Tradervs 216 sampler

New Look

ISSUE 216 $6.95 ON SALE 02/10/2017

INCLUDES MOTORHOME & CARAVAN TRADER

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GREAT MOTORHOMES 2016 Mercedes Sprinter 4 Berth

Near new Low Mileage

Priced under

$120,000*

2.2 Litre Turbo Diesel Automatic transmission LCD Screen & DVD player Shower & Toilet Fully self-contained Fixed pull-down bed

2016 Mercedes Sprinter 6 Berth

Near new Low Mileage

Priced under

$125,000*

2.2 Litre Turbo Diesel Automatic transmission Only 6.70 metres long Shower & Toilet Fully self-contained LCD screen & DVD player

* statutary charges may vary from state to state.

6 factory outlets

WESTERN AUSTRALIA WANGARA KB Campers: 54 Rigali Way, Wangara, 6065 p - 08 9303 9866 e - kbcamperswa@iinet.net.au w - kbcamperswa.com.au

VICTORIA MELBOURNE RV Sales Centre: Building 2, 9 Ashley Street Braybrook, VIC 3019 p - 03 8398 8848 e - info@rvsalescentre.com.au w - rvsalescentre.com.au

AT GREAT PRICES

2.5 Litre Turbo Diesel Automatic transmission Leather couches

Priced under

$70,000*

Two living areas Fully self-contained 4 burner gas hob & grill

2011 Mercedes Sprinter 2 Berth

2.2 or 2.5 Litre Turbo Diesel Automatic transmission LCD screen and DVD player

Priced under

$70,000*

Shower and toilet Fully self-contained Slide-out external BBQ

2011 Mercedes Sprinter 4 Berth

2.2 Litre Turbo Diesel Automatic transmission Leather couches

$70,000*

Leather couches Fully self-contained Shower and toilet

2017 Mercedes Sprinter 2+1 Berth

2.2 Litre Turbo Diesel Automatic transmission Low Kilometres

Priced under

Priced under

$110,000*

Shower and toilet Fully self-contained Slide-out external BBQ

* statutary charges may vary from state to state.

VICTORIA PAKENHAM Berwick Commercials: Lot 20, CAR MEGAMART South East Boulevard & Commercial Drive Pakenham 3810 p - 03 9707 5099 e - sales@berwickcommercials.com.au w - berwickcommercials.com.au

QUEENSLAND BRISBANE Brisbane Rvs: 284 Bruce Highway, Burpengary, 4505 p - 07 3888 3273 e - sales@brisbanervs.com.au w - brisbanervs.com.au

NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY Wallaby Motorhomes: 35 Parramatta Road, Granville, 2142 p - 02 9682 4443 e - sales@wallabymotorhomes.com.au w - wallabymotorhomes.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA ADELAIDE Camperagent: 2275 Port Wakefield Road, Parafield Gardens, SA 5107 p - 08 8285 5000 w - camperagent.com.au

CMT-DPS-5196067-CS-215

2011 VW Crafter 6 Berth

Everyday is a Holiday in a

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST SECONDHAND MOTORHOME DEALER 2010 Toyota Hiace Camper Turbo Diesel

2013 Volkswagen Amarok Safari 4x4 Camper

WAS $33990

$25990

$24990

FINANCE AVAILABLE

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P ROOFNTTO TE

GREAT BUY This turbo diesel late model camper is amazing value! Has dual batteries, 12/240V power, fridge/freezer, in built gas cook top, microwave. Fresh water tank, kitchen sink, 12V lighting, 2x single beds or 1x double plus bunk bed in the roof, one only at this low, low price!

C2649

Turbo diesel 4x4 dual cab ute with new roof top tent, dual roof racks, lockable rear canopy, dual batteries, water tank, slide-out Black Widow drawers, awning rail, tow bar and more! Don’t miss out, come and see this today!

C2635

2003 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2 Berth

2012 Volkswagen Crafter Ultima 2 Berth

$63990

$35990 FINANCE AVAILABLE

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R POPULUAT LAYO

GREATE VALU Turbo diesel 2 berth motorhome with easy walkthrough layout, show/toilet, reverse cycle air con, fridge/freezer, 2x singles or 1 x queen bed, tinted windows, 12/240V power, 2 burner gas cook top, 8.5kg gas bottle, 12V lighting, awning and more!

