iMotorhome + caravan Feb 2020
Custom 4x4 CREATING THE PERFECT RIG CAN BE A ROCKY ROAD...
EARTHCRUISER G-PRO ESCAPE I CARADO T135 B-CLASS WILD MONKEY TEARDROP CAMPERS I CMCA RALLY FIRST TIMER 1
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JABIRU AWD Getting you off the beaten track
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ON MY MIND
Fanning The Flames
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elcome to 2020. Lots to talk about, so grab a cold drink and settle in. Who will ever forget this summer or the bleak ‘Festive Season’ that preceded it? If you were or are affected by the fires that continue to savage our nation you have my sincerest wishes for the best possible outcome. Speaking of fires, Australia burned while our Prime Minister holidayed in Hawaii and the NSW State Emergency Services Minister jetted off to vacation in Europe. Regardless of your political persuasion or views on climate science, the actions of both men was reprehensible given the crisis the country was facing before either departed. I don’t care if they deserved a holiday; wanted to give their kids a surprise or had booked the trips months in advance – when catastrophe hits, leaders must put the nation first and lead. That’s not negotiable.
When it comes to climate change, something I’ve What we received were, in Paul Keating’s terms, “Weasel noticed is the number of climate deniers who seem to words” as both men attempted to justify their foolish and be white, 50+ males: Blokes like me, but who for some selfish actions. Thank goodness that in NSW we received reason have their heads in the sand. If you’re one of them, wake up. It’s not a conspiracy and you look like proper leadership from the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, an idiot when sharing yet another populist meme on and the RFS Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons. social media.Click the image above for some facts... Wherever you are, I hope local leaders did the same. While it’s true Australia only accounts for about one point four percent of global emissions and that if we all went ‘green’ tomorrow, it would’t make any immediately noticeable difference – or impact the current or shortterm future effects of drought and fire – we have to start somewhere. However, we need to consider Australia’s role in exporting coal and natural gas and what percentage of global emissions that accounts for, before blithely making fun of Greta Thunberg and her generation when they express genuine fears about the world we’re leaving them with.
The fires are a symptom of the overall effect of climate change. Personally, I find it difficult to believe any intelligent person can deny the reality of climate change, unless influenced by financial or political selfinterest. The difference between scientific fact and populist fiction is rigorous peer review. In case you aren’t aware of the process, when a scientist or group of scientists publishes a paper, their peers attempt to replicate the results. If verified, the results stand. If not, the work is discredited. By this method science has flourished. The great discoveries of modern history have been built on progressive research, peer review and ongoing development.
Finally, we need Federal Government leadership. I don’t care which ‘brand’ it is, but Australia and Australians are hurting, and there’s precious little coming out of Canberra to provide comfort or confidence. Climate change and emission reduction targets aside, we need national leadership on city and county water security, drought management, fire hazard reduction, fire fighting capabilities and a long term disaster recovery program that takes the onus off private insurance (if still available in many locations) and builds it into the fabric of social responsibility. It’s a big ask, but we’re a big country and rather than pointing fingers, now is the time for unity and leaders with courage and vision. Where are they?
Something like 97 percent of scientists involved in the field concur that global temperatures are rising faster than at any time in human history, in absolute concert with unprecedented increases in greenhouse gasses. What about the other three percent? You only have to look at the tobacco industry and the doctors and scientists who tried to discredit cancer research to see that financial and career self-interest are powerful drivers. However, the majority of researchers stood by their ethics and the power of peer review, and the link between tobacco usage and cancer has been proven beyond doubt. And so it will be with climate change. 4
ON MY MIND
Home Front
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loser to home, we escaped the fires by the skin of our teeth and twice thought we mightn’t have a home that evening. The smoke laden weeks leading up to the new year and into early January were filled with tension and anxiety while we kept watch for the fire front that relentlessly headed our way. Our road was closed for about two weeks and at least once we received SMS advice to leave and head to evacuation centres. Polly was moved to a safer location, as were our valuables, and the car was packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. To the exclusion of all else, each day followed a routine of checking the Rural Fire Service (RFS) maps on the invaluable Fires Near Me app, checking for updates on the RFS Facebook page and monitoring RFS radio from sunrise to bedtime via the equally-invaluable Scanner Radio app.
On a positive note, this experience has brought our community much closer together. We shared plans, hopes and fears with neighbours; looked out for one another, shared resources and watched over properties for grass fires or unknown cars when we knew people had evacuated. In the darkest of times we found a camaraderie that has given us a new sense of belonging, and that’s a wonderful thing. Thanks also to the many of you who sent messages of support in our literally darkest hours. Many of you were enduring your own fire tribulations and so to think of us and make contact was especially thoughtful – and appreciated. Thanks to all…
Our Ford RTV ute became a mobile firefighting unit, carrying a 1000-litre water cube, pump and hose, ready to douse spot fires should embers fall. We also used it to water the trees on our driveway for the first time in more than a decade, as the effects of drought and intense summer heat became apparent. Thank goodness for generous neighbours with bores, who let us refill time and again to keep things alive while waiting for what seemed like the inevitably of fire. Using Watch and Act advice, our fire plan was to put out spot fires, but evacuate at the first sign of an approaching fire front. Fortunately it didn’t come to either, despite raining ash and burnt leaves for days, but they were trying times…
Because so much of December and January were taken up with fire, this first issue for 2020 is a little Eventually, the RFS managed to hold the fire front three light on. Truth be told, it’s lucky to be published. Mrs iM and I sort-of fell in a heap in the aftermath, while kilometres north of us and some nineteen kilometres test motorhomes or caravans have been thin on the west. Intense work on containment lines, back-burning ground. February sees the start of this year’s RV Show and 24/7 monitoring, plus aerial support by everything circuit and we’ll be cranking things back up. It’s going from small helicopters to a massive DC-10 (and most sadly, the C130 Hercules that later crashed near Cooma) to be a year of change as we head towards our eight birthday and look for ways to supplement dwindling finally managed to halt the advance. For now, at least. advertising revenue. If you missed it in our Yearbooks, we’ve enabled a link to PayPal for one-off ‘supporter’s The reality is the fires are contained but will burn into donations’ and we’ll be building on that concept in March or April, they say, in the inaccessible country that the months ahead. Big thanks also to those who’ve surrounds us. Until then, all it will take is more intensely already contributed, it really is apreciated! hot weather and strong winds to fan the flames, carry embers and the whole thing will be back on. To any reader Hopefully, the remainder of 2020 will be kinder and I wish who worked on any capacity as part of the firefighting you safe and happy travels as the new year unfolds… effort anywhere, I – we – say thank you. Mrs iM and I are now planning to join our local RFS unit so that not only can we help out next time, we’ll also be better prepared.
