d a Remote and isolated with outback iconography and bush history, the Oodnadatta Track captured our imaginations before we hit the road.

PICS GLEN WARDLE

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Travel

Oodnadatta Track, SA

I

’d been told the Oodnadatta Track was a worthy destination in its own right but, even still, I wasn’t prepared for the sheer diversity of the landscapes and the eclectic highlights that make this route such an interesting selfdrive experience. With its extensive Old Ghan rail history, crumbling pastoral ruins, hard gibber plains, rolling sand dunes, vast saltpans, the endless expanse that is Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, and the bubbling mound springs that colour the arid plains with lush greenery, this place packs a lot of punch along its 620km stretch.

Running from Marree in South Australia’s northeast, to Marla on the Stuart Highway, about 165km south of the Northern Territory border, the track provides a fairly easy dirt road alternative to the monotony of the Stuart Highway. Despite its remote location, it’s a popular route for travellers heading north through the Red Centre from the southeast. We had left a cold and rainy Melbourne behind us and made our way to Marree via the Flinders Ranges. Those traversing the track in the opposite direction can use it as a warm up for their Birdsville Track adventure, which begins where the Oodnadatta tapers off at Marree.

This wide, unsealed 4WD track is generally well maintained, making it fairly easy going during dry periods and suitable for camper trailers and solid offroad vans. The road had been recently graded when we passed through; however, the track is subject to closures, particularly after rain, so it’s worth checking conditions before you head out.

SCORCHED EARTH Less than 50km outside Marree, rising out of the arid desert scrub, was the first hint this was no ordinary route. Towering over the road is the ‘Big Dog’ – its body an old water tank, its head a classic Chrysler car – part of the post-

apocalyptic Mutonia Sculpture Park. The park features a mish-mash of industrial-looking welded sculptures created using recycled waste materials, including two Cessna planes standing upright, titled ‘Plane Henge’. The sculptures are the work of mechanic-turned-artist Robin ‘Mutoid’ Cooke, who has helped put this part of the track on the map. Wandering among the works, dotted across the scorched landscape, a post-apocalyptic reality doesn’t seem much of a stretch.

But while the dry, dusty plains may look devoid of water, the Oodnadatta Track roughly follows an old Aboriginal trading route, littered with springs fed by the Great Artesian Basin, many of which are important ceremonial and sacred sites. This was also the path taken by explorer John McDouall Stuart on his 1859 expedition, and was later chosen as the route for the Great Northern Railway (the Old Ghan) and the Overland Telegraph Line that linked Australia to the outside world.

WORDS ALI MILLAR

WATER WAY The artesian springs offer an important water source in this otherwise arid landscape and, as

Clockwise from main: A glowing sunset over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre; the iconic Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta; a resident of Halligan Bay Road; one of the works at Mutonia Sculpture Park; the Oodnadatta Track can be closed after heavy rains.

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Travel

Oodnadatta Track, SA

you head west, flat-topped mound springs – a result of salt and sediment deposits combined with wind-blown dust – appear with increasing frequency. The European discovery of these springs opened up the region to pastoralists, who relied first on the springs and later sank bores to access precious water reserves.

Many of the natural springs are now extinct or have heavily reduced flows as a result of the drilling of thousands of these bores, but a visit to one particularly spectacular mound spring, ‘The Bubbler’, provides a glimpse of the important role the springs play in sustaining life out here.

The Bubbler is just off the Oodnadatta Track in the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park and a short walk to the top of the mound reveals a round pool surrounded by lush greenery that follows the water as it winds its course down into the plains. Although today the spring is reputedly a shadow of its former ‘bubbling’ self, it’s still a beauty, and the stark contrast of the clear water and vibrant vegetation against the dusty backdrop is a sight to behold.

Not far from here, the oasis of Coward Springs beckoned us with the promise of a long, skinwrinkling soak in the natural artesian spa. The water is warm, but not hot, and the cool, desert evening chill crept up quickly, forcing us to scoot back to rug up by the campfire at the shady, well-run campground.

Once a station on the Old Ghan railway, Coward Springs is a heritage-listed railway site, featuring beautifully restored buildings and excellent campground facilities, crafted from recycled railway materials and skilfully finished with an artist’s flair.

Above: The Bubbler is just off the Oodnadatta Track in Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park.

PASTORALIST PAST Back on the road the next morning, the ruins at Strangways Springs provided a welcome opportunity to stretch our legs. This place is significant to the Arabana people and is known as Pangki Warrunha, meaning ‘White Ribs’, apparently in reference to the white banding on some of the mound springs here.

It’s also an interesting showcase of the impacts of European settlement and

On the rails The Great Northern Railway – more commonly known as the ‘Old Ghan’ Railway – reached Marree in 1883 and made it to Oodnadatta in 1891. This section of the railway line was particularly narrow and affected by flash flooding, and was closed in 1980.

The Oodnadatta Track follows the old railway line and is littered with rail history –the roadsides are dotted with crumbling ruins and old rail bridges. The Algebuckina Rail Bridge is the largest and most impressive of these and is a nice spot to stop for a picnic lunch, as well as a popular bush camp.

As you travel the Oodnadatta Track, you can learn about this fascinating history and explore the abandoned fettlers’ cottages and rail sidings that stand testament to this feat of 19th century engineering.

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Automatic Satellite System

Just Turn On, Press “OK” And the Signal locks Within 80 Seconds!

The SatKing ProMax Fully Automatic Motorised Satellite TV system is the most advanced satellite TV system on the market. The unit has a dual output LNB and suits both Foxtel and VAST satellite TV, just plug in your existing satellite receiver or purchase one of our new SatKing VAST receivers to be watching TV across Australia.

Utilising the latest in flat panel design, the unit is compact using a very small amount of area on the roof of the van but yet very powerful. Adding to this the Pro Max has recently been upgraded to now provide Australia wide coverage (excluding the tip of Cape York) for all VAST and Foxtel channels. Also the unit is already MPEG4 HD unlike many other units on the market that are only MPEG2 that will stop working in the future.

Main Features: • Fully automatic with built in 24 Channel GPS for fast signal locating • Supports VAST and Foxtel Satellite TV across Australia • Automatic retraction once you are travelling above 10KPH • Suits Caravan, Motorhome and Motor Vehicle use • Easy to install and simple to Use, just turn it on and press “Ok” • 1300 Number Help Line to assist you along the way

www.pacificcaravans.com To find your closest SatKing Dealer go to: www.satkingpromax.com.au or phone 1300 139 255

Travel

Oodnadatta Track, SA development in the area. In 1862 a pastoral lease was taken out on the land, which was then chosen as a repeater site for the Overland Telegraph Line in 1870. The Great Northern Railway was extended to the area in the 1880s, bringing with it workers and the subsequent development of a more substantial settlement.

However, the completion of railway construction in 1891 and the transfer of telegraph services to nearby William Creek in 1896 saw the settlement decline.

We wandered the ruins, where three short walks take you on a meandering path among the mound springs, highlighting points of cultural, historical and natural interest. It was almost eerily quiet giving us a real sense of just how isolated this place must have been for those early European inhabitants.

OLD SALT That sense of isolation persists for those who opt to take the 60km trek out to Halligan Bay on the salty shores of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre and is particularly strong as you pass the roadside memorial to a tourist who died after becoming stranded here in 1998. The road is sandy and slow going, and those towing will need to consider the ability of their rigs before heading out.

Clockwise from main: Warming up by the fire while camping bush at Oodnadatta; taking in the serenity at Strangways Springs walk; they’re not joking – the Lake Eyre Yacht Club.

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As you near the lake, the arid brown-grey moonscape of ABC Bay greets you first, but continue on another 10 or so kays and you’re rewarded by the beautiful expanse that is Halligan Bay. Around 15m below sea level, Halligan Bay is the lowest point in Australia and an excellent place to view this usually dry national icon.

While tyre marks through the salt bed show it’s obviously a temptation for some, it’s illegal to drive on the lakebed, not to mention dangerous.

And as you walk out across the crusted surface, the whistling wind your only companion, you quickly understand why. Aside from the obvious environmental impacts, the salt crust is incredibly thin in places with a sticky mud just below the surface that glues itself to your feet, sucking you down.

The national park campground offers basic facilities, along with the chance to sit and watch the sky and the seemingly endless expanse of salt morph through various shades of pink and purple as the sun sets. The quietness

Fast facts This is remote country so come prepared with appropriate supplies.

Essential services such as fuel, water, meals and accommodation are available at Marree, William Creek, Oodnadatta and Marla.

You’ll want a minimum of three days traversing this country, although those with the time and inclination could easily spend much longer exploring the sidetracks and soaking up the sights.

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is accessed via a 97km 4WD track from Marree to Level Post Bay at Lake Eyre South, or via the 60km track to Halligan Bay, just south of William Creek. National Parks entry and camping fees apply.

Check www.environment.sa.gov. au for the latest on payments, as self-registration is no longer available on site.

The Pink Roadhouse offers fuel, food, accommodation, a 24-hour recovery service and mechanical repairs. Contact 08 8670 7822, 1800 802 074, UHF Channel 7 duplex (repeater).

The best time to visit is during the cooler months of April to October. The road is subject to seasonal closures – check in with local road authorities at www.dpti.sa.gov.au/OutbackRoads or 1300 361 033.

Campgrounds are located at Marree, Muloorina Station, Coward Springs, William Creek, Halligan Bay, Oodnadatta and Marla. Bush campsites can be found along the track.