C2669

Economical automatic turbo diesel CDi 2 berth motor home! Easy walk through layout with 2x singles or 1x queen bed, solar panel, dual batteries, 12/240V power, reverse cycle air con, shower/toilet, hot water system, fridge/freezer, gas cook top, microwave, TV/DVD player, LED lighting, fresh and grey water tanks slide out outside BBQ and more.

C2639

2016 Mercedes Sprinter Discovery

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Traveller 6 Berth

$110990

$124990

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ING EXCITW NE LAYOUT!

ONLY M 21,000K

Exciting new layout! With permanent drop down rear double bed, large U-shape lounge, front swivel seats, seating & sleeping for 4, solar power, dual batteries, reverse camera, roll out awning, underneath lockable tunnel boot storage, reverse cycle air con, 4 burner cook top, fridge/freezer all in a compact motorhome you can take anywhere. A truly quality conversion built on a 7 speed automatic turbo diesel Mercedes! C2643

SAVE THOUSANDS $$$$ off a new motorhome on a second hand KB Camper. Only travelled 21,000km and presents as new! This 7 speed automatic turbo diesel 6 berth Mercedes motordrome will please the pickiest of buyers. Fully equipped and self contained it has too many features to list!

C2683

(08) 9303 9866

54 RIGALI WAY, WANGARA PERTH (Off Hartman Drive)

AFTER HOURS:

(08) 9303 9866 4 TradeRVs.com.au

091517-59

CMT-FP-5204838-CS-216

FINANCE AVAILABLE

Editorial EDITOR Kirstie Bedford DEPUTY EDITOR Rachael Doherty STAFF JOURNALIST Peter Quilty FIELD EDITOR Malcolm Street DESIGNER Nicholas Ramsamy EDITORIAL AND NEWS 125 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, Vic 3161 content@adventuresgroup.com.au

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

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15

Contents ISSUE 216

Features and reviews 15 Feature: Buying a caravan

Top tips for buying an RV at a caravan show

34 Review: KEA Nomad Quality at a reasonable price

46 DIY: Knowing your limits We explain when it’s time to call in the professionals

48 Feature: Factory floor

AL-KO’s Peter Mannfolk covers key issues impacting industry

54 Review: Zone RV Z-21.6 OFF-ROAD Luxury meets off-road

66 DIY: Hot water tank replacement Save on installation with our step-by-step guide

74 Review: Patriot X2

A rock solid affordable off-road camper

POWERED BY

81 Private advertising

How to list your item for sale (rates & deadlines)

Motorhome and Caravan Trader is published by Adventures Group Holdings.

ACN: 155 672 192 ABN: 29 155 672 192 All material in Motorhome and Caravan Trader 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 Blue Star Web, NSW.

82 Index

DEALER ADVERTISING 1300 366 651 PRIVATE ADVERTISING 1300 362 272 CaravanWorld.com.au 5

MODERN-DAY

NOMAD The KEA Nomad 2+1 is an archetypal entrylevel RV pitched at young families and downsizing motorhoming retirees.

WORDS PETER QUILTY PICS STUART GRANT

34 TradeRVs.com.au

Tested KEA NOMAD 2+1 Presented by The Wanderer

CaravanWorld.com.au 35

N

ot every retiree wants to go on the road permanently, some just want to hop from one destination to another and back home again and, in that respect, the aptlymonikered KEA Nomad 2+1 three-berth is ideal for those who like to roam from place-to-place.

It’s also perfect for a couple with one child wanting to hit the road for two to three weeks, or grandparents wanting to take a grandchild away for a short holiday.

I only had a couple of days to check out the 7m (23ft) Nomad during a two-day sojourn in Victoria’s Mitchell Shire, so I left the grandkids at home and flew solo. I enjoyed exploring the region’s military and railway heritage, but the archetypal entry-level motorhome Nomad impressed just as much. RV Sales Centre (based

36 TradeRVs.com.au

Tested KEA NOMAD 2+1 Presented by The Wanderer

“The driver’s cabin has generous storage capacity with heaps of nooks and crannies for all your road-trip gear” in Braybrook, Vic) supplied the Nomad, and its sales and marketing manager Simon de la Mere told me he’s noticed many long-term motorhomers downsizing to the Nomad, as it’s easier to handle than a larger motorhome.