Richard
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CONTENTS
4 9 10 12 16 20
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ON MY MIND Fanning the Flames
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STREET VIEW Haere Mai!
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LETTERS Have your say on the things that really matter
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NEWS A glimpse at what’s happening in the wide world of RVing
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OPINION Winds of Change – Allan Whiting on the need for change
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NEW RELEASE Wild Monkey Teardrop Campers arrives on the scene
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TASTED EarthCruiser G-Pro Escape – A compact wagon for the well heeled
CUSTOM Beryl’s Unhappy Marriage – A custom Hino 4x4 with body issues
TESTED Coasting Along – Malcolm tours NZ in a compact Carado T135
TRAVEL First Timer – Colin Oberin on his firts CMCA National Rally
TRAVEL Real Talk – How an introvert dealt with solo RV living
RV FRIENDLY Three more country towns supporting our great way of life!
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iMotorhome+Caravan iMotorhome+Caravan is free and published monthly. Download the app today to enhance your reading experience! All back issues can be found HERE
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Road Tests
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Technical
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Regular Contributors Robert ‘Bobby’ Watson Colin Oberin Phil McLeod Simon Vaughan
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STREET VIEW
Haere Mai across the Tasman who think NZers are on to a good thing! I’m sure there’s a moral in that story somewhere.
As I write this it’s the end of January and back to work for those who have not been working for most of January already. Christmas is but a distant memory. All the caravan and holiday parks will be emptying out and the city roads, like those around Auckland, will be filling up again at peak hour. Those who are retired, of course, will be doing the opposite. With the school holidays over, heading out and enjoying some peace and quiet whilst summer is still with us will be the order of the day. Even the likes of me gets to benefit from that: Some of the places I use for photo locations are often rather populated during school holidays, making photography without distracting backgrounds a little tricky. But when things quieten down it’s back to normal.
There is definitely one area where Kiwis seem to be better at looking after things: the environment. It may well have something to do with the size of the respective land masses – Australia being considerably larger, there is maybe the perception of more places on land, sea and in the air to leave human detritus. Just to use one example, despite the best efforts of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA), there is still debate over what constitutes self-containment and whether grey water tanks should be required. For those not in the know, the majority of Australian-built caravans do not have grey water tanks, something that does seem very odd.
In that respect NZ is definitely more fortunate than Australia has been over recent months. With serious bushfires creating havoc in many areas, particularly some of the coastal regions in NSW and Victoria, back to normal in any number of Aussie locations won’t be happening any time soon.
Away from such serious matters, I keep thinking I need to do a bit of an extended motorhome road trip this year and anywhere really will do. Close to home, a lengthy ramble around the South Island would do me just nicely. Across the Tasman, doing the right thing maybe an extended tour of the bushfire affected areas to inject some tourism dollars. Further afield, I’ve seen chunks of Canada, but never driven fully across that great continent. Then again, there’s always Route 66 across the USA. I did it with the iM team a few years ago, but another look across that great continent has some appeal. Of course, there’s always Britain and Europe, with an endless selection of nooks and crannies to explore. Which would be your pick? None of the above perhaps? I’m thinking there may be a few changes ‘round here in the near future, so stay tuned!
I know this is not a political magazine, but occasionally on the western side of the Tasman, you hear comparisons being made between Australian and NZ governments. It seems that from an Australian point of view, the NZ government scores much better, particularly in terms of environment and matters like global warming/climate change – even to the radical extent of getting bipartisan agreement on the matter. I’ve even heard a few Aussies contemplating crossing the ditch more permanently, and late last year there was even a well known TV show that examined the subject in some detail. What amuses me somewhat is that I’ve heard Kiwis complaining about their government and then being puzzled by those Aussies
Haere Ra
Malcolm
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LETTERS
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nce there was a happy little community of about 30 retirees in Coolah, NSW. The brochure promised security. It read, “Do I get title to my site? Yes” and “The park can only be sold if agreed to by 80% majority”. So, we each bought a piece of land on which to put our modest cabins. We were told it would give us a home base whilst allowing us to enjoy the grey nomad lifestyle. We’d also have something solid to leave to our kids. It seemed like the perfect solution. That was just a few years ago.
or to move our homes. We sank the last of our life savings into this community. The New Year is looking miserable. Just hours before the sale went through, our fab new lawyers managed to get a caveat in place that will temporarily block the transfer, but that’s already being challenged. We URGENTLY need to raise money to fight this in the courts!
