THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL

from MCD Digital Show Guide: 2023 Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor SuperShow

by Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations

CAMERAS REDEFINED

Lisa Jansen explores some of the often-overlooked finer points that can make or break the enjoyment of a mobile home

When it comes to selecting an RV, the focus tends to be on big, obvious aspects such as size, age, motorhome vs caravan, layout and number of beds. But having recently swapped my 1999 Ford Transit for a similar 2004 Transit, I realise how much difference the little stuff can make. And I’m not the only one who has found the devil is often in the detail.

When I talked with other motorhome and caravan owners, as well as dealers, they highlighted little things that can have a significant impact on enjoyment. While some can be changed later, others are hard to modify down the line, so should be considered carefully when purchasing.

Sleeping Arrangements

Probably not surprisingly, the right bed(s) can have a considerable impact. In my new van, the bed is about 10cm longer and, being about 180cm tall, those 10cm are a life-changer.

Other owners agree that the size of beds is important. However, what makes a bed suitable seems to be different for everyone. Tall people care mostly about length. Couples, especially older ones and those spending a lot of time in their RV, say having an island bed that’s accessible from both sides is a bonus. While many agree that over-the-cab beds are great for saving space, getting up there can be a challenge when you are older or have an injury, in which case, a sleeping option on the ground floor can be preferable.

LOADING CAPACITY & WEIGHT

Size is important, but consideration should also be given to loading weight. As Toni Farrell, from Coastal Motorhomes & Caravans in Whakatāne, says, “Many of our customers want a motorhome that only requires a Warrant of Fitness and not a Certificate of Fitness, as the former tends to be cheaper. That is all well and good, but what they often don’t consider is that it reduces the overall loading capacity and can result in problems when being weighed at truck stops.”

Similarly, loading weight can be an issue for caravan owners, who must ensure their car and towbar can handle the full load weight - not just the empty weight of the caravan. Toni recommends thinking carefully about what will be loaded into your motorhome or caravan and to consider that when buying.

BUY FOR YOU –NOT YOUR FAMILY

It’s tempting to consider family and friends who might travel with you. But don’t overlook your own needs. “We regularly have customers who want to buy an RV with a layout that suits their extended family,” says Toni.

“For example, they might want one with beds for the kids and grandchildren. While that is a nice sentiment, many of them return saying the family doesn’t use the RV and the layout doesn’t suit them as a couple.”

Bernice and Roy Vannini, who have been living the RV life on the road for many years, agree. Although they have the space for extra beds, they designed the layout with just the two of them in mind. “Ninety-nine per cent of the time it’s just us, so we wanted to make it perfect for us. There is always the option to add tents if the family wants to come along.”

The Little Rooms

RV toilets and bathrooms range from a portable toilet in a cupboard to small wet-cells and full-sized en-suite bathrooms with separate showers. Once you’ve picked an option, you’re stuck with it. My first van had a tiny wet-cell with a fixed shower. That was fine, but I value the slightly larger room and detachable shower in my new van. However, it’s still a wet-cell, meaning that showering floods the entire space, which can be annoying. ⊲

17-19 March, 2023 Auckland Showgrounds www.super show.co.nz

Merit RV proudly presents the 2022 Swift Explorer Caravans

The 2022 season sees the return of the Swift Explorer caravan range to Merit RV. These exclusive range of caravans are built by Swift Group UK that include a number of upgraded features for the ‘freedom’ camper of New Zealand. Built with Swift’s leading SMART construction system incorporating timber-less framing and GRP balanced panels, your investment is even better protected. With its extra ground clearance, larger water tanks, and larger payload, ‘freedom’ camping is a genuine possibility for the Explorer caravan. Enter the interior and discover the soft furnishings, well arranged living spaces and design features that set the Swift Explorer products apart. With two island bed layouts (with full ensuites) currently available, including a single axle variant, the Explorer may just be the tourer for you. From $89,995.

2022 Swift Explorer features include:

• Monitored 120L fresh and 120L greywater tanks

• Raised heavy duty “Aussie” ALKO chassis

• ALKO Trailer Control (ATC)

• Payload upgrade

• 240 watt solar system

• Energy saving LED lighting throughout

• Outside shower outlet

• Wide Dometic security door

• Twin gas bottle capacity

• Ducted gas and electric central heating

• Dometic 3 way 190 litre fridge with separate freezer

• Twin house battery mounted under floor

• 12V range hood

• Pull out Thule entry step

• 15’’ alloy wheels

• LED DVD TV with Freeview

• Satellite dish

• Electrical WOF

• Gas certification

• NZMCA self-containment certificate

• 50mm AL-KO tow ball

• Tow vehicle wiring adaption

• 2 nights stay at local holiday park

“We had an all-in-one room in our former motorhome,” says RVer Yvonne Hewitt. “Our new one now has a separate shower and toilet, and that’s so much easier. No more wet toilet. However, it does take up more space and adds weight.”

Cooking And Kitchen Space

I envy people who have an oven, but I’ve met many who have one and don’t use it, saying they would rather have more storage space. One thing upon which almost everyone seems to agree is that bench space is essential, with several owners, especially those with smaller vans, saying they wish they had more room to prepare food and stack dishes. Many, especially those who rarely connect to power, agree that microwaves are not a necessity.

Future Thinking

There are also a few details that can be added or changed later on - which is not to say you shouldn’t consider them when purchasing. These include making

WE WOULDN’T BE WITHOUT...

We asked some RVers about their motorhome and caravan must-haves:

“I love that our shower head can be used outside to rinse off sandy feet.”

— Kylee Maree Nairn

“I love that my drawers have magnetic closures. No more drawers flying open while driving because I forgot to push in the closure button.”

— Sharla May

“Seats that swivel. At first, I thought them a pain because I’m short-legged and the apparatus that enables the seat to swivel adds height to the seat. But now we wouldn’t be without them.”

— Tracey Waterreus

“Motor-movers. We weren’t worried about them, but our van had them, so we thought ‘bonus’. We’re in our 30s, and my husband is a fantastic backer, sure you have enough power for your intended use, large enough water tanks, heating (especially if you plan to travel during winter), and enough storage space, including storage for wet and dirty gear.

Everyone Is Different

Another detail that can make a big difference is tinted windows. They are one of the reasons I chose my new van. I love the privacy. However, it’s worth noting that they make the inside darker. And then there are wardrobes. I initially thought the one in my new van was wasted space and that I would turn it into shelves. But, I now find it handy to have a place to hang clothes - no more crinkled shirts. While the perfect mobile home and set-up are different for everyone, it’s worth considering these details before buying. My advice is to talk to other owners, do your research and maybe even hire a motorhome once or twice to get some realworld experience of what it’s like before investing hard-earned money.  but these are amazing. They mean you can have the caravan however you want it on your site.”

— Jennifer van Dijk

“I love that our slide-out is on the footpath side, so when you stop you can just slide it out anywhere. You can’t do that when it slides out onto the road.”

— Treve Wade

Due to its modular design, you can add two or more tents side by side or awning to awning. If you own a motorhome, campervan or a caravan then this tent provides an instant extra room which can be freestanding or easily attached to a sail track.