Indeed, I found that to be exactly the case while traversing Seymour and its surrounds. The Nomad’s base vehicle, a 2.2L turbo-diesel Mercedes 313 LWB Sprinter, proved a super-smooth ride as I roamed the local tourist attractions including the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk, Seymour Railway Heritage Centre, through the quaint township of Tallarook, and also the Seymour Heritage Drive towards the Australian Light Horse Memorial Park and the Great Victorian Rail Trail.

And with a seven-speed fully automatic gearbox, the agile Nomad has more than enough grunt, distributing maximum power of 95kW @ 3800rpm and maximum torque of 305Nm @ 1200-2400rpm.

I thought the Nomad was a pleasure to drive with its ergonomic swivel seating, which is also afforded to the passenger, and the driver’s cabin has generous storage

Clockwise from main: Nimble enough to tour around town; visibility is excellent in the cabin; table rails increase benchtop space throughout; the u-shape lounge offers a comfortable work or play space during the day; the cabin converts to an extra berth if required.

CaravanWorld.com.au 37

Tested KEA NOMAD 2+1 Presented by The Wanderer

boast a comprehensive camp kitchen, but courtesy of the Nomad’s external slide-out barbecue, I easily whipped up an impromptu meal of lamb chops with a side-dish of salad. The separate cooking plate ensured everything was cleaned and put away in a jiffy. It bodes well for easy catering on the road.

Further to that, an external table with fold-down leg, to assist with meal preparation, is packed neatly away just inside the rear doors and, when needed, slides into position on the kerbside wall of the van.

I also appreciated the safety aspect of a single 9kg gas cylinder being concealed in a driver’s side hatch.

But I could just as easily have cooked up my feast in the Nomad’s compact and cleverly designed internal kitchen with its Dometic three-burner gas cooktop, sink with filtered water tap, 100L Waeco fridge-freezer and 700W Tiffany microwave. The galley also has excellent storage capacity, with user-friendly slide-out drawers, while a pantry cupboard is ideal for non-perishable items and I reckon the additional flip-up benchtop space is a real winner.

BRING A CROWD The Nomad’s dining area quickly converts into separate sleeping quarters to make up the extra berths. First, the rear lounge, with minimal rearranging of the seat cushions, becomes a cosy double bed (2000x1780mm).

Meanwhile, a passenger seat with a table behind the driver’s cabin can be changed into a sideways-facing single fold-down stretcher-type bed (1850x800mm) that would comfortably accommodate a teenager or small adult. This seating and de-mountable table arrangement also allows you to catch up with any work commitments along the journey, which certainly came in handy for yours truly.

The Nomad has a smart and spacious interior, with a bathroom with shower-toilet combo, washbasin and a 12V hatch and there’s also a deep compartment (robe) that’s made to measure for hanging clothes.

In-house entertainment is provided by a satellite television, built-in DVD player and AM/FM radio/CD player.

QUICK SPECS

Kea Nomad 2+1

External body length 7m (22ft 11in) External width 2m (6ft 9in) GVM 3.5T Price $110,000 From top: A slide-out barbecue for easy roadside meals; watch your favourite shows in bed.

capacity with heaps of nooks and crannies for all your roadtrip gear.

My tour was only short, but hitting the bitumen and beyond for more than a few days won’t be a problem for the Nomad, given its battery (1x105Ah), solar (1x80W) and water levels (1x90L fresh; 1x110L grey). All of this is complemented by a roof-mounted Aircommand Sparrow reverse-cycle air-conditioner with a 2.4kW cooling capacity, and a gas hot water system. However, I found the Nomad’s external storage lacking somewhat.

HOME-COOKED FEAST I was stationed at the tranquil Big4 Seymour Holiday Park - along the picturesque Goulburn River - which does

COMPARE SPECS 38 TradeRVs.com.au

THE BOTTOM LINE You could live or stay anywhere you want in the Nomad.

It’s a quintessential home-away-from-home, albeit for relatively short stints.

I really liked its attention to detail and innovation, resulting in an external cooking facility (rare in a motorhome), intelligently designed internal kitchen, and pragmatic bedding configuration.

Obviously this KEA meets its brief, and will appeal to those who want to skip from campsite to campsite, and I reckon downsizing motorhoming retirees and a multitude of young couples (each with a little tacker in tow) will be queueing up to secure a quality RV at an enticing price.

www.caravanworld.com.au/spec View similar motorhomes for sale www.tradervs.com.au

TradeRV PRIVATES

PARADISE MOTORHOMES ULTRA INDEPENDENCE

2012, 35,002klms. Iveco diesel automatic / manual. As new condition. Custom built. Air bag suspension.