This fight is not just for us. Winning this will be a warning to anyone who thinks that retirees in caravan My last Christmas present was a letter telling me the land has been sold. MY land. Gone! I have a choice, it parks and other similar communities are an easy said – sign up to a lease which will cost me three times target. We are not going down without a fight! more than before, or I have to move my house and go PLEASE SAVE OUR HOMES by urgently donating by 23rd December! Now they say the 20th January! for our legal fees HERE and sharing this with your How can they have sold OUR LAND? Guess who networks. the buyers were? The very community members we trusted to manage the property! They sold it out from Rich & Sue Squires. under us! They reckon they now own it all, but we don’t think that’s legal. They have fancy lawyers but we are We can’t imagine the angst this must be causing and going to fight for what’s rightfully ours. hope your fight brings about victory and the justice all parties deserve. I also ask all readers get behind They have tried to intimidate us and push us into your cause and help stop this apparently blatant and signing things. The stress of this is extreme for us unscrupulous land grab. Please keep us posted. and is affecting our health. We can’t afford the lease 10
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NEWS
Canberra Big Rig RV Park to Open in June
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new 73-site caravan park designed to accommodate big rigs is opening in Canberra. The development, at Canberra Park near Exhibition Park on Old Wells Station Road, will offer a mix of drivethrough and reverse-in powered sites and include a camp kitchen, laundry and upmarket amenities block. The owner, Blake Cottle, says the project’s aim is to encourage travellers to come to Canberra and stay, rather than going through. It’s part of ongoing developments at the 12-hectare Canberra Park, which opened three years ago and currently caters mainly for school and sporting groups. Canberra Park’s manager, David Grigg, says he expects the new caravan park to open in June and for it to raise the bar in terms of the quality of facilities compared to current offerings. He also said the idea
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NEWS
Corryong Calling
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orryong locals are calling on RVers to come and spend some time in their town following the devastating bushfires. “How lives weren’t lost there is a miracle, but they’re already busy rebuilding, so if you’re able to visit and leave a few dollars behind, they’d love to have you. Amazingly, grass is already growing back after the rain, and the local caravan parks are open for business,” a local spokesman said. The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival, April 2-5, has plenty of activities throughout the town, along with many camping and accommodation options. Now in its 25 year, the proceeds will all go to bushfire recovery. Find out more at www.bushfestival.com.au. th
Even sooner is the Towong Cup on March 7 (Victorian Labour Day weekend). “Soak up the atmosphere of country racing, with Victoria’s oldest free standing grandstand and sweeping views of the Snowy Mountains. For details visit country.racing.com/ towong.
You can get to Corryong via the recently launched cross-border Great River Road, a touring route between Bellbridge and Khancoban, along the Murray River. It features local fauna in five public artworks and its many wayside stops offer picturesque views of the Murray River, Upper Murray valley and Snowy Mountains. Whenever you go you’ll find plenty to do in and around Corryong, with more details available here: www. murrayriver.com.au/corryong
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NEWS
Fold-Out Kiwi Caravan
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t’s been at least eight years in the making, but finally we have a sneak peek at the first Romotow fold-out caravan, with its crazy-stylish rotating cabin and builtin sun deck. It’s bang-on with the concept images and production starts soon. Designed by New Zealand architectural and interior design firm W2, the Romotow isn’t the most lightweight, economical or even practical way to see the great outdoors – but what it may lack in these areas it makes up for in eye-popping style. Fully folded, it’s an aerodynamic trailer that can function perfectly well as a low-footprint camper trailer. But the cabin is designed to rotate out of the main shell, giving you an L-shaped camper (or indeed a straight, elongated one), with its own solid deck raised up off the ground out of reach of creepy crawlies. The intent is to create a stylish luxury mobile living space that maximises your ability to enjoy the views. It’s got some neat pull-out sun shades, macerating toilet, gigantic curved front window, the ability to sustain a decent-sized solar array on top and a nice
rounded sofa in the living area that can convert to a second double bed at night. Built from carbon fibre and composites the Romotow still tips the scales at about 3,500 kg and there’s no commitment on price, except a reasonable assumption it’ll be expensive. Still, it looks and behaves like little else out there and will be king of any campsite. The company says it’ll be ready to roll within months and work will begin on customer orders in the middle of the year. Find out more HERE.
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OPINION
Winds of
Change by Allan Whiting of Outback Travel Australia
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ver the past 20 years, during bush exploration trips, we’ve witnessed first-hand several infernos that engulfed much of Alpine Victoria, the Adelaide region and the NSW south and north coasts and Great Dividing Range areas. Of course the situation is getting worse and of course global climate change has much to do with the absence of rain from our continent. Check out the 2019 scientific findings about the Indian Ocean Dipole if you don’t believe us. At the beginning of the disastrous 2002/3 Victorian Alpine fires we were camped at Wrens Flat and after lightning strikes on December 1st we saw many small valley fires from the ridge top near Jamieson. By December 5th these small fires were raging and threatening the town. Had the outbreaks been quelled quickly the threat would have vanished, but that’s far easier said than done. Most of the terrain in the High Country is impossibly steep for tracked or tyred vehicles, so the local volunteer fire crews had to wait for the flames to travel to accessible areas.
Don’t get me wrong: the volunteers who risk their lives and give up their time to defend life and property from disaster deserve our highest praise and longpostponed remuneration as well, so risks to their lives must be minimised. The under-funded bushfire effort in this country is a national disgrace.We can apparently afford to send hundreds of Australian vessels, aircraft, vehicles and citizens abroad on military missions, yet we rely heavily on insurance company levies and volunteers to fight bushfires.
How is it that there’s technology that can deliver a destructive missile remotely through a building window, yet we appear unable to quell a fire when it’s relatively small? Previous generations would revel in the technology we have today: within minutes of a lightning strike the resulting fire can be pinpointed from satellite imaging and water-bombing aircraft dispatched by mobile phone, guided to the site by GPS navigation. 16
OPINION
I’m sure that yesterday’s fire-fighters would be amazed at our continued use of the old-fashioned practice of letting fires grow when we have the ability to control them almost instantly. It’s been obvious for many years that the current practice of letting bushfires in inaccessible areas grow unchecked and join into massive fronts is as effective as placating an enemy until there’s no choice but to fight.
their training? The Australian Navy was certainly well employed in the rescue of the around the world sailor Tony Bullimore in the Southern Ocean in 1997 and dismissed the millions that effort cost as valuable training. Why not use military aircraft as fire fighters? It’s time the Federal Government, of whatever political persuasion, accepted the responsibility for limiting the spread of these destructive fires and put the full weight of its budget and resources behind the task. We can apparently afford $A50 billion for submarines that will be obsolete long before they’re delivered, to defend against some imaginary threat, but we can’t afford mere millions to upgrade our fire fighting capability to overcome an existing crisis.
The only way to quell remote-area fires in their infancy is from the air, so how is it that this fire-prone nation has limited numbers of fire-fighting aircraft and has to rent jet tankers and large helicopters every year? Too often we hear that aircraft can’t be used to water-bomb fires because smoke blocks visibility: that’s because there aren’t enough aircraft to ensure that they’re used effectively and immediately. Why don’t we have sufficient aircraft to attack bushfires when they’re of manageable size? We can afford an expensive air force that can kill people, but we apparently lack the will to have an air fire force that can kill bushfires.