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Oodnadatta Track, SA

and stillness of this place holds a particular mystique – added to immeasurably by the haunting howls of dingos as the moon rose through the clouds.

SITTING PRETTY Top: Looking out towards ABC Bay at Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.

Above: Relax at the artesian spa at Coward Springs Campground.

Oodnadatta’s Pink Roadhouse is every bit as pink as its name suggests, and it’s a sight most travellers welcome after a few days out in the dirt. We stopped to refuel and tuck into one of the renowned ‘Oodnaburgers’ at this outback institution.

The official naming of the Oodnadatta Track in 1979 is in many ways thanks to original roadhouse owners Adam and Lynnie Plate, who helped move the region on from its railway days and opened the area up to tourism. The roadhouse’s signature round signage – the work of the late Adam Plate – marks the sides of the Oodnadatta Track for hundreds of kilometres and while many are now faded beyond recognition, they still serve as a reminder you’re not totally alone out here. And these days, you really aren’t – during the peak tourist season you won’t go long without passing someone.

The tiny town of Oodnadatta sits at a junction and from here the Oodnadatta Track continues on the home stretch towards Marla and the sealed Stuart Highway. You can also take a side trip into the southern section of the Painted Desert, or you can opt, as we did, to leave the Oodnadatta Track behind for good and journey north on the exceptionally bumpy track through Witjira National Park to Mount Dare and the southern starting point of the Binns Track. Our Oodnadatta adventure might have ended here, but this track remains etched into memory as one of our Aussie touring highlights.

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Tow KNOW HOW We recently took a look at towing weights and terminology. This month, we give you the lowdown on other rules and regulations.

WORDS GRAEME KEMLO

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Towing safety Rules and regulations

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n a world of acronyms such as GVM, GCM, ATM, GTM and terms from ADR62/01 to Tare and Towing Ratio, where engineers calculate and certify compliance, the bottom line is that when it comes to towing and couplings, the onus is always on the driver.

And while it may seem a simple process to get a 50mm towball fitted to your vehicle, there’s a whole industry built around one of Australia’s most popular pastimes, the road trip where towing the van, the boat, or the spare vehicle behind the 4WD or RV is almost mandatory.

This is one area where DIY is best avoided in almost every instance.

If you don’t know your kerb weight, what the 3.5:1 ratio is all about, when you need brakes fitted on a trailer or what types of vehicle can be towed on an A-frame, ignorance is no excuse

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says the law. The good news is that advice is readily available from government regulators, state motoring organisations, caravan, boating and the RV industry, as well as trailer and towbar specialists.

Above: Crossing the border in a big rig? Get the facts, as legal limits vary from state to state.

VARYING STATE LIMITS States have different speed limits: 10kph shared zones; 25kph school zones in South Australia only, but 40kph school and pedestrian everywhere else; 50 or 60kph in built-up areas, but a range of top speeds from 100 to 110kph, and even 130kph in the Northern Territory. But when towing, differences start to emerge. New South Wales specifies a maximum 100kph if your combined weight exceeds 4500kg, while Tasmania’s limit is 90kph. And it does not matter where your rig was registered, local rules tradervs.com.au

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Clockwise from main: Making room for the Forester and Quintrex tinnie; all towbars require compliance plates; your tow tug carries the weight that falls on the towball.

apply; however, there is national agreement on one thing – Australian Design Rule 62/01 Mechanical Connections Between Vehicles. It’s full of riveting information, but if your eyes glaze over at the thought of horizontal alternating forces or longitudinal median planes, never fear.

We sought advice from towbar expert, Jason Gow, Managing Director, Custom Towbars and Trailers and Kebar Manufacturing Pty Ltd in Queensland.

“ADR 62 is the standard that a towbar has to be built to, and it regulates material thicknesses, bolt sizes, bolt grades, chassis thicknesses – these are all the things you have to work with to conform,” Jason said.

He said Custom Towbars is different from a lot of other towbar fitters, “…different in that we are towbar fabricators so we stock all the parts.

Our towbars have been tested and they comply with ADR 62 for towing, so once we get one towbar tested, if it is the same towbar we can refit it to other vehicles and it will have the same compliance plate.”

Also covered by the ADR are ‘A-frames’ which

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Towing safety Rules and regulations

“It is important to check the vehicle manufacturer ’s towing rating and not rely on the advertising copy” are used to flat-tow small cars behind large motorhomes and RVs. He said they can present some problems. “We always ask for the towing capacity of the RV and every now and then we come across an A-frame that was homemade 10, 15, 20 years ago. It is illegal, so we inform the customer that it does not comply with Australian standards because there isn’t a compliance plate.” It either needs to be replaced or upgraded to be ADR approved.

TOWING CAPABILITY There is some debate in the industry about towing capabilities of different vehicles, for example dual-cab utes, which may be advertised as a two-tonne ute (Tare). If a ute has a 3000kg gross vehicle mass (GVM), which is basically the weight it can carry including itself, and a 3500kg towing capacity, the process of loading up the ute and hooking up a caravan or boat seems pretty simple, right? But this fails to address an important figure known as gross combined mass (GCM) provided by the manufacturer, which is the total weight the vehicle can carry (including itself) and what it can tow at the same time.

If the vehicle’s GCM is 6000kg, and the combined weight of the ute (at 2000kg) and a fully laden caravan (at 3500kg) is 5500kg, then this provides a payload of 500kg – a challenge for a family of four with luggage, personal effects, basic equipment, and a tank full of fuel.

Another element that must be factored in when you’re loading your vehicle is the weight that the caravan or boat exerts on the towball – a 3500kg van or boat might exert a 300kg downforce, which effectively reduces the payload able to be carried in the vehicle itself (that’s the GVM)!

Then there’s another acronym RAC: rear axle capacity, which has been the subject of some discussion, particularly considering the design of some utes, which are light in the rear.

Fully loaded utes that have a metre or more overhang from rear axle to towball, may find their steering affected by the excess rear weight, and the van or boat may develop a potentially

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Rules and regulations

engineering certificate for the connection from the motorhome to the car.”

He said Australia has only a couple of fabricators who make A-frames, with the rest American-made. “While the American A-frames might be built to ADR standards, they are not certified as having gone through one million cycles, testing the strength and durability of construction, which Australian made A-frames must do to be fully certified – it is a very grey area.”

Meanwhile, Jason said his company was currently undergoing certification for his ProTow Predator, a 3500kg capacity A-frame to be released later this year.

LEGALITY OF IMPORTS From top: Expertise will ensure your rig is safe and pleasurable to tow no matter its size; Jason Gow of Custom Towbars and Trailers says they still see some home-built A-frames.

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dangerous swaying motion at speed. This is why Jason says it is important to check the vehicle manufacturer’s towing rating and not rely on the advertising copy.

“We sometimes find that a vehicle advertised as a two-tonner might be right on the limit and the manufacturer will then reduce the effective towing capacity to 1500kg,” he said, adding that despite customer perception that they have a two tonne vehicle, “If 1500 is what the manufacturer of the body says, we cannot go any higher.”

While his towbars go to an ASDR test facility recognised by the (Queensland) Department of Transport, Jason says A-frames are currently all custom made, “…we have an engineer involved who certifies all our A-frames … with the A-frame you get two certificates: one for the baseplate that goes on your car and one for the actual A-frame that you pull the car with, but New South Wales requires a third

Jason highlights a little-known problem with some foreign imports saying anyone can legally import a foreign-made RV that is able to be legally driven on Australian roads, but a towbar fitted to the vehicle overseas may not be ADR compliant: “the owner may never know, yet it is his responsibility”.

He says another challenge for RV owners who want to tow a small vehicle on the road trip so they can access locations where a large RV cannot drive or park, is deciding exactly what small vehicle can be flat-towed with an A-frame.

“We are asked to advise a lot of customers about this because there are traps for the unwary, so in some cases we will not only advise but will source these vehicles for customers.”

And while his company does supply ADRcompliant towbars nationwide, and it is legal for these DIY customers to fit them, “we prefer to have interstate customers go to a professional fitter to ensure it is correctly and safely attached,” he said.

WORDS CATHY ANDERSON

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BUY ON s it e

The need to knows when purchasing a caravan at a show.

Special Feature Buying a caravan

Left: Caravan shows can be overwhelming, so make sure you have a list of your “must-haves” before you start looking.

Below: Once you’ve secured your dream van, relax and enjoy life on the road!

love with, you’ll wake up in three months and realise you’ve paid for features you don’t use, the storage is inadequate or perhaps the layout just isn’t working for you. Some owners spend more than a year researching caravans on the market. But, as they say, knowledge is power, so with some careful planning, lots of research and a fair bit of tyre-kicking, we have no doubt you’ll find your perfect caravan. Here are out top tips for what to do before you go to a caravan show:

THE PASSENGER LIST Consider how many people will use the van. Are you a family with young kids or a young couple planning on growing your brood? Perhaps you are a retired couple who might occasionally welcome guests on your ‘Big Lap’. You need to know how many to sleep, where everyone will put their stuff, and how you will use the internal and external spaces. There are many varied and wonderful layouts available for all manner of uses, but at a minimum make sure your dinette can seat everyone, there’s ample storage and everyone can see the TV when seated. Some beds are aligned along the length of the RV (north-south), others run across the width of the vehicle (east-west). This can influence storage options as well as access to and manoeuvrability within the van.

Are there tall people in your crew? If so, pay close attention to the internal height, taking into account low points such as light fittings and air-conditioners, to be sure you can walk freely inside.