Queen bed, single bed, table, lounge. 3 x TV's. Full ensuite, front load washer. Roll out pantry, fridge/freezer, gas electric stove, convection oven, roll out drawers. Plenty of storage. 2 x air cons, solar on roof. Outside BBQ, drop down tables. Automatic start genset, automatic hydraulic levelling legs. Many more extras.

Motorhome has always been garaged. Please call 0448 792 683, .. QLD. DIY787687.

0417 077 442.

$350,000

AUSTRAL A CLASS MOTORHOME

2013, Completed Late 2013. Professionally Built. 370Hp 6V92TDDEC Turbo Detroit Silver Series top of the range. Traveled only 26000km. 7 speed manual. 3 x hydraulic slide Outs - Big Floor Space. Hydraulic Slide Out External Kitchen. BBQ. Outside TV. Hot Cold Sink. Waeco Fridge Freezer. External hot cold shower.

Great outside entertaining area. Fully Self Sufficient. 3 x Large rooftop Solar Panels. Genset - Remote Control 5.7kva. Automatic Levelers. 2 x Full Size Air Conditioners. Full Size Internal Kitchen, Oven, Gas Stove, Microwave, Range Hood, Full Size Waeco Fridge Freezer, Slide Out Pantry. Sleeps 4 Queen Bed, Trundle Lounge. Full Size Shower Toilet Vanity etc. Washing Machine, Dryer. 32" and 50" LED TVs | Digital Aerial.

Custom Built Stainless Tanks. Large External Awning. many extras - CB, stereo, Navman etc. Ground Up full rebuild of everything & professionally custom built A Class Motorhome. 800L Fuel, 800L Water, 400L Black Approx., 600L Grey. Big Storage Area. 5 Months REG. Cruise 100km freeway in style, drives beautifully.

Quality engineering - built to last. Motorhome has just been serviced and detailed, Ready to go. Inspection welcome. Must be seen to be appreciated. Currently located at Hamlyn Terrace, Central Coast NSW. Re-advertised due to time waster. Contact Kevin, C13SY. NSW. DIY699624.

0429 266 602.

$295,000

Caravan news and reviews – CaravanWorld.com.au

CaravanWorld.com.au 39

TradeRV PRIVATES

AVAN OVATION

2014, Reduced!

Suit new buyer with only 11,640 kms & one owner.

Extras include reverse camera, gas bayonet (outside), extra battery, outside antenna, solar, extra TV/DVD, TV point outside, UHF radio.

Privacy curtains to bedroom and cab bed, Hayman Reece towing hitch, outside bluetooth stereo.

New awning (06/2017). Bull bar Jack10. QLD. DIY828447.

0413 134 484.

$126,990

SWAGMAN SIGNATURE SERIES 25 1997, New rear tyres. Gas/elec HWS. 4 burner stove/oven, m/wave.

Diesel heater.

2 x Air conditioners (cabin & roof) Rev camera, UHF radio, extra water tank, 3 solar panels, generator.

Service history, YEU 181. VIC. DIY651777.

0427 389 056.

$105,000 ONO

COACHMEN MIRADA

2006, Luxury A-Class motorhome, sleeps 6 Ford engine, transmission & chassis Fully converted to Australian RAWS standards Full Queen bed, separate shower & ensuite Dual air conditioning with ducting New 3-way Dometic AES 186l fridge/freezer New Samsung microwave oven + rangehood New TV, new gas cooktop/oven/grill Built in 4KVA Onan generator Only 9,370km since new 12 Months NSW rego 1F6LF53Y860A03251. NSW. DIY807265.

0418 486 949.

$99,000 BEST PRICE! 40 TradeRVs.com.au

HINO LIESSE

Auto. Brand new Freedom Motorhomes June 2017 conversion. Featuring full two-pack kitchen, gas/electric stove, oven, grill. 5kg Dometic washing machine. 400L water tank. Shower/toilet. 400 watt solar panels. 2 inline charging systems. Fiama 5m awning. Leather lounge. American swivel captain's chairs. Rear island bed. Licenced for 4 people.

Immaculate condition, 649XHP. QLD. DIY815631.

0403 335 008.