A side-benefit is that reducing fire size is one sure way of helping Australia out of its pariah position on the greenhouse gas front, by limiting the poisonous gases and CO2 produced by raging bushfires. What’s the point of limiting the emissions of vehicles to the point where they’ll soon be air cleaners and trying to sequester (bury) CO2 from coal-fired power stations underground, while having bushfires pumping tonnes of emissions into the atmosphere?
In times of relative peace our military aircraft either sit on the ground or are involved in training exercises. Wouldn’t the crews relish ‘bombing’ fires as part of 17
OPINION
Better On-Ground Equipment
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s well as intervention from the air, our ‘firies’ need much better mobile equipment. Isuzu, Hino, Fuso and Toyota 4×4 vehicles are pressed into service as fire-fighting trucks of different water capacities and mobility, but these vehicles were not designed for that task. Tank body builders do the best they can, but if you offered such a fire fighting appliance to an international airport you’d be laughed off the premises. The dominant bushfire tanker truck is a Japanese 4×4 with five or eight tonnes payload capacity. These vehicles have water storage capacity and pumps for spraying the water. It’s obvious that they’re inadequate in both water storage capacity and pump delivery. Not only that – they’re inadequate in terms of specification. It’s not the trucks’ fault – they’re designed as traction trucks, with some off-road ability. Their suspensions produce a harsh ride on rough ground, limiting their speed on fire trails. What happens if the brake lines are burnt by a ground fire? The lines rupture, the air rushes out and the rear axle spring brakes come on.
Unless the springs are retracted mechanically – not likely in the middle of a bush fire – the vehicle can’t be driven. A sloped windscreen is the wrong shape for a serious fire-fighting machine. All airport fire tenders have forward-raked windscreens for several reasons: embers can’t land on the rubber wiper blades and render them useless; the projecting roof greatly adds to cab impact strength and falling debris can’t enter the cabin. What has happened to our existing fire trucks when a falling branch or burnt-out tree lands on the roof or smashes through the windscreen? The occupants are killed, seriously injured or trapped – or a combination of all three. In addition, the fire may rush inside the cabin. What happens if the truck is engulfed by fire? The window rubbers melt and the fixed windows fall out or in, exposing the crew to the full blast of the flames. 18
OPINION
There is a better vehicle design available, but it’s more expensive than using a compromise, off-the-shelf truck. For years, now-defunct RFW Trucks produced purpose-built fire appliances and the same cab design and chassis modifications could be incorporated in today’s bush fire trucks. South Australia’s then Woods and Forests Department bought several RFWs and on at least one occasion a crew walked away unharmed from a totally burnt-out truck. What’s essential is an insulated, impact-resistant cab with forward-sloping windscreen, water-spray system around and underneath the vehicle to prevent grass fires burning underneath the truck, a fully insulated cab with fireproof window glass, fire-resistant brake lines, an off-road 4x4 or 6x6 chassis with an engine-driven pump that can deliver mains-pressure water through a truck-roof-mounted monitor, as well as through hand-held hoses. Such a machine would cost around twice the price of a current 4x4, but offer much better performance on and off road, with much more fire ‘knock out’ ability and much greater safety for its crew. Governments have been getting by on the cheap for years, when it comes time to budget for bushfire fighting. If you doubt it, take a look at metropolitan fire appliances and airport fire tenders – professionals obviously won’t tolerate what volunteers will. ‘Leadership’ is unlikely to come from the current handsitters in Canberra, who won’t even talk to fire chiefs, and the Australian public is becoming angrier by the week. Listen, climate-denial Government, weak-kneed Opposition and self-interested Independents. You’re our servants and you’re getting paid: do something! 19
NEW RELEASE
WILD
Monkeys 20
NEW RELEASE
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here’s no disputing that teardrop campers are in vogue. Be it the nostalgia factor or simply a desire for something compact, easily towed and not-anotherwhite-box, teardrops are experiencing a renaissance around the world. Apparently, the first teardrop trailer designs incorporated standard 8’ x 4’ (2.44 m x 1.22 m) sheets of plywood, with hardwood spars to span the roof sheets. In the early 1930s teardrop campers evolved, becoming extremely popular in the USA after World War II. The Depression was over, the war had given the economy a big boost and people wanted to go on holidays. At that time, most cars had small engines and a teardrop camper could easily be towed behind any family car. The popularity of teardrop campers continued through to the 1950s, especially for DIY enthusiasts who wanted to build one with their own hands. Today, most teardrop campers are built to order in small custom workshops.
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NEW RELEASE
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ne such manufacture is Wild Monkey Teardrop Campers, based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The owner, Ben Culley, has worked for more than 20 years in the craft of fine furniture design and making, working in the high end market, and this is reflected in his campers. Ben also has an electrical and metal engineering background; ideal skills for building custom teardrop campers. “All our Wild Monkey Teardrop Campers are custom built to give you everything you need to hit the road for a weekend or an extended holiday. Our models are self sufficient, environmentally friendly, light weight, aerodynamic, economical on fuel and easily towed by a small vehicle – yet built to feel luxurious and spacious,” Ben says. “A Wild Monkey Teardrop Camper is a perfect tent or camper trailer alternative, with no drying out wet canvases and great if you don’t want to upgrade to a
larger tow vehicle or if you have limited parking space. Teardrop Campers are the smallest type of trailer in the RV world. Most teardrop campers can be towed comfortably behind a small car. The chances are whatever is sitting in your garage right now has the power to tow a Teardrop Camper!”. 22
NEW RELEASE
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ild Monkey’s range comprises three models – the Splendour DX, LX and GT. All have the same measurements – an overall length of 3.96 m (13’), overall width of 2.02 m (6’7”) and height of 1.78m (5’10”) – plus tare around 600 kg, with an ATM of 1000 kg and a 55 kg ball weight. Construction comprises a fully welded steel boxsection chassis with special ‘Raptor Coating’ for protection (plus underfloor), a solid axle with leaf springs, swing-up jockey wheel, 14” steel wheels, electric brakes, body walls made from birch marine ply from Finland with aluminium composite exterior panel, plus full insulation and, as they say, much, much more. Specifications vary across the range, but what appears consistent is a high level of quality and attention to detail. Prices range from $23,990 for the DX to $31,990 for the GT. To find out more visit the Wild Monkey Camper’s website at www.wmcampers.com.au or call Ben on 0418 879 701. Also, watch for a review later this year when we get the chance to visit Ben (and Stanley) at the factory.