B

uying a caravan can be both a thrilling and confusing journey. It’s exciting because you’re on the cusp of a lifetime of new adventures exploring our great country, meeting new people and creating amazing memories. Yet it can also be overwhelming because there are so many things to consider, and the market is literally brimming with tantalising options.

Before you even think about opening your wallet, take some time to work out exactly what you need in a caravan. Chances are if you rush out and buy the first model you fall in

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YOUR TOURING TYPE What kind of touring do you think you’d like to do? If you and your family are new to the caravanning lifestyle and you like the comforts of home, you may be perfectly happy touring the country hopping from one caravan park to the next and enjoying the facilities and comforts on offer. Thus, you may want a full-sized fridge to keep your tribe fed and air-conditioning to beat the heat. Conversely, it may also mean you have no use for a large space-taking internal bathroom, which requires about 1m in length and adds up to 400kg, or heavy-duty independent trailing arm suspension since you’ll be cruising the highways.

If you are looking for something light to tow, consider a camper trailer or pop-top. They make a great start point for a life of caravanning. If you are want to get off the beaten track, you’ll

Right: A whole new world of adventure will be opened once you have your ideal caravan.

Below: Consider what you want your caravan for – road touring or offroad travel?

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need something offroad complete with larger water tanks, undercarriage protection for rougher terrain, more solar panels and a battery management system that can take you off-grid for an extended time.

THE EXTRA GOODIES Make a list of what you desperately can’t live without, and put them in order of preference in case you need to cut from the bottom. This might include air-con and heating, a trick solar panel and power storage option, a fourburner stove instead of a two-burner, leather interiors, washing machine, an external slideout barbecue or rear view cameras and a good navigation system like a Hema HX-1 Navigator, which provides a detailed road mapping system, including the ability to search for caravan parks.

Special Feature Buying a caravan

Left: Find out the specifics of towing, and all of the relevant hardware you need.

What will I get for my money?

The budget van, up to $50,000 This is about the price you’ll pay for an entry-level price range that’s a great introduction for newbies to the caravanning lifestyle or for those on a tight budget. You’ll most likely be buying a smaller, base model caravan or pop-top (a van with a retractable roof) and, although you’ll get the majority of mod cons such as a small kitchen, probably a combination bathroom and toilet and a double bed, there’ll be fewer bells and whistles.

Mid-range vans, $50,000 to $70,000 More money means more of everything – length, weight, interior space and features. You’re likely to find so-called family vans in this category – more room for everyone at a bigger dinette, lots of bathroom space, and better finishes throughout.

Items that are optional on budget units will start to become standard such as aircon, TV and capacity for carrying water and gas.

TIME TO TALK TOWING Obviously if your budget is wide open and you can afford a new tow vehicle, the sky’s the limit.

But if you already have a tow-tug and don’t want to upgrade then you’ll need to find a van to suit. Generally speaking (and assuming the vehicle and towbar ratings are acceptable) four-cylinder cars with 2L engines or more are generally suited for towing caravans around 1000kg to 1200kg. Some six-cylinder or V8 sedans and wagons can comfortably tow lighter single-axle caravans and campers up to 1600kg to 1700kg. The many medium to large 4WDs are generally suited for caravans up to 2500kg before they begin to feel the strain. There are fewer vehicles around for the heavyweights of around three tonnes and more – Ford F250s and LandCruisers come into their own here.

When matching a car’s towing capacity, make sure it exceeds the caravan’s Aggregate Trailer Mass, which for tandem models is usually around 400kg more than the unladen (Tare) weight of the van. More powerful 4WD models can pull 3500kg, which obviously gives you more options. Check your vehicle’s manual

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to be sure. The weight of the van alone is one thing, but you need to add on everything you’ll carry too. The vehicle manufacturer may also recommend using weight distribution hitches.

This may influence your caravan choice because a prospective van with a heavy towball download may require one. And check the owner’s handbook for the rear axle load for your vehicle.

If you have a heavy trailer and load up the cargo area of your vehicle with heavy items, you may overload the rear axle. This is illegal.

The luxury Van, $70 to $100K+ From full offroad capability to all the tech you’d see in your own home, this category is where caravanning dreams come true. Think top-of-theline suspension, kitchens with things like soft-closing cabinetry, a washing machine, luxury upholstery, solar power and even liquor cabinets.

KNOW YOUR BUDGET This one’s a biggie. Not only do you need to know, and stick to a budget, but think about the other costs associated with owning your own caravan. As mentioned above, you may end up needing an entire tow vehicle and then there are those extra goodies to consider. Your budget should also take into consideration maintenance expenses. Also, the bigger the van and the more features it has, the heavier it is - and that costs more to tow. Also consider your travel costs and the fees associated with staying in a caravan park. tradervs.com.au

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Special Feature Buying a caravan

Find out as much as you can about the different manufacturers

FIXING UP YOUR FINANCES The best thing to do before you go to a caravan show is to have pre-approval on your finance.

This provides you with piece of mind, and it means you’ll get on the road much faster.

Specialist caravan finance brokers can arrange quick approval with a wide range of lenders, and usually cheaper rates than personal loans.

Brokers such as Credit One offer no-obligation pre-approval, calculating your budget based on all your living expenses, so you can negotiate with a private seller, knowing that you have a pre-approved limit and you’re more likely to stick to your price range. Make sure you compare all available options on loan term, interest rate, pre approval and any early termination fees. Caravan-specific loans can offer flexible repayment structures over two to seven years so you know upfront how long it will take to pay off.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

“If you are looking for something light to tow, consider a camper trailer or pop-top. They make a great start for a life of caravanning” Do your research to find your dream caravan

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Read reviews in magazines such as Caravan World, and check out as many layouts as you can online. Research the manufacturer, there are both imported and Australian-made models available across the country, and there’s much online about a manufacturers quality, design and any industry awards they may have won or accreditations they hold. Also, ask other users for their feedback. There are multitude caravan clubs all across Australia and a plethora of Facebook groups that are bottomless pits of great, practical advice from the people who actually use the vans.

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Caravan show list 2017 November 24-26 Bendigo Leisurefest www.leisurefest.com.au 2018 February 8-11 Newcastle Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showground, Newcastle, NSW www.caravan-camping.com.au/shows-expos/newcastlecaravan-camping-holiday-expo February 21-25 Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne, Vic www.caravanshow.com.au/Home March 21-25 RAC Perth Caravan & Camping Show Claremont Showground, Perth, WA www.caravanandcampingshow.com.au/ April 24-29 NSW Caravan, Camping & Holiday Supershow Rosehill Racecourse, Rosehill, Sydney, NSW www.caravan-camping.com.au/shows-expos/nsw-caravancamping-rv-holiday-expo

Left: Get ready to find the caravan that’s right for you.

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From touring to off-road we have you covered.

Celebrating 30 years of manufacturing the best Australian Caravans.

www.roadstar.com.au Phone: 03 9301 8700

‘The Isa’ beckons.

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Travel

Townsville-Mt Isa, Qld

Outback

HEARTLAND If you’re after a slice of Australia’s history and colour, the road from Townsville to Mt Isa is full of characters, icons, and more than a few prehistoric links.

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T WORDS AND PICS DAVID GILCHRIST

ravelling to the north-western mining city of Mt Isa from Queensland’s tropical city of Townsville means more than leaving the coast. It means finding the heart of Queensland’s Outback. It’s a journey that is not far short of 1000km, and it lands you within a two-hour drive of the Northern Territory border. This is a trek from the aqua-blue coast to breathtaking wide blue horizons over a red and brown landscape, and below magnificent brilliant burnt orange sunsets and sunrises that linger so long that it’s as if time stops to watch their beauty.

FIRST STOP – A STEP IN TIME

Clockwise from main: The Hughie windmill is one of 15 built standing 11m tall; Mutt, a life-size model of the muttaburrasaurus, stands out the front of the now closed Grand Hotel, Hughenden, waiting for a drink; Darby the Dinosaur is another of the many Cretaceous-inspired artworks stalking the streets of Hughenden.

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It’s a four-hour drive from Townsville to our first stop Hughenden. However, the trip demanded a detour to historic Charters Towers. Anyone interested in a town with more history and majestic heritage buildings should find time to pay this area a visit. Folklore has it that in the late 1800s, Charters Towers, the town they call ‘The World', was born to the sound of thunder and flashes of lightning. Hugh Mosman, George Clark, John Fraser and their horse boy Jupiter had been prospecting to the south of what is now Charters Towers, when a clap of thunder spooked their horses. While searching for the

horses the first Towers gold was discovered.

After some time here, we continued on our way to Hughenden via a small town called Prairie. This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it village has an intriguing pub with a convenient camping spot out the back. There was no time to test it out, as Hughenden was calling.

Resting peacefully in the black soil plains, the town that locals call Hughie sits in dinosaur country within cooee of four national parks that are amid a volcanic basalt mountain landscape.

Once in Hughenden you can make plans to tackle the nearby Porcupine Gorge. However, before you head off, take a little while to wander around town and check out the large windmill not far from the river.

Given that the image of a windmill down by a river is an iconic outback look, the Hughie windmill is unforgettable given it’s one of only 15, 11m mills ever manufactured. At full tilt, this mill could pump in excess of a million litres of water per day. But it’s not the only windmill in town.

If the sun’s getting a little warm, you can wander down town and find the Windmill Rotunda in Brodie Street. Its six metre blades help make this both an impressive sculpture as well as a functional rotunda under which you can rest.