$122,500 NEG List your van from $50 – visit TradeRVs.com.au

TradeRV PRIVATES

VOLGREN B10M ULTIMATE SELF CONTAINED LIFESTYLE

1987, Unique slide-out upstairs veranda 2011 conversion updated with new interior to comfortably accommodate 6 people. Dual 21' awnings and split system air conditioners keep it cool. UPSTAIRS - Large master suite with island queen sized bed and separate closet. The central 6 seat lounge area converts into a dinette, and also a double bed. Large screen TV, The kitchen has a Norcold fridge, a Vitifrigo-2 drawer freezer, Chef-gas stove/oven, microwave, full sized sink, and plenty of storage. DOWNSTAIRS - 2 single bunks, Bathroom and shower. The mid-storage area has 1200L (approx) fresh water, 250 grey 1200 A/H battery bank. DRIVETRAIN - 10LVolvo engine and ZF auto transmission have less than 10,000 K's since professional overhaul. Four rear view cameras.

DOUBLE DECKER 2 CAR TRAILER - Hydraulic upper deck. Motorhome - $185,000 Trailer- $55,000 Bus is RWC & Reg till Sep 2017, YV31MKC14GD013749. QLD. DIY628504.

0407 302 633.

$239,000 FOR PACKAGE OR WILL SEPARATE

WIRRAWAY MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 518

2009, V6 turbo diesel. Auto. Cruise control, 64,000km. Diesel heater, aircon. UHF, bull bar, solar. Long range fuel tank. Inverter 300watt. Reversing camera. Swivel leather captain chairs. Cab side steps. Slideout windproof BBQ, remote control slideout storage bins, plus many other accessories too numerous to mention.

No pets, non- smokers. Car license only. First Reg late Nov '09, WIR-58. QLD. DIY824624.

0408 706 375.

$165,000

Caravan news and reviews – CaravanWorld.com.au

CaravanWorld.com.au 41

T

he greatest compliment you can pay any caravan manufacturer is to buy another van from them.

So when a Sunshine Coast businessman came back to buy his second Zone RV, the top-of-the-line Z-21.6 Off-Road, it’s fair to say the team at Zone RV were nothing short of thrilled.

Marketing Manager Denise Missen says of the owners, “the second time around they had more time to think about the additional upgrades and options they wished they had ordered on their original Z-20.6 Off-Road.”

The upgrade is a further acknowledgement that the Coolum Beach manufacturer has tapped into a niche in the Australian caravan market, where customers are looking for automotive or marine-standard materials and manufacturing in caravans, and are prepared to pay for it.

In this case, the end cost of $141,465 (May 2017) for the Z-21.6 is around $28,500 above the model’s base price, but those shopping in this market will know this is within the ‘ballpark’ for a tough off-roader with this level of features.

The fact that Zone RV can already play in this lofty league after only a couple of years on the market is testament to the quality of its craftsmanship, and the word-of-mouth endorsement the company’s customers have given it to date.

The Z-21.6 Off-Road we saw showed what this new kid on the block is capable of. From the outside it looks smart, with its smooth white walls with curved edgecapping, but is disarmingly conventional. That said, the the ‘beaked’ drawbar did catch my eye. It tapers towards the hitch for improved clearance, and is gusseted for extra strength.

LUXE AUSSIE

OFF-ROADER HEAD OFF-ROAD IN comfort AND STYLE IN Zone RV’s GREAT AUSSIE VAN.

WORDS MICHAEL BROWING PICS NATHAN DUFF

58 TradeRVs.com.au

Tested ZONE RV Z-21.6 OFF-ROAD Presented by Caravan World

CaravanWorld.com.au 59

The all-fibreglass composite body has impressively clean styling and is relatively unencumbered, devoid of the ‘bling’ of many of its rivals. Grey Raptor urethane coating is used liberally on the lower body sides, instead of checkerplate, to repel stones and the same two-pack heavy-duty coating has also been applied to the chassis, the A-frame, toolbox, stoneshield frame, wheel arch moulds, rear bumper and pole carrier – in fact, anywhere that could be vulnerable to stone or scrub damage.

Zone RV co-founder Dave Biggar said the Raptor coating adds less weight than the equivalent amount of checkerplate, and can easily be touched up if scuffed or damaged. It certainly looks smart and complements the Zone RV’s exterior styling.

UNDER THE SKIN It’s not until you see how these caravans are put together that you begin to appreciate their significant difference to other caravans.

The millimetre-perfect accuracy to which Zone RVs are being built is truly impressive. Each van begins with a CAD drafting, from which all key components are CNCcut – nothing too radical there – but it’s what happens next that makes the difference.