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TASTED: EARTHCRUISER G-PRO ESCAPE
Go Pro EarthCruiser’s Merc-based G-Pro pop-top crams a lot of features into a small, go-anywhere package… by Allan Whiting of Outback Travel Australia 25
TASTED
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n the second half of 2018, EarthCruiser added the Mercedes-Benz G-Pro to its motorhome vehicle range. It had a 4.5t Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) rating and therefore could be driven by the holder of any standard passenger car driver’s licence. The G-Pro Escape allowed owners, “To explore without the constraints of normal all-terrain vehicles”.
Standard equipment included an automatic transmission, front and rear differential locks and allcoil-spring suspension. Should the unforeseen occur and traction was lost, Earthcruiser fitted 13.500 lb power winches front and rear.
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TASTED
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3.0-litre V6 Mercedes-Benz diesel V6 engine squeezed under the G-Pro’s stubby bonnet delivered maximum power of 135kW, with peak torque rated at 400Nm. EarthCruiser fitted uprated shock absorbers, an onboard air compressor and 250-litre tanks for both fuel and water. The latest lithium battery technology powered the electrical system and recharged through solar panels when stationary, or via the 120-amp vehicle alternator when on the move. A rear mounted, independent air conditioning unit kept the luxury accommodation cool, while the G-Pro cabin had its own integral air conditioning unit on the move.
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TASTED
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ome comforts included an upright 122-litre capacity fridge/freezer; internal shower and toilet, plus a supplementary external shower module. A standard double bed was complemented by a sky bed option that slept three. Catering was made easy and safe by the fitment of a diesel-fuelled cooker.In addition to the standard inclusion of telematics with satellite tracking and monitoring, vision from five externally mounted cameras provided forty five days recording in real time, with global systems control via an IPAD touch screen.
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TASTED
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ommunications options included an 80-channel UHF radio, with a DVR/GPS/4G solid state cellular hot spot via a 6-dB(A) gain antenna. Charting your progress was also made easy, with the onboard navigation system pre-loaded with Hema mapping, Bluetooth and iPhone connectivity. World travellers should note that the compact external overall dimensions enabled you to slot your adventure traveller into a standard ISO container for shipment.
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TASTED
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e inspected the Escape model several times during its development at EarthCruiser’s Wollongong (NSW) factory and were most impressed with the behind-the-facade work that was necessary to convert what is a military vehicle into a recreational one. For example, the cab rear wall was replaced by one that allowed more seat travel, in addition to a walkthrough doorway. The EarthCruiser range is available in a variety of formats and sizes to suit specific requirements, together with a choice of host cab/chassis from manufacturers that include Mercedes-Benz, Iveco and Fuso.
30
TASTED
E
arthCruiser’s 2020 Extreme version is being built on the more popular and lower-priced Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series cab/chassis, with several chassis and suspension modifications to increase its GVM. Keep a look out, we’ll have more information on this vehicle in the next few months. In the mean time, for further information on any of the EarthCruiser range call Mark on (+61) 0412 642 437 or email sales@earthcruiser.net.au.
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CUSTOM: TESTED: HINO 817CARADO 4x4 SLRV T135 EXPEDITION
Beryl’s Unhappy Marriage 33
CUSTOM
Hino’s capable 817 4x4 hasn’t marriedup well to SLRV’s impressive expedition motorhome body, reports Allan Whiting of OutbackTravelAustralia…
S
pecialist off-road motorhome manufacturer SLRV Expedition Vehicles has fitted a motorhome body to the Hino 817 4x4 chassis, but with mixed results. When we first drove the Hino 817 4x4 light truck we thought it would make an excellent motorhome base, but the SLRV Expedition Vehicle we’ve reviewed is not the happiest marriage between body and chassis. Before checking out ‘Beryl’, this new custom motorhome, our experience with the Hino 817 was confined to loaded tray-bodied vehicles with low centres of gravity that behaved quite well on fire trails and steep gradients The fact that the Hino’s double chassis at the rear made its frame height about 150 mm higher than the Fuso Canter’s and 80 mm higher than the Isuzu NPS 300’s shouldn’t be an issue, but this vehicle has a substantial suspension lift as well, making it sway-prone when cornering and off-road. 34
CUSTOM
Yet another factor is SLRV bodywork, which is flexibly mounted. That suits flexible European chassis very well, but doesn’t meet Hino’s body installation requirements. As a result, when SLRV put a motorhome body on the 817 chassis the company found that handling was less than desirable, with pronounced body sway in a standard lane-change manoeuvre, which SLRV performs with all its motorhomes. Several suspension modifications later, including leaf spring changes and the fitment of a rear anti-sway bar, the Hino behaved much better, but not to the same level as European models – or the Isuzu NPS
300 4x4. As a result, SLRV told me it doesn’t intend to do any more motorhome conversions on the Hino 817 chassis. Sure, a motorhome wasn’t one of the primary vocations intended by Hino for its 817 4x4, but the truck’s leading specifications should have suggested its appeal to the motorhome fraternity. Despite our urgings during 2016/7, Hino did no prerelease investigation of the effects a wide-single-tyre conversion would have on steering and handling, but Hino has now fitted four 285/70R19.5 tyres on ATW wheels to a development truck and we did a backto-back drive with this modified truck and a stock standard one in March 2019.
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CUSTOM
On and Off Road
W
e conducted our own test on the SLRV-Hino, with the kind permission of its new owner, and came away a little wary of what is still a work in progress.The Hino’s specification list is ahead of the opposition’s, with traction control, stability control and four-wheel disc brakes as standard and that was the attraction for its owner. However, when we drove the vehicle its lifted and revised-rate suspension was still being refined. The loaded machine tipped the scales at a shade under seven tonnes, so it deserved some respect through the twisty bits. However, the fitment of a nonstandard anti-sway bar to the rear axle kept body roll controllable. The principal issue was steering action that was reluctant to return to centre after a turn. It was difficult to keep the truck on line during a rightangle turn, so the owner has to do some fiddling with steering geometry and free-play to get that sorted.