While the rotunda is the epitome of creative usefulness, it’s not the only impressive artwork around town. There are several artistic nods to the town’s dinosaur connection including Darby the Dinosaur, a muttaburrasaurus; Leanneosaur, a flying metal pterosaur; and a representation of an ancient sea creature called an ammonite.

Perhaps the most impressive is Mutt the lifesize muttaburrasaurus. Word has it that Mutt wandered into town from the Tropical Museum of Queensland in 1999 and the thirsty dino’s been waiting for a cool ale outside the Grand Hotel ever since.

Unfortunately, these day’s he’s going thirsty.

Like Mutt, the old pub’s extinct – an aged fossil of more rollicking times. Nonetheless, there are two other perfectly good pubs not far away including the Great Western and The Royal Hotel. Those hankering to shoot some pool can drop the eight ball at The Royal if you don’t mind bouncing around a round table. Perhaps that means sinking it clean might be called a Camelot hustle.

Arguably the best way to get to know Hughenden is to meander into the newsagency and chat to newsagent Rosie Sealy. Rosie will offer up a warm smile and a wonderful insight into a town that she says is, “a lovely little town.

It’s clean. It’s pretty and it’s a great community.

There’s always something on.”

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Townsville-Mt Isa, Qld

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UNEXPECTED BEAUTY Near Hughenden, Porcupine Gorge National Park is said to be Australia's Little Grand Canyon.

It doesn’t disappoint. Through millennia of weathering and erosion, Porcupine Creek has carved through 25km of sedimentary rocks revealing countless rock formations including an isolated sandstone monolith called Pyramid rock. Although, when I arrived, Porcupine Creek was little more than a meandering string of clear waterholes, oases under the hot sun, it is, come the wet season a boiling cascade hell-bent on bending and shaping the gorge.

The development road to the gorge is more than a conduit to a remarkable campsite. Along the way is a world of intrigue by way of local secrets and too often overlooked stories. While you can enjoy an intriguing first glimpse of the gorge around 50km from Hughenden at Eagle Hawk Gorge overlooking Devil’s Elbow, just beyond you’ll find two unmarked graves. The first is of an Indigenous girl called Minnie Waite who is believed to have perished by foul means, and the second is to the packhorse mailman of 1886 who lost his life when he was speared by Aborigines from the top of the ridge. His crime, if any, is unknown.

Those looking to camp will find a good camp ground near Pyramid Lookout but, like folk of long ago, campers must be self-sufficient.

OASIS ON THE OPEN PLAINS A further hour from Hughenden and you find Richmond rising out of the landscape as downs country gives way to gidgee forest. Calling Richmond an oasis halfway between Townsville and Mt Isa is no exaggeration. With pretty civic gardens and imaginative town sculptures that call to the age of the dinosaur, Richmond’s worth exploring.

DIRT AND DUST Anyone who’s ever ventured west to Julia Creek in April will be well aware of its Dirt ’n’ Dust Festival. Well along the trek to Mt Isa, Julia Creek is a worthy stopover even when the festival isn’t causing a raucous putting on a major triathlon, horse race, bull ride and the rather anachronistic Australia's Best Butt Competition.

Although there are two reasonable pubs in town, for my money, you’ll go a long way to find a better feed and colder beer than you will at the Julia Creek Hotel, down by the train tracks.

When it comes to dossing down for a night or two, you can’t go past the little retreat down by the creek. It’s a caravan campsite ideal for those that enjoy the freedom of being selfsufficient while enjoying the company of other

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Townsville-Mt Isa, Qld

Clockwise from top: David passed through the small curious town of Prairie; Porcupine Gorge National Park; Julia Creek puts on a show at the annual Dirt ’n’ Dust festival.

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modern motorised wayfaring strangers. Mardi and Tony Johnstone had previously travelled around Australia on a Goldwing motorbike until caravanning grabbed their attention. And then they found Julia Creek. Mardi explained they first encountered Julia Creek when taking up volunteer work as campground managers recently.

Mardi said that it was the fine warm weather that got them to stay. However, her partner Tony said it’s the town’s hospitality and the warmth of the community that keeps them such a long way from their Adelaide home. He said that town hospitality is regularly extended to caravanners camped by the creek with local charities or businesses putting on food and entertainment in town. What’s more, the permanent lagoon means great fun for bird watchers as the habitat attracts all manner of feathered companions. tradervs.com.au

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“It’s a journey that is not far short of 1000km, and it lands you within a two-hour drive of the Northern Territory border”

PASSING INTEREST The long-winding road west leads eventually to Cloncurry. A beef town affectionately called The Curry, this outback community lives just east of Mt Isa. Mid-way between Cloncurry and Mt Isa, Mary Kathleen, is an intriguing site for those with a passionate interest in mining history. This architect-designed town was home to miners working the first uranium mine in Australia and dates back to 1954. It’s a ruin now as the town closed around 50 years ago.

THE ISA They call it the Isa; Mount Isa seems too formal for these parts somehow. Whatever you want to call the city that is at the heart of Queensland’s northwest, when you visit, you are in for an

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Travel

Townsville-Mt Isa, Qld

Clockwise from main: David left the sweet waters of Townsville, in search for adventure; Townsville experiences 320 days of sunshine on average per year; inspecting the campsite at Prairie, but Hughenden beckoned.

experience. After more than 900km on the odometer since leaving Townsville, Mt Isa doesn’t disappoint. From the first moment that you enter the information centre and discover the Outback Park with its creative outback experience, the Riversleigh Fossil Centre or the Hard Times Mine replica underground experience you know this town has so much to offer. Although the mining downturn seems to have taken its toll, Mt Isa has plenty of food experiences, good accommodation options and natural beauty by way of nearby Lake Moondarra or the Boodjamulla National Park a little further afield.

The emerald waters and lush vegetation of Lawn Hill Gorge within Boodjamulla provide ample opportunity for walks, canoeing and exploring cultural sites.

The caravan you want is now easier to find

Fast facts Mt Isa is 1823km northwest of Brisbane, 904km west of Townsville,1600km southwest of Darwin and 2307km from the equator.

Townsville is 1338km north of Brisbane and 346km south of Cairns.

Porcupine Gorge National Park is a national park in North West Queensland, 1,174km northwest of Brisbane and 60km north of Hughenden. Established in 1970, the national park has an area of 54.10km² Townsville Tourism information https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-townsville/tourisminformation Mt Isa Tourism information https://www.mietv.com.au, (07) 4749 1555 Porcupine Gorge National Park Camping https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/porcupine-gorge/camping. html Mt Isa Big 4 Holiday Park https://www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/qld/outback, 1800 664 418 or (07) 4743 4733 Julia Creek Caravan Park http://jccaravanpark.com.au Old Normanton Road, Julia Creek, QLD 4823 (07) 4746 7108

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Street Talk

The lucky country Mal reflects on our freedom to travel peacefully in Australia.

A WITH MALCOLM STREET

Below: Recent tragedy shouldn’t deter us from USA holidays.

Right: A simple plastic cable tie can fix the issue with Iveco Dailys

s I write this, there has not long been the dreadful mass shooting in Las Vegas, USA. To say the least it was an appalling event.

You might wonder why this rates a mention in this column but there are two reasons.

One is quite simply that I was in Las Vegas earlier this year, staying in an RV Park not far from the hotel where the shootings occurred. Yes, there is an RV park, although it looked like a car park, in the middle of Las Vegas city adjoining a casino. So, like so many of us, I had some kind of connection with the place, even if I did not actually know anyone there. I do have a number of friends in the US and they are just as horrified as we are. It might be a coincidence but none of them have a gun in the house at all.

The other is again, we have a reminder of just how fortunate we are in this country in that we do not have a pervasive gun culture that seems to defy all rational reasoning in the USA. In this country and across the Tasman in New Zealand, we can travel around in our caravans and motorhomes and stay just about anywhere within reason, without fear. Wondering who might be carrying a gun is not a thought that crosses most of our minds. Long may it continue I say, and let us not be complacent about it.

However, this should not discourage anyone from undertaking a motorhome holiday in the USA There are plenty of great sights to see in the USA, and indeed I am keen for a return visit.

BAV APPROACHES

Also as I put finger to keyboard, the CW staff are busy putting the finishing touches on the annual Best Aussie Vans week in Victoria. In the business, I should also say welcome aboard to our new editor Tim. I hope you enjoy the ride! It’s always difficult when new editors come on board. As contributors we need to introduce them to our basic requirements, like flexible deadlines, business class seats on planes and five star hotels... well something like that anyway!

BAV of course means a very busy time away looking over the latest and greatest from our caravan industry. It’s always interesting to see what manufacturers come up with. I must admit there does seem to have been a trend in the last few years for most manufacturers to add as many features as possible into the van to impress us judges. That does of course add weight and that is not something that always finds favour with me I must admit.

WEIGHTY MATTERS

If you read the article Hidden Kilos from CW567 and the subsequent correspondence from a number of CW readers, then clearly there are a few concerns. There is also an increasing problem with tow vehicles being used at the limits of their legal capacity. Volkswagen have just announced that a new Touareg will be available next year and like many of the current crop of ute vehicles, it will have a tow rating of 3500kg, a substantial increase from the previous 3000kg. I didn’t see a Gross Combined Mass (GCM) figure announced but would anyone like to bet it will be around the 6000kg mark, making the 3500kg rating just a good marketing figure?

Maybe I am being a bit cautious, but I reckon it’s a good safety practice, if nothing else to have a couple of hundred spare kilos up your sleeve when towing, whatever your vehicle. That might sound a bit expensive, but what price safe travel?