In most caravan factories, the caravan moves along a production line, with each team adding more parts.

60 TradeRVs.com.au

Tested ZONE RV Z-21.6 OFF-ROAD Presented by Caravan World

But in the case of a Zone RV, the chassis is anchored to a rigid metal jig – just like a chassis aligner in a top-quality automobile repair facility – to ensure all key dimensions are maintained during the construction phase.

All supplies are then brought to this bench on movable trolleys and the caravan is only unbolted when the major exterior and interior components have been fitted. This avoids any potential movement of the structure, ensuring that the finished product remains true to its original CAD dimensions.

Zone RV boasts about its ‘timberless’ construction with good reason. In most caravans, a plywood floor is glued to the steel chassis, the vinyl flooring is then applied and the walls are then framed and screwed or bolted to this base.

With the Zone RV, the floor is 32mm thick infused fibreglass, reducing the number of chassis crossmembers required.

Instead of timber, the furniture is framed from aluminium extrusions and when it is all in place, the walls and roof are bonded directly to both the floor and cabinets, ensuring that the result is a very rigid, monocoque structure.

You might ask why this is important, given that more conventional caravans from other quality Australian manufacturers seem to do pretty well, but the difference can be appreciated on the road.

A basic Z-21.6 tips the scales at a Tare weight of around 2535kg and can offer a payload of close to a tonne or more, if required. Because of its many upgrades, the Z-21.6 we reviewed was 285kg heavier at 2820kg Tare, but still boasted a good carrying capacity of 680kg.

What this means on extreme rough road conditions is that you can tow it all behind a large, locally-available 4WD like a LandCruiser or Land Rover, providing a very rigid platform for the tandem trailing arm suspension to deal with the undulations.

In swapping to the longer Z-21.6, our test van’s owners took the opportunity to upgrades from already rugged Cruisemaster ATX coil spring to Vehicle Components’ premium XT Air Bag Suspension Stage 4, which also comes with twin telescopic shocks per wheel, and incorporates automatic level control to make it easier to set up on a sloping site.

Clockwise from below: Ample drawers keep you organised at camp; hinged overhead kitchen cupboards conceal the entertainment system; a light and bright interior; Dometic security door.

QUICK SPECS

Zone RV Z-21.6 Off-Road

External body length 6.55m (21ft 6in) External width 2.40m (7ft 10in) Tare 2820kg ATM 3500kg Price in May 2017 $141,465

CaravanWorld.com.au 61

Above: The strong Raptor coating weighs less than checkerplate.

“It looks smart, with its smooth white walls with curved edge-capping, but it’s also disarmingly conventional” DETAILS, DETAILS While looking underneath, I took time to appreciate other Zone RV details, like the efficient configuration of cross-members, the steel aluminium-shielded water tanks, and the way all vulnerable piping is tucked away high and well out of harm’s way from snagging or stone strikes.

It’s also interesting to see the way Zone RV deals with the mandatory ventilation for caravans fitted with internal gas appliances.

Instead of ‘breathing’ through the lower section of its solid Dometic security door, there are twin circular extractors to the rear of the water tanks that are designed to minimise dust intrusion.

Other details, like the way the enclosure for the large 218L Dometic compressor fridge is fully dust-sealed from the interior of the van, using a large chimney behind it ‘to breathe’ in hot weather, shows an impressive eye for detail.

SUSTAIN YOURSELF Inside, Zone RV has taken full advantage of the Z-21.6’s length to make it roomy and workable for long-term travellers.

Unlike most caravan manufacturers, which use the term ‘off-road’ to refer principally to the caravan’s strength, damage proofing and ground clearance, Zone RV also uses this terminology to encompass sustainability in remote areas.

62 TradeRVs.com.au

Upgrades, including a third 120Ah AGM battery, a fourth 100W roof-mounted solar panel and a 2000W Enerdrive inverter, ensure that the owners of this Z-21.6 will be able spend quality time off the grid; although, if it was mine, I would prefer the extra solar panel to be portable rather than roof-mounted, allowing it to follow the sun if camped in the shade.

An extra 100L of fresh water storage takes the total volume of the review van to 300L and, combined with 100L of grey water storage, should be plenty for stays of a week or more. The optional Shurflo 12V water isolation system is able to deliver fresh drinking water even if you fill your tanks from a river.

Good storage space is another thing you need in a true off-road van, as the nearest supplies may be weeks away.