After driving Hino’s own truck that’s fitted with single 285/70R19.5 tyres front and rear, we think the steering eccentricities of this motorhome are related to the suspension height increase that has altered the front end steering geometry – particularly castor angle. The single-tyred Hino with standardsuspension rode, handled and steered very well. Hino has noted the effects of the suspension height increase and intends to liaise with the owner of this motorhome to help have the problem rectified. Off-road, the Hino 817 was very capable and conquered our rocky climb test without more than the odd bout of slight wheel slip, while downhill control was also excellent. However, any hint of side-sloping saw too much body sway for our liking and we think the SLRV bodywork is too heavy for serious adventuring with the 817.
36
CUSTOM The SLRV design has a fixed-height roof, so there was, literally, no set-up time: just open the side door; press the electric step button and walk in. Inside, the layout included a vented bathroom with cassette toilet. We particularly liked the diesel stove, twodrawer pull-out fridge-freezer unit and the secondary fridge outside, with a drop-down MSA4x4 slide unit. Conveniently, the bed remained made up and the dinette was always in place. The fixed-height roof made installation of large side windows, a TV aerial, 240V aircon and interior 12V fans straightforward. There were also ample storage compartments plus a custom spare wheel frame at the rear, with winch-operated lowering mechanism. On the subject of winches, the Hino was fitted with forward and rear-operating electric winches, for selfrecovery. The owner had extensive bar work fitted up front to protect the cab, its auxiliary lights and aerials, plus roof access via a stylish inbuilt ladder. Fit and finish was exemplary on this bush home away from home and it’s a pity the issues between the body and chassis/revised suspension have resulted in a less than ideal set-up in this otherwise impressive 4x4 expedition motorhome.
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CUSTOM “When SLRV put a motorhome body on the 817 chassis the company found that handling was less than desirable, with pronounced body sway in a standard lane-change manoeuvre, which SLRV performs with all its motorhomes...”
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Motorhome in photo: Carado T449
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TESTED: OPINION CARADO T135
C O A S T I N G A L O N G
Malcolm Street goes coastal touring in Carado’s compact T135… 40
TESTED
O
n a normal visit to New Zealand I don’t stray much further than the outer suburbs of Auckland or Christchurch. However, on my most recent assignment in NZ I had a couple of jobs in Hamilton and Tauranga, which made a nice change and gave me an opportunity to spend a bit of time in the east coast township of Mount Manganui. For my little trip I borrowed a Helix 2 rental motorhome from Wilderness. The Helix 2 is a 2-berth, 4-seat B-class motorhome that’s better known in the retail market as a Carado T135. It’s also a motorhome that has an external width of 2.3 m (7’ 6½”), which makes it ideal for touring on some of the narrower NZ roads.
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TESTED
Background
C
arado is a German manufacturer, part of the giant Hymer group and one of quite a few European manufacturers who sell their motorhomes in New Zealand. Wilderness runs a fleet of German-built motorhomes which, apart from anything else, gives the discerning renter a good choice of stylish rental vehicles. Those same motorhomes are also sold into the retail market, so it’s also an opportunity for a potential buyer to try before purchase. Wilderness fitout their motorhomes for freedom camping, hence the company name, and consequently the motorhomes have a few extras not usually found in rental motorhomes.
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TESTED
Motive Power
L
ike many a Euro-built motorhome, the Carado T135 has a Fiat Ducato Multijet 130 cab-chassis with the 2.3-litre 96 kW/320 Nm turbo-diesel and 6-speed AMT gearbox. Getting to a few statistics, the 5.9 m (19’ 4”) Helix 2 has a tare mass of 2715 kg and a GVM of 3495 kg. Designed and built for motorhome use, Fiat’s Ducato comes with a reinforced cut-away cab, flat-top chassis rails for ease of body mounting, the best seat-swivel mechanism in the business and, being front-wheel drive, simple but light weight and effective rear suspension. More than 2.6 million have been produced since 1981 and the Ducato accounts for about 75 percent of all motorhome base vehicles in Europe, so it’s more than proven.
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TESTED
Build
U
nlike some Euro motorhomes I have seen, the Helix 2 has better than usual ground clearance, which is very handy if negotiating undulating terrain. Built using a fibreglass composite body structure, the Helix 2 is quite streamlined looking and comes with a skyview hatch above the cab. Double glazed Seitz awning-style windows are fitted all ‘round; the habitation door has an electric step and at the kerb-side rear there is a decent external storage locker. That also gives access to the under-bed area, which is handy when retrieving gear from the inside. It’s a deeper-than-usual storage locker because of a stepped design that improves the available space and provides room for all the essential camping gear.
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TESTED
Freedom Camping
A
feature of all Wilderness motorhomes is that they are well set up for remote/freedom camping. For starters, there’s a 120-litre fresh water tank and a 90-litre grey tank. A pair of nine kilogram gas cylinders, stored in the kerb-side mid-wall locker are good for the hob, water/space heater and three-way fridge. That leaves the electrics, which comprise a pair of 90 Ah batteries and a single 150 W solar panel, plus a 1000 W inverter. The inverter gets around the little problem of there being no USB charger hubs in the rear. Experience has taught me to carry around a small power board for all my electrical gear as power points aren’t always in a convenient place.One of the benefits of the Helix 2 layout is that it’s quite a compact but liveable arrangement. That means a sub-6m (20’) length but still plenty of features, something the Euros are very good at.
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TESTED
By Night
Built neatly into the rear kerb-side corner is the 2.0 he floorplan has a French (rear corner) bed and m x 1.35 m (6’ 7”) French bed with a good sized wall bathroom at the rear and a mid-area kitchen. That window. The bed is a chamfered shape that allows leaves the cab and front area for the swivelled cab easy access to the bathroom, alongside the bed in seats that form an integral part of the dinette, which the drivers’-side rear corner. Overhead lockers are includes a forward-facing rear seat fitted with seat fitted along the wall and across the back. A handy little belts. A typically efficient German motorhome layout? feature at the base of the bed is the cabinet shelf that Jawohl! The LED lighting is done in a very fine style sits between the bed and dinette. It not only provides using a mixture of recessed and strip light fittings. shelf space for things like electronic devices being Such is the switching that any sort of lighting mood you charged, but also handy compartment and cupboard like can be created. storage as well.