DAILY BONNET CABLES

Heard a slightly funny story the other day. I hear a few Iveco Dailys, mostly used as motorhome cab chassis, are having a problem with their bonnet release cables. The cable comes adrift and the bonnet is difficult to open. Apparently the fix, once the bonnet is open, is nothing more than a simple plastic cable tie in the right place!

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T R AV E L H A P P Y We shine the spotlight on caravanners, their rigs and their travel tales.

Russell and Petra Brewer sent in this image with their dogs at the lookout on the Gwydir Highway as they were heading north for warmer weather.

“This is our go-anywhere rig of a Disco 3 and a Goldstream Offroad. It’s a great combination that has enabled us to visit some great locations.”

Grant and Julie Clifton recently sent in a an update of their recent travels from Canberra to Port Douglas and back again, in their MY17 PX2 Ranger with a 21” Kokoda Salute Platinum.

“It was a long trip from Canberra to Lightning Ridge along some of the worst roads we’d ever travelled, but we still had a great time,” they write.

They sent in an image of the spot where they spent the night in the rainforest at Paranella Park (about 20km outside of Ipswich in Qld).

“The sites are very tight, especially for those vans around 20” and over, but the ruins at the park, with a day and night tour thrown in for the $90 fee, was worth every cent,” they said.

Chris and Robyn recently snapped this sunset shot of their travelling combination.

“This is our Captiva and Coromal at Mundrabilla earlier this year,” they write.

Graham and Lyn Creed are fairly new to caravanning but are really enjoying comforts provided by their Lagoon Woodland and Pajero Sport rig.

This picture was taken in front of the Old Railway Station at Tailem Bend in South Australia.

“It’s a great spot to take a break before heading into Adelaide,” they write.

WIN!

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“Hi Caravan World,” write Glen and Marion Wessling. “We hope you like our photo as much as we love reading the magazine every month.

“During a recent trip to Victoria in our Regent Weekender towed by our trusty Toyota Prado, we stopped at Mt Hope and the nearby rocky outcrop, near Leitchville. Mt Hope Station Homestead was a stopover camp for Burke and Wills in 1860. The nearby township of Leitchville has a great free camp for a few RVs and has very good facilities and an excellent pub, take-away, hardware and bakery.

“This is our van at the rocky outcrop, with the Trekking with Burke and Wills signpost located there.”

This month’s winner will receive a Purple Line Saracen Ultra hitch lock, valued at $149.

Saracen Ultra is a highly visible, simple to use, compact, high security lock which works both hitched and unhitched to keep would-be caravan thieves at bay. It fits to most standard 50mm ball hitches on caravans, camper trailers, boat and car trailers, and even work trailers. For more information about this and a host of other vanning accessories, visit www.purpleline.com.au

Readers’ Rigs

“We recently completed a 16,000km, three and a half month trip from Wingham in NSW through Victoria, South Australia, and across the Nullarbor to explore the south western area of Western Australia,” write Barbara and Alex Wilson.

“An area which impressed us on the way east from Perth was the Elachbutting Rock located in the northern wheat belt of Western Australia. The colours and wave formation in this rock were brilliant in the early morning light. This photo was taken in the camping ground located at the base of the Rock.

“We had a wonderful, trouble free journey travelling in our 2004, 15ft Jayco Freedom towed by our 2015 Subaru Diesel Forester.”

“After a two month trip with our whippet Billie, following the Murray River starting at Albury, Echuca, Mildura, Codbogal, then returning to Swan Hill, Lake Hume and Colac, it was time to return home to Canberra,” Tom and Fiona McDonnell write.

“We came across this 1968 Layland bus at Lake Hume in Victoria. The owner told us he normal tows his car with a tinnie on top. The only problem is with the power steering, and it spends most of the year up northern WA.”

Tony and Pam Stoffels are self-confessed “grey nomads in training”.

“We generally get away for several weeks a year, ticking off items on our bucket list,” they write.

“This year we spent several weeks touring the West MacDonald Ranges.

“This is our Mitsubishi Pajero and Elite Eildon S8 and the silos at Sheep Hills. Our Pajero and Elite travelled the 7200km faultlessly, and we are already planning next year’s trip.”

HOW TO WIN

Just email your most travel-inspiring picture (2-3MB) of yourself, family and friends with your rig, along with a brief description to submissions@adventuresgroup. com.au with ‘Readers’ Rigs’ in the subject line, or send a print to Caravan World Readers’ Rigs, 125 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, Vic 3161. All entries must include your full postal address (not for publication). Photo submissions may also appear on www.caravanworld.com.au

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On the Trails

LIVING THE DREAM Lyn and Greg Flesser share some highlights of their retirement travels.

F

WITH ANITA PAVEY

Clockwise from top: Lyn and Greg on the road at last; with Queensland and New South Wales covered, it’s time to head west; another beautiful bush camp.

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or many, retirement allows you to remove the shackles of life and hit the road for an extended journey unencumbered. And so it was for Lyn and Greg Flesser, who set out with their 10 year plan to explore Australia. The trip was a long time in the making, but the ill health of family and friends was the factor that put plans into action.

Their camping accommodation has changed three times to date. Lyn and Greg started with a very modest set-up, making do with a rooftop tent. However, the ladder posed an inconvenience for night time visits to the bathroom. Next came a Trackabout soft floor camper trailer with a few luxuries like diesel heating. That lasted about 18 months. While it was relatively easy to set up, they felt it was time to move into something with caravan-like qualities.

“We love camping and the great outdoors, so the offroad hybrids with outside cooking had great appeal,” Lyn said.

“And because our home base was Queensland, we’d watched with interest the growth of Rhinomax Campers. When they released the Defender with internal ensuite it seemed perfect for our needs.”

Greg is a keen prospector, which has yielded some interesting finds to date. He invested in a good quality metal detector which he set up to manufacturer specifications, and put it to use in Tibooburra. He spent days surveying an area, and found more than his fair share of horse shoes, bottle caps, lead and other waste in an area that was deemed to be high yield. “I was feeling really frustrated,” he said.

“I’d invested in this modern detector and it wasn’t finding anything.” His frustration must have shown, as he was approached by another prospector, who just by chance had the same

detector. A tweak of the settings and it was all happy days. Immediately he found his first speck of gold, then another and another. The smile quickly returned to Greg’s face.

Fossicking has been a great hobby during the trip so far. Greg has also dabbled in panning in various areas, harvesting ruby, sapphire and other gems.

Throughout the trip, Lyn and Greg have enjoyed some interesting interactions with wildlife. Lyn shared the story of the speeding emu that decided to race them along a dirt road. “It darted out of the scrub and came quite close to the vehicle and began racing us down the road,” she said.

“Greg was firmly focused on the road, but the emu was quite curious, turning its head to eyeball Greg as it sprinted down the road. Oh, for the opportunity to have grabbed a camera at the time.

It was priceless.”

There have been many altercations with snakes.

“You are most vulnerable when you’re quiet, sitting around, reading a book or sleeping,” Greg said.

“Snakes will slither into camp, largely undetected and it’s only when they startle you, which generally leads to you startling them, that an attack can happen.”

A red-bellied black snake slithered into camp one day, making a beeline for Lyn who was in her camp chair. With little time to move, she pulled her legs on to the chair, barked “snake” at Greg, who responded with a rake, redirecting the snake to a new path. They later learned they had camped on a snake ‘highway’, which happened to be a patch of dirt next to a water hole where the snakes came to drink.

On another occasion, a python had snuggled up next to the portaloo in the external ensuite. “It had just eaten a bat and you could see the wings sticking out inside the python body,” Lyn said.

Greg and Lyn like to keep a rake or stick at either end of the camper and make sure first aid is easily accessible, should a compression bandage be required.

On the move, Greg and Lyn like to keep to the back roads rather than the major highways and always camp well off the road. WikiCamps has been a great resource, helping them find bush camps off the beaten track. “The further you wander, the greater the likelihood of finding a place to enjoy all by yourself,” Lyn said.

Having spent two years exploring Queensland and New South Wales, the Flessers are moving on to greener pastures. We caught up with them in the Adelaide Hills and they will journey west from here.

If you see them in your travels, give them a wave!

See you on the trails.

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A feel for the We take a sneak peek into the future of RVs as seen by industry leaders.

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FUTURE

Special Feature Future of RV design

Track Trailer creates a futuristic design inspired by autonomous touring and the freedom to explore anywhere

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F

rom fully automated drone and boat campers, to motorhomes which fold-out to a roomy living space and rotate to capture the sun, the RV of the future is going to be a far cry from what we experience today.

One of those leading the design space is undeniably Track Trailer. Director Gerard Waldron says the philosophy for its current design comes from making sure everything is there for more than one reason.

“We won’t just have a bracket to support something, it’ll also be a mounting point for a tent or awning ... and we have a big design philosophy around weight, because if you’re trying to get over sand dunes, weight is a major issue.”

While its designs could already be described as futuristic, Waldron is under no illusion as to how far the camper will develop in years from now, as seen by his company’s futuristic design concept on the opening pages.

Waldron says first and foremost, we’re going to undoubtedly see automation.

“There are varying scales of that from roads to accommodate our daily commute on a freeway, so the car takes over, to full operation ... but in 100 years from now no-one will drive at all.”

He says for many millennials today, there’s no real need for a licence, so automation would suit that generation.

“Something like 30 per cent of 24 year-olds now don’t have driving licences ..that doesn’t mean not having one for life, but for a lot of those young urbanites a car is an expensive nuisance, you have to have car park and pay registration, and you just need a ride.”