The large A-frame storage box is large enough to hold a generator on one side, which can be accessed through a side door, plus room for hoses and power cables and a single jerry can

holder on the other side.

The fuel tank for the optional Eberspacher diesel space heater, twin 9kg gas cylinders and the optional Thule bike rack are protected on the 500mm extended A-frame by a truck-mesh stone screen with large mud flaps that are hanging beneath.

A Bushman RV Explorer stainless steel barbecue slides out of the front left-side locker to supplement the inside kitchen, while the corresponding locker on the other side of the body provides more storage room.

Unlike some caravans, the Zone RV’s upper inside walls aren’t lined with the cupboards that you find in most other caravans and this, combined with its large windows front and sides, gives the Z-21.6 an open, airy feel inside.

Zone RV prefers drawers to cupboards because they locate things better in off-road travel and thanks to optional four-drawer cabinet under the foot of the bed, a similar optional chest of drawers in the ensuite and a huge triple-

Tested ZONE RV Z-21.6 OFF-ROAD Presented by Caravan World

Above: The tapered drawbar improves clearance.

decker pantry beside the 218L Waeco compressor fridge, there is no shortage of space for the supplies or clothing that you might need on an extended remote area trip.

The furniture is also smart and modern with PVC coating over aluminium making it light, yet attractive.

Quality hardware is used on the cabinet drawers, while concealed catches are fitted on the upper cupboards.

Another feature specified by this van’s owners with their upgrade was an infill cushion for the U-shaped dinette to convert it quickly into an additional, large single bed.

THE BOTTOM LINE It was interesting to review a caravan that has been built specifically by its owners to further improve on what is already a quality off-roader, and we applaud their choice and good taste.

Quite simply, Zone RV with its option list gives anyone looking at the serious end of the off-road caravan market another ‘must’ to add to their shopping list.

COMPARE SPECS

Above: A ladder provides access to panels on the roof.

www.caravanworld.com.au/spec View similar caravans for sale www.tradervs.com.au CaravanWorld.com.au 63

issue 216 index Ansu Leisure (VIC) ............................................................. 8

Downunder RV Geraldton (WA) ......................................... 7

Private Advertising Coupon .............................................. 81

Aurora RV Conversions (VIC) .......................................... 32

Expanda Van Homes Pty Ltd (NSW) ................................. 8

Ranger RV Supplies (VIC) ................................................. 6

Australian Bus and Coach Sales (VIC) ............................ 33

Frontline Campervans (NSW) .......................................... 14

Roberts RV World (VIC) ................................................... 10

Berwick Commercials (VIC) ............................................. 24

Jeff Nance Bus & Coach Sales (NSW) ............................ 28

Tourism Holdings Australia Pty Ltd (OV) .....................2, 84

Bradford Exchange (NSW) ................................................. 9

Joe’s Caravan Sales (QLD) ............................................. 52

Travellers Autobarn (NSW) .............................................. 83

Bus & Coach Sales (VIC) ................................................. 27

KB Campers (WA) .............................................................. 4

Wirraway Motorhomes (VIC) ............................................ 31

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PRIVACY NOTICE

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS Acceptance of all advertising is subject to review and approval by management, the Publisher reserves the right to edit, revise or reject any advertisements for any reason. The Publisher’s liability for damages resulting from errors in any advertising that it publishes or from its failure to publish any advertisement that it has agreed to publish shall be limited to the amount it actually received in consideration for its agreement to publish the advertisements in question. The Publisher shall not be responsible for any special, incidental or consequential damages suffered by any party resulting from its errors and/or omissions. The advertiser accepts all liability for the content of all advertising supplied by it and agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Publisher from any and all claims. All photographs become the property of Adventures Group Holdings Pty Ltd. For dealer and commercial advertising these terms and conditions should be read in conjunction with the terms, condition warranties and indemnities published at www.adventuresgroup.com.au

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* CONDITIONS APPLY - COPYRIGHT 2015 ©TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED DL14184 - LMCT110013 - DL181191 - MDN310337 - LMVD363 CM01_TAB_camper advert-version 2.indd 1

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CMT-FP-5030208-CS-186

CAMPERVANS

TO SubscriBE! New Look

ISSUE 216 $6.95 ON SALE 02/10/2017

INCLUDES MOTORHOME & CARAVAN TRADER

New Look

ISSUE 216 $6.95 ON SALE 02/10/2017

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