T
46
TESTED
Amenities
T
he rear corner bathroom cubicle is quite a snug arrangement. It has a bench style cassette toilet at the rear, a swivelling wash basin, a cabinet and wall mirror above. The swivelling wash basin is one of those apparently simple ideas that is a very effective usage of the space above the loo: A hinged acrylic door can be used to close off the toilet area when the shower is being used, thus keeping it relatively dry. It’s still a wet bathroom though. Outside the bathroom, between it and the kitchen bench, is a wardrobe that offers plenty of hanging space. Being a rental motorhome, it’s also where items like the blankets and towels are to
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TESTED
Catering
B
y the entry door, along the driver’s-side wall, the kitchen unit is a relatively small one. Fitted into the short bench top is a three-burner hob and a round stainless steel sink, whilst under the bench is a 122-litre 3-way fridge. Being a rental vehicle and very handy for someone like moi, the kitchen cupboards and overhead lockers are full of all the necessary cooking and eating items, including a plunger coffee maker. That said, there isn’t an oversupply of space for food supplies in the immediate area, but the lockers above the table are generously sized and fitted with shelves.
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TESTED
Upfront
E
nhanced with the entry door open, the impression up front is of plenty of window space, aided by both the cab windows and big roof hatch. It’s an effect that works well in a relatively small area. Four seats surround the table and certainly the cab seats are better for kicking back than the squarer rear seats, but at least there is room to sit around the table without too much trouble. The front seats are also useful for TV watching, since it’s mounted on a slider in an overhead locker between the bed and dinette. A power point is located under the table and it’s a bit awkward to get at but, that’s where I use my power board.
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TESTED
What I Think
I
reckon the Helix 2/Carado T135 is an ideal little motorhome for a couple or single person planning on a rental motorhome tour of NZ. It’s also great for anyone who doesn’t particularly desire to own a large motorhome, yet wants something that offers decent interior space. Carado has designed a practical interior that is quite functional and like the rest of the motorhome is more pitched to those who prefer a light weight mode of travel. In these eco times, that is no bad thing.
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GENERAL Make
Carado
Model
T135
Type
B-class
Berths
2
Approved Seating
2
Licence
Car/WOF
Pros...
VEHICLE Make/Model
Fiat Ducato 2.3 130
Engine
2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power
196 kW @ 2900-3500
Torque
320 Nm @ 1500-2600 rpm
Transmission/Drive
6-speed automated manual (ATM)/FWD
Safety
ABS, ESP, Tracction Control, air bags & more
Fuel
90 L
WEIGHTS Tare Weight
2757 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass
3500 kg
Braked Towing Capacity
2000 kg
Cons...
DIMENSIONS Overall Length
5.90 m (19’ 4”)
Overall Width
2.30 m (7' 7")
Overall Height
2.80 m (9’ 2”)
Internal Height
2.00 m (6’ 7”)
Bed
2.0 m x 1.35-1.1 m (6’ 7” x 4’5”-3’7”)
Size Easy driving Well appointed Lighting Storage Freedom camping ability
Power point location Small kitchen Inverter location Handing back keys...
EQUIPMENT Slide-Out
No
Awning
No
Entry Step
Electric
Cooker
Thetford 3-burner
Rangehood Sink Fridge Microwave Lighting 12 V Sockets/USB Outlets Air Conditioner Space Heater Hot Water System Toilet Shower CAPACITIES Batteries Solar LPG Fresh Water Grey Water Hot Water Toilet PRICE As Tested – 2019 model Warranty – Chassis & Habitation Warranty – Water Tightness
Dometic Stainless Steel 113 L Thetford N3112 3-way (240v/12v/LPG) No 12 V LED Cab only No Truma Combi 6E LPG/Electric Truma Combi 6E LPG/Electric Thetford cassette Separate Cubicle 2 x 90 Ah Ah 150 W 2 x 9 kg 120 L 90 L 10 L 17 L (cassette)
Contact North Island
SmartRV Auckland 11 Pavillion Drive Airport Oaks. Auckland. 2022. T: 0800 007 627 E: sales@smartrv.co.nz W: smartmotorhomes.co.nz South Island
SmartRV Christchurch 3 Export Drive Harewood. ChCh. 8051 T: 0800 007 628 E: ccsales@smartrv.co.nz W: smartmotorhomes.co.nz
NZ$119,900 2 Years 5 Years
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TOURING
On the Road
A
s noted earlier, many of my trips are work related, but one of the benefits of touring in NZ is that distances are relatively short and it’s quite easy travelling around. Therefore, I gave myself a day off and headed out to Mt Manganui. I haven’t been there for some years and one of my favourite little memories is of the Beachside Holiday Park, which sits in the shadow of Mount Manganui – Mauao – to give its Maori name. If you get there early enough you can snag one of the almost-beachfront sites, but sadly not on this occasion – obviously everyone else had the same idea. Still, it’s a great location. Mauao is actually a big hill and only 232-metres high, but it’s there to be climbed or walked around and has some great ocean and Port of Tauranga views. Nearby Tauranga is much more industrial than the coastal Mount Manganui and also hosts cruise ships from time to time. At the time of year I was there, swimming and walking were clearly popular activities, as was visiting the local restaurants and cafes. My tip – go there, but in less busy times or book ahead for the caravan park! Also be prepared for some early morning wake up noises: there is the surf beach of course, plus the sound of runners pounding the board walk, and if you happen to be closer to the Mount, then it will be the sound of sheep baaing!
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Leave ordinary behind
No road restrictions, modern self-contained motorhomes and outstanding customer service. Experience New Zealand your way in a premium rental motorhome from Wilderness. Find out more at wilderness.co.nz 53
TRAVEL
first timer!
Colin Oberin reports on his first CMCA National Rally...