But Waldron says we’ll all benefit from the stages of automation.

“What will happen is once you get off sealed and straight roads, which have that infrastructure for automation and get off-road, and you start driving, in the case of partautomation, you’ll be fresher and ready to take charge and then eventually there will be no steering wheel at all.”

He says electronics will also play a big part in the future RV. “In particular apps and software are infiltrating the caravan itself and appliances are getting smarter and you can talk to them via WiFi. “We are at the stage where an app will control everything that’s going on in the fridge or any other appliance.”

Mars Campers National Sales Manager, Celso Prado, believes campers will literally fold out.

“They will look like a bag you drop and the whole thing unfolds.

There will be more evolved

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WORDS KIRSTIE BEDFORD Clockwise from main: Track Trailer says their philosophy for its current design is multi-function; Track Trailer Director Gerard Waldron says weight is a major issue when it comes to design.

materials, different fibres and techniques. It might be one wheel on the back and solar panels .. small batteries with high capacity.”

THE DEATH OF THE MOTEL Tourism Holdings Limited CEO Grant Webster (left) predicts in years from now RVs will be the leading choice of accommodation, and it will spell the death of motels.

“The RV category is going to explode – you’ll get to the point where you’ve released capital on your car and might put a bit of that back on lifestyle in an RV, and so we could

Special Feature Future of RV design

“There are varying scales of automation from roads to accomodate our daily commute on a freeway, to full operation ... in 100 years from now on-one will drive at all�

- Gerard Waldron, Track Trailer

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effectively see what’s happening with cars and the death of motels.

“Why would you stay in a motel when you only stay there because of a car? If you don’t have a car, then the RV and RV holiday is so much cheaper. I think it could be the accommodation option of choice and the potential for the category on a global basis is ginormous.”

The move to electric powered engines is another change that will come with its own set of challenges.

“There needs to be a network, so if you have two holiday parks in Brisbane and two in Adelaide with charge stations, the whole thing won’t work. You need networks created where there are charging stations.

“The other issue is if what you’re building today in combustion based engines, that RV is not going to exist in 20 years time, and it may not be relevant in 10 years, so what happens to that capital write off, who bears the brunt of that as new technologies come into play?”

THE CARBON FOOTPRINT For Zone’s David Biggar it’s about full sustainability and not using materials which can buckle and bend.

“I think in five to 10 years there won’t be timber framed caravans being built. The industry should have already been on this 10 years ago .. if you can find a car produced with timber in it I’d be surprised … reality is there is not one timber product in any car manufacturing, and so why does the caravan industry still use this?”

Sunliner Recreational Vehicles national marketing manager

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Candice Brittain (left) agrees that the issue of sustainability is a key one.

“Given the coastal erosion and population pressures there are less campsites and caravan parks, so free camping will be the norm. RVs will be completely self-contained and generate their own power and water, and will leave zero

Special Feature Future of RV design

impact on the environment as society is much more sensitive to environmental impact.”

She says drones will also be used to transport RVs over obstacles and sections of terrain without roads, making it possible to free camp almost anywhere.

Brittain says the Sunliner in 50 years will be in two parts, a detachable transport pod and a living hub. The living hub will be ‘driven’ to the chosen free camp location and remain stationary for a period of time as the transport pod is used as a satellite for day trips to explore.

“Both the transport pod and the living hub will utilise ‘smart glass’ for walls and the roof to capture and convert solar and hydrogen energy; become opaque to create privacy, and project your own personalised design to the world, which can be changed on a whim like a screensaver of today.

“The living hub is completely self-contained and self-sufficient. All water is converted from the air, all waste is processed on board and converted into a beneficial compost, and energy is generated via a combination of solar and hydrogen conversion.”

The caravan you want is now easier to find

“RVs will be completely selfcontained...”

- Candice Britton, Sunliner Recreational Vehicles Clockwise from main: The sCarabane folds out into a roomy living space; it goes from living to driving form in just 30 minutes; Track Trailer is one of the leaders in the design space; Track Trailer Director Gerard Waldron says automation is the future.

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Special Feature Future of RV design

ON THE MARKET One product already on the market which has a ‘living hub’ is France’s Green Cat Technologies.

The sCarabane folds out into a roomy living space complete with solar and wind power generation, and even rotates 360 degrees at camp, tracking the sun to generate electricity.

Green Cat says the sCarabane goes from living to driving form in about 30 minutes, with just one person able to do the work on their own.

While in Germany, a motorhome of a completely different kind turned heads at the world’s biggest RV fair this year, Caravan Salon, for its futuristic design.

German based Marchi Mobile, is dubbed the most luxurious motorhome in the world, and uses sports car design with a cockpit which features a central digital control, inspired by jet cockpits.

The panoramic, helicopter-like windshield can be darkened in two stages using an adjustable sun protection system, while a sky lounge

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raises up out of the roof to create a walled-in roof deck, and the bedroom features a king-size bed, manufactured by the same company which supplies beds to the British royal family.

CEO Mario Marchi (left) says overall he sees the development of design along with what was shown decades ago in science fiction movies.

“Car design and features of futuristic vehicles are the result of visions and stories from the past. First the industry was only watching the advantages of an aerodynamic shape, now it starts to consider such shapes in their concepts, and finally put them to production.”

But he says he’s generally a bit disappointed to see that the whole industry “apparently works only based on silent collusion”.

“Everything looks the same, many vehicles can be differentiated only by their logos, not many are open for outstanding and different designs.”

He says technical trends, like electric cars and autonomised driving are pre-determined by politics rather than manufacturers.

“The idea of the electric car is a great start for a greener driving, but it still needs a lot of development. I believe the hydrogen fuel cells supply could become the final optimal solution.

And using aerodynamic shapes would create an even greater synergy. Already now our vehicle design helps reduce fuel consumption, which is especially important for large vehicles.”

Back home, and it seems we’re a lot more optimistic, albeit realistic, of what the future will hold, believing the RV industry will continue to thrive, driven by one thing - our passion to explore the great outdoors.

Above: German based Marchi Mobile, dubbed the most luxurious motorhome in the world.

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Events

Events around Oz

What’s happening around the country in the coming months?

QLD GREAT AUSTRALIA DAY BEACH PARTY January 26 Enjoy a huge family day with live music, arts and crafts, street theatre and the official Australia Day Awards ceremony, Main Beach at Yeppoon, www.capricornholidays. com.au

GOLDFIELD ASHES

WITH RACHAEL DOHERTY

Jan 26-28 Amateur cricketers compete for legendary status on 58 playing fields at this friendly event.

Charters Towers, www.goldfieldashes.com.au

WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL Dec 27-Jan 1 Whether you feel like music, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, workshops, debate, street theatre or film we’ve got you covered. Expect fireworks on New Year’s Day, Woodford, www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

AUSTRALIA DAY AT THE WOOLSHED Jan 26 Pay your respects with a flag raising ceremony, and enjoy barbecue, damper making classes, cricket, whip-cracking demonstrations, lamingtons, scones with jam and cream and, of course, pavlova.

Jondaryan, (07) 4692 2229, www.jondaryanwoolshed.com.au

NSW TUMBARUMBA RODEO Jan 1 All the action of a full APRA Championship Rodeo with a barrel race, poddy ride, bucking ponies, stallion chute out, poly saddle ride, Aussie Rules versus Rugby League steer ride and more.

Tumbarumba, www.visittumbashire.com.au

PAMBULA SHOW Top right: Immerse yourself in the calming scent of the Lavender Harvest Festival.

Below: Rock on at Mofo at Mona.

Jan 13 Enjoy a traditional family-friendly country show with a full day equestrian program, woodchop events, free kids entertainment, pig races, pavilion exhibits, the coveted Pambula Oyster competition plus more.

Pambula, www.pambulashow.com

THE GREAT EASTERN FLY-IN Jan 6-7 Check out the latest in aircraft, air displays, and take to the skies in this unique aviation event, which brings together pilots from all corners of the country.

Evans Head, www.greateasternflyin.com

GUYRA LAMB AND POTATO FESTIVAL Jan 24-28 Sample hearty lamb and potato meals, browse boutique stalls and enjoy daily entertainment and activities under elm trees along the New England Highway.

Guyra, www.facebook.com/GuyraLambAndPotatoFestival

VIC LORNE PIER TO PUB Jan 12 Cheer on thousands as swimmers race 1.2km from the Lorne Pier to Pub amid festivities celebrating the iconic annual event.

Lorne, (03) 5289 1724, www.lornesurfclub.com.au/Content/ piertopub

BONJOUR BRIGHT Jan 23-25 This festival is set to be beret good… It’s a free French influenced festival in Howitt Park, live music, food, wine and open-air films, Bright, www.alpineclassic.com.au/eventinfo/bonjour-bright-festival/

KILCUNDA LOBSTER FESTIVAL Jan 28 Celebrate from 9am-4pm, or until all lobsters are sold! With live music, a monster raffle, carnival rides and amusements, emergency service displays and, of course, lobster sales and lunches.

Kilcunda, secretary@kcda.org.au, www.kcda.org.au

LAVENDER HARVEST FESTIVAL Jan 8 Immerse yourself in the healing scent of a traditional lavender harvest, with workshops, food stalls and tours of the 1860s stone farmhouse.

Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, Shepherds Flat (03) 5476 4393, www.lavandula.com.au

TAS BURNIE LILIUM SHOW Jan 6 Enjoy lilium displays, floral art, potted lilium and seed sales, plus information and demonstrations on growing from seed and hybridising. Burnie, (03) 6435 1298

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KONGORONG RODEO Jan 6 Catch all the thrills and spills as some of Australia’s finest stockmen and women push their limits to cheering crowds with live music and full catering into the evening and free camping on-site.

Kongorong Football Club, kongorongrodeo

CRUSH FESTIVAL Jan 27-29 Crush, drink in all that this summer festival has to offer – mainly wine, various venues in the Adelaide Hills, www.crushfestival.com.au

WA STIRLING FARMERS’ MARKET Jan 7 Stock up your camper larder with oodles of fresh local produce including fruit and vegies, baked goods, eggs, honey and meat, City of Stirling Council car park, www.facebook.com/Stirling.Farmers.Market.

CYGNET FOLK FESTIVAL

GRAPES AND GALLOPS FESTIVAL

Jan 12-14 The pubs, halls, cafes, parks and streets of Cygnet will come alive with music as local and international folk artists take to the open-air stage.

Cygnet, www.cygnetfolkfestival.org

Jan 21 Enjoy a day at the races in a true country environment featuring the $90,000 Mungerup Sprint and samples from local wineries, Mount Barker, www. grapesandgallops.com

MONA FOMA – MOFO

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CIRCUS FESTIVAL

Jan 12-22 Brian Ritchie from the Violent Femmes will curate the week-long music and art festival held in venues throughout the city on behalf of the Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art. Hobart, www.mofo.net.au

Jan 26-28 More than 90 artists hailing world-wide will perform circus, comedy and cabaret shows. Featuring a children’s big top, workshops and stalls, Australia’s longest high wire walk plus a late night, adults-only cabaret!

Karridale, www.lunarcircus.com

FESTIVAL OF KING ISLAND

WWI MEMORIAL CRUISE

Jan 26-28 Enjoy live performances from great folk/blues/rock talent such as Kim Churchill, Caravana Sun, Benjalu, Shaun Kirk, Laura Hill, Simon Astley from Currie Harbour with views of King Island.

Currie Harbour www.foki.com.au

Jan 23 Board the Astor for Albany to pay respects to fallen soldiers with a dawn service at King George Sound, access to private memorabilia collections and the last post at dusk.

Fremantle, www.travelwithpurpose.com.au/ww1-cruise/

SA

NT

SOUNDS BY THE RIVER

HOTTEST 7’S IN THE WORLD

Jan 13 Jimmy Barnes, Noiseworks, The Angels, Mark Seymour and The Undertow, Mental As Anything and The Badloves will culminate a ‘who’s who’ of Aussie rock at the beautiful Mary Ann Reserve.

Mannum, enquiries@soundsbytheriver.com.au, www.soundsbytheriver.com.au

Jan 20-21 Enjoy first class rugby union as local, overseas and interstate sevenside teams vie a slice of the $65,000 prize pool at Rugby Park Marrara.

Darwin, (08) 8945 1444, www.hottest7s.com

TUNARAMA FESTIVAL

Jan 26 Tuck into a good old Aussie brekkie of bacon and eggs before partaking in egg catching, sack races and thong throwing and a free barbecue at nearby Tingkkarli/ Lake.

Mary Ann, (08) 8962 1282.

Jan 25-28 Enjoy the action packed annual World Championship Tuna Toss, browse the stalls, taste the region’s best seafood and partake in a variety of activities and competitions. Port Lincoln, (08) 8682 1300, www.tunarama.net

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AUSTRALIA DAY BREAKFAST AND ACTIVITIES TENNANT CREEK

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When only the 'best' will do WORDS NATALIE CAVALLARO PICS JACK MURPHY

On the road and parched with only a suspicious water source nearby?

Never fear, B.E.S.T Water Filters is here to clean out the muck.

W

hen you're out on the road in remote areas, one of your key concerns will be water supply – making sure you've got enough, and making sure it's of the kind of quality you want to be drinking and showering in.

While most of us are pretty prepared when it comes to our water when travelling, you can get caught out, particularly in some of the country's more isolated regions.

Often you might be presented with a questionable tap at a service station, or a waterhole where you have no idea what's been going up upstream from you.

That's why the B.E.S.T Water Filter was such a handy product to have on hand during CW's recent trip to Cape York. We encountered some fairly remote places, and while we were well-stocked with water it was nice to have the peace of mind that if we needed to, we could confidently filter

B.E.S.T Water Filter RRP: From $110 Where: Online More info: www.bestwaterfilters.com.au Rating:

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water to add to our supplies.

The other thing that I thought was a huge bonus with the water filter was its size. This is a compact unit that takes up next to no space, something keen RVers will know is a bonus when load is such an issue for towing. On our trip, we had plenty of gear so this was a welcome feature.

When it came to testing the product there was one surefire way to gauge its popularity and effectiveness, and that was taking it to the target audience.

During our Cape York trip we had a much deserved reprieve from the bone-rattling corrugated tracks, with a four day stay at Loyalty Beach Campground, near Bamaga.

Putting our need for a Happy Hour beverage aside, we took to the campground to chat to our fellow RVers to get their verdict on the water filter, ready to offer a trial to anyone who was keen. The first caravanner greeted us warmly, but was already one step ahead of us – she produced her own B.E.S.T Water Filter from her caravan and was quick to tell us how handy she and her husband were finding it during their travels in remote areas like Cape York and the Kimberley, where water sources were often questionable. Our presence around camp caused a stir, and we soon had a curious group of fellow campers eager to try the filter on their RVs. One family recounted their recent predicament of running out of water, and having to take a chance on a tap they found in a public park.

“We didn't get sick, but the taste wasn't great, and this would be excellent, to

remove the uncertainty,” they said.

The B.E.S.T Water Filter consists of carbon/charcoal in the middle and silver coated crystals at each end. This SilverSafe technology removes chemicals and sediment, destroying bacteria and allowing you to safely draw water from towns, tanks, creeks, or bore water – perfect for remote touring. The installation is easy to DIY and one of its major benefits is that it can be reused after long periods of non-use. That's great if you're someone who only hits the wide open road on occasion. It's diverse too, and can be mounted vertically or horizontally. B.E.S.T Water Filters claim it removes chemicals for about 5000L – we didn't get to test it to this extent, although feedback from the RV community on its longevity has been positive.

You can use it in a few ways: by using it to filter water from a water source to your RV's water hose connection point, to your tanks, or using it in a built-in way to your drinking water system. Of course, the real proof in using a system like this is how well the water tastes. We hooked the filter up to a tap in the campground and sampled it, pleased to report that the water quality was crystal clear, and was completely devoid of any unpleasant taste.

More than just a great addition to your RV kit, you can also use the B.E.S.T Water Filter around the home. It's Australian made, and developed by Colin Hopgood, born into a third generation of plumbers, so you can have confidence there is some technical knowledge regarding filtration systems. A definite must-have item before your next Aussie road trip.

Sleeping nemo

Snoozing under the stars on balmy summer nights is appealing, and Nemo's Tensor 20R Mummy Sleeping Pad offers the right amount of comfort.

WORDS NATALIE CAVALLARO

Nemo Sleeping Pad RRP: $119 Stockists: Selected retailers More info: www.outdooragencies.com.au Rating:

e:sales@cararest.com.au

www.cararest.com.au

CARA REST

CARAVAN SUPPLIES & REPAIRS Ph 08 8162 5013 | Gate 2, 64 Grand Junction Rd, Kilburn

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the land of 40 winks in about two minutes flat. However, the real test of a piece of sleeping gear is comfort. Remember the old fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea? I have a hunch it was written about me, because I'm pretty fussy about what I sleep in/on. The sleeping pad in question is 183cm long and 51cm wide. For a vertically challenged individual like myself (clocking in at 161cm – yes, that centimetre is important), my feet dangling over the edge wasn't an issue at all. However, as a restless sleeper who wriggles around and often ends up diagonal, I would have preferred a bit more width. The thickness is eight centimetres, so while I couldn't exactly feel a pea underneath after a little deflation it was slightly less comfortable than the first night. However, this was easily fixed by increasing the inflation and putting the mattress on a sleep stretcher one night, which resulted in a dreamy sleep. It really didn't deflate very much, and it's made from quality materials so it definitely doesn't have the cheap feel of similar products. This is a worthy sleep pad to keep in the RV, for starry nights – or if you have to escape a heavy snorer!

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t first glance, there seems to be very little point in leaving the comfort of your motorhome or caravan to sleep under the stars. While most of us are lovers of the great outdoors, the shelter of our RVs are one of the greatest things about travel – they are our home away from home! However, if you find yourself with a beautiful night – as you most likely will, heading into summer – it's nice to know you have the option of sleeping out among nature if you fancy. It's also a great option if you are heading to a remote area where you have to leave the RV somewhere and hike in, or take the 4WD to camp. And it's definitely handy if you have kids or grandkids who enjoy an outdoor snooze.

During a recent trip to Cape York the weather was perfect for outdoor sleeping.

I slept a number of nights in a swag, and I spent a few in a tent (also Nemo brand), sleeping on the Nemo Tensor 20R Mummy Sleeping Pad. First off, if you're after a lightweight addition to your travel kit, then this is perfect. It's just 410g, it packs down to nothing, and to be honest, I was surprised at how easy it was to inflate. It was up and ready for me to venture off to

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COMFORT CLOSE BY Close Comfort RRP: $649 More info: www.closecomfort.com.au

• You can safely draw water from town, tank, creek or bore water.

• Chemicals & sediment are removed, bacteria is destroyed.

• Reversible - reverse it and flush away the dirt.

FROM ONLY

$119 PLUS POSTAGE

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WHAT IS BEST?

Bacteria Eliminating Silver Treatment

• Can be re-used after periods of non-use!!!

• Can be used in any direction!

• No set service period • DIY Installation • High quality • Low price • Compact

Clean, safe water... wherever the road may take you...

B.E.S.T.

Water Filters 1800 240 822 m: 0428 240 822

e: info@bestwaterfilters.com.au

www.bestwaterfilters.com.au

CARAVAN ELECTRICS

SMART SOLAR Hitting the road for an extended remote touring stint is exciting, but you need to make sure you have the right gear with you, particularly power. If you're going to be away from mains power, self-sufficiency is imperative. It's now easier to power up when you're on the road with Proejcta's range of automatic four-stage Smart Solar Charge Converters.

The new controllers deliver a comprehensive four-stage charging

We have 35 YE ARS of installing water filters in caravans

process and also allow the user to tailor settings to best suit requirements and battery type. All three controllers are EMC approved and allow the owner the versatility to set the charging profile to suit a variety of battery chemistry types: Wet, AGM, or Gel. While the two 5V 2.4A USB ports also allow for charging directly from the controller. This is ideal to quickly power mobile phones, cameras, and similar devices. The controllers are simple to operate too – they have an easy-to-read, digital LCD screen that displays battery voltage, charging current and capacity, as well as fault codes. Safety is also a key feature which each controller equipped with a low voltage disconnect function that protects the battery from damage.

Other benefits are a built-in temperature sensor for each unit to optimise charge performance and offer additional protection.

• 12 Volt specialist • We come to you • Battery packs & DC Boosters • Solar panels, fixed or portable • Anderson plugs • Brake controllers • Led lighting, inside & out • Dexter Sway Control • Wiring repairs & much more • Qualified Auto Electrician CALL COLIN 0417 595 505

www.caravanelectrics.com.au

PO Box 542 Beaconsfield Vic

Projecta Smart Solar Price from: $155 each for the SC220 base model (subject to change pending reseller specials) Where: Selected stockists More info: www.projecta.com.au

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With the hot Aussie summer just around the corner, ways to beat the heat are most welcome, particularly when you're in the great outdoors. Thankfully, Close Comfort have released a nifty innovation – a portable airconditioner that uses sustainable technology that aims to slash our energy bills by about 85 per cent. It's lightweight, and doesn't require any installation or pipes. You just plug it in and go, which sounds pretty handy to us and like it would be most welcome around the campsite or under the caravan awning during Happy Hour. The new Close Comfort PC9+Plus is an efficient cooling solution that operates at 300 watts (less than four light bulbs), and the company claims the usage is only 75c on average. Adding the unit to your travel kit is pretty easy, as it's only 17kg and it has castor wheels which mean you can move it around camp or the caravan or motorhome quite easily. It uses a refrigerant to cool, not water or ice so its self-operative, and unlike split system air-conditioners, windows can remain open allowing fresh air to circulate in a room, making it a healthier alternative.

You can be pretty assured of its ability to cool you down too, as it has been trialled in one of the hottest climates internationally, Pakistan at the highest temperature of 53.3 degrees Celsius.

Australia’s B.E.S.T. RV Inline Water Filter

PELICAN COOL An icy cold drink at the end of a steamy summer day travelling or hitting rough 4WD tracks is not just welcome – in the Australian climate, it's a necessity! You need something that's going to keep the beer cool and the tempers even cooler – the new range of Pelican Elite Coolers can do both, and that's no mean feat in the Aussie outback. First up, you can feel confident that they can stand up to the task of the landscape. They are made from corrosion resistant stainless steel hardware, with ultra-tough handles and heavy duty

wheels that can keep up with the action of the campsite. Pelican are even so confident that their product can stand up to whatever harsh environment you put them in that they have a lifetime guarantee: “You break it – we replace it – forever.” They come in two models, the 80QT and the 50QT which is slightly smaller, however no less impressive. They have latches, freezer-grade seal, and a graduated floor for draining, just to name a few of the features. And of course, there's a range of colours, so you can choose what suits your campsite kit.

Pelican says they can retain ice for 10 days, so having to deal with luke warm beer at the end of a rough day is a thing of the past.

Pelican Elite Coolers RRP: $429.95 (50QT) and $599 (80QT) More information: www.pelicanstore.com.au

CVW569 QPH Jars Curran Solar Screen.pdf 1 16/10/2017 2:00:49 PM

For nearly two decades, Solarscreen has provided more than 20,000 quality window insulation solutions across Australia and the world abroad.

Manufactured and developed in Queensland, Solarscreens are constructed from a unique, high quality, 9-layer, flexible fabric that has been designed to insulate against extreme conditions; providing complete UV protection and unmatched thermal performance.

Solarscreens are tailor made to suit your motorhome, caravan, 4WD or boat and are easy to install and remove, with no modifications necessary. Solarscreen is proud to be 100% Australian family owned and operated, ensuring all screens are guaranteed!

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LIFESTYLE INSPO While you're filling up your RV's bookshelf you should add this one too – Homecamp by Doron and Stephanie Francis. If you've ever wanted to throw in your job and the trappings of everyday life, and leave it all to live in a shipping container in the middle of the forest, then this is for you! It outlines fascinating real-life stories of everyday people who dared to do something extraordinary by embarking on an adventure. While most of us put getting back to nature full time in the “too hard basket”, the people interviewed in this book prove that it's not as hard as we might think.

RRP: $59.99 One read, and you'll be yearning for More info: www.homecamp. a digital detox or to try an alternative com.au way of living. Along with incredible photography and inspirational adventures, Homecamp offers how-to guides for enjoying life in the natural world, and looks at everything from finding the perfect campsite to foraging for food and the best campfire cofee brew.

Homecamp

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Feeling adventurous and want to venture further afield for your next trip? Or perhaps you prefer to live vicariously through incredible travel photography? Regardless of your preference, travel experts Lonely Planet have just released their Atlas of Adventure and it's got plenty of action to inspire you for your next trip or daydream. It outlines the best outdoor experiences in more than 150 countries across the globe with incredible images, interviews, and Lonely Planet expert authors. Of course if you want Atlas of Adventure to stay on home turf, it's got plenty of handy information too, with 18 RRP: $44.99 pages devoted to outdoor activities in Australia. From climbing to kayaking Where: Selected stockists to camel trekking and cycling, there's More info: www.lonelyplanet. com.au plenty of information on how to do it, and where to find it in our vast and diverse country. The Atlas of Adventure is the perfect addition to the books you should take with you on your next RV holiday.

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SMOKY SENSATION Outdoor entertaining is one of the best parts of the summer months, and nothing beats a good old fashioned barbecue.

Cooking with wood can add a delicious flavour into the meat, guaranteed to wow your guests and establish your status as king or queen of the barbie. The Fornetto range is the perfect way to do this, with Fornetto Smoking their popular Razzo all-in-one Chips smoker able to roast, steam or barbecue a variety of meat, RRP: $12.95 seafood, fish and vegetables.

Where: Selected retailers The perfect accompaniment of More info: www.fornetto.com course, is Fornetto’s Smoking Chips which come in a range of flavours, including Red Wine Barrel. There’s also other flavours including Muscatel Barrel and Cognac Barrel. Time to fire up the cooker and invite the neighbours over!

MOUNT IT UP In today's day and age having your devices at the ready is something that's important, to capture those special moments and stay connected. However, convenience and safety is important too.

REDARC now stocks a wide range of RAM Mounts, for phones, laptops, GPS units and other electronic devices, perfect for mounting to cars, trucks, boats, and even motorcycles. There are more than 80 different bases, arms and device holders with endless combinations, and you can change the direction or angle of the device simply by loosening a single knob. The unique design also reduces vibration, perfect if you're on rough outback roads!

BATTERY SALE

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REDARC RAM Mounts RRP: From $18.73, prices varying according to mount More info: www.redarc.com.au

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As rugged as the great Aussie outdoors

THE ADVENTUROUS MILLARD BREAKAWAY Perfect for those who want to experience the real Australian outback.

Our BreakAway Caravan is designed with strength and endurance in mind. Features such as the 6” steel chassis and the stone and water resistant, checker plate panels let you travel with total peace of mind, knowing you’ll be able to handle all conditions, wherever you venture.

Hand built the traditional Australian way from the ground up, using only the highest quality materials, finishes and components, the Millard BreakAway is simply outstanding.

If you are serious about the great Aussie outdoors, then Millard is the only choice.

Some of the standard features you will find in the BreakAway range: • Single piece fibreglass roof • Insulation to walls & ceilings • 3 Point locking security door • Cruisemaster XT independent all-terrain supension system • Wheel arch brush stoneguard protector • Galvanised heavy duty bumper bar spare wheel & bracket • Full front window protector • Superior aluminium wall frame with bracing gussets • Aluminium checker plate to front & sides • Underfloor metal sheeting • 100Ah battery & charger • Twin gas bottles with change over regulator • Solar panels to roof

• Queen bed with lift up gas struts • Large stainless steel sink with sink cover • Grill with 3 gas & 1 electric burner • Microwave oven • 12V rangehood with external exhaust • Dometic 3 way fridge • Flat screen TV • Air conditioner • Smoke alarm for your safety

www.millardrv.com.au Millard is a member of the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP) and all their caravans come with a 12 month Australia - Wide Warranty.

AUSTRALIAN MADE • AUSTRALIAN TOUGH • FOR OVER 70 YEARS