54
TRAVEL
H
aving been a member of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) for a few years I thought it was about time I attended a National Rally. When I saw that the 2019 rally was to be held in Elmore, Victoria, only two hours from home, I signed up. As a first timer I was invited to arrive on the Saturday before the rally proper started on the Sunday and so it was that that sunny morning I was driving up the highway from my home in inner Melbourne to the rally. The rally site at the Elmore Events Centre was huge and very well laid out. Many volunteers were on hand to direct us to our sites and the entry procedure was
quick and painless. I was soon on my site and setting up for a week-long stay. Courtesy of my long lead, the van was soon hooked up to power and after an introduction to the neighbours it was time to check out the goodies in the rally pack. Apart from the usual advertising flyers and a few promotions for local attractions, the pack included a very comprehensive Official Rally Guide. It included a site map, timetables for daily activities, the craft barn, workshops and seminars. There was even a profile of all the presenters and entertainers as well as a directory of the traders on-site.
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TRAVEL
Getting Together
A
ll first timers were invited to a Happy Hour and BBQ dinner where the CEO and Board Members of CMCA were introduced and we were given a brief run down on what to expect in the coming week. There were several hundred first timers present and by a show of hands regarding membership numbers between 120,000 and 100,000, then between 99,999 and 80,000, and followed by those between 79,999 and 50,000, etc. it was shown that most first timers had been members for a few years at least and some for many years before attending this, their first National Rally. This get together was a good chance to meet some new people and by chance I also managed to meet a member I had travelled in convoy with on a previous safari through Far North Queensland. After a pleasant evening finding out about new found friends, their families, travels, RV rig and various other topics of conversation, it was an early night for me. 56
TRAVEL
First Full Day
N
ext morning was bright and sunny so I wandered over to the Traders’ Hub and checked out all the offerings, bought a coffee and then a water filtration system for the van. After washing the bugs off the van and having some lunch it was time to wander over to check out Rod Hannifey’s monster truck and trailers, and listen to his workshop ‘Sharing the Road with Trucks’, which I found very interesting. I wish every rally participant had heard Rod’s safety message or at least visits his website www.sharetheroad.net.au. I then went to the tour booking desk only to find that the one tour I was interested in was booked out, but I wasn’t too worried because I am familiar with this part of Victoria and had previously visited all the attractions the various tours were visiting. I suspect that most members who flocked to sign up for tours as soon as the tour desk opened were from interstate and not familiar with the area. I would certainly do the same in their situation.
The evening was taken up with a mandatory safety briefing followed by the official Opening Ceremony. From the various speeches I learnt that there was a total of 820 vehicles on site, including 760 motorhomes. There were approximately 1500 people including staff, a few hundred volunteer helpers and 280 first timers like me. The site was very spread out and it was a 10 to 15 minute walk back to my van after the festivities, but there were so-called Smiley buses circulating every few minutes for those who weren’t as mobile or who had simply had enough walking. The Smiley buses also ferry rally participants to the towns of Elmore and Rochester. Although the main venue and the Traders Hub were quite a long way from my site, there were other smaller venues where some of the activities were held, just across from my site, and a third hub for seminars and CMCA administration about five minutes’ walk away.
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TRAVEL
In The Swing
M
onday was bright and sunny, with the morning taken up by the AGM. That meant the myriad other activities didn’t kick off until the afternoon. After attending a session regarding the Member Stop Over (MSO) facility and the Solos network it was time for a nap. Next up was Happy Hour with the neighbours and after steak and a salad for dinner it was off to the central entertainment area for a John Farnham tribute concert, which was described in the Rally Guide as, “The ultimate John Farnham celebration”. That was a most enjoyable evening, especially as I was able to duck out for an ice-cream at one point and still hear the show. Next morning a Poet’s Breakfast was scheduled to start at 7:30 and so I set the alarm, but when it went off I simply turned over and went back to sleep. A friend later told me it was good. I had planned to do the Flying Kites with Grandchildren workshop, but by the time I found out that this workshop had moved its
time slot it was already over. That serves me right for sleeping in and not reading the emailed notices until too late. Next stop for me was a seminar by Blaze Aid about their work in helping farmers get back on their feet after fires or floods or other natural disasters that affect their livelihood. They provided good information about their work and what it’s like to be a volunteer. Most of those in attendance had not previously been a Blaze Aid volunteer so I expect they will have some new faces after this seminar. After an excellent pizza for lunch in the food court I attended a very useful seminar on using UHF radios. The presenter, who had just been elected to the CMCA Board, also briefly touched on VHF and HF radio, EPIRBs and Spot Trackers, and explained the differences and the advantages and limitations of each. My brain was crammed with new information, so a quiet evening was in store.
58
TRAVEL
While listening to some bush poetry the following morning I thumbed through the 55 pages of the Rally Guide and despite finding a few activities that I was mildly interested in nothing grabbed me as something I couldn’t possibly miss. Therefore I decided to take a Smiley bus into Rochester to replenish supplies and have a look around. The Smiley buses were free for rally participants and two of them ran a shuttle service from the rally site to Elmore then Rochester and return. The round trip took about an hour and with two buses on the run there was one every half hour or so. I alighted at the first stop outside the Railway Station as I saw the Sports Museum had an open sign out front. Even though they were still setting up for the Official Opening on the Friday it was clear this will be an excellent display of important memorabilia from a wide variety of Australian and international sports stars once it’s fully operational, so I intend to revisit next time I’m up this way. Next stop was a short walk to view the silo art on the other side of the railway line and then a casual walk around the town of Rochester. Shopping at the very good supermarket was followed by a coffee in one of the town’s coffee shops, all of which were well patronised by rally participants, before checking out the Sir Hubert Opperman statue and wandering back to the bus stop. 59
TRAVEL
Financial Fertiliser
L
est anyone thinks the rally might be little more than self-indulgent entertainment for retirees, rest assured that there is more to it. On return from Rochester I posted the receipt for my purchases in the bin provided, so rally organisers could get an idea as to how much money participants spent in the surrounding communities. Pink was the order of the day on Wednesday as the rally was raising money for the McGrath Foundation, which funds breast care nurses for those with breast cancer. Accordingly, I wore a white shirt which is now a delicate shade of pink with brighter pink blotches here and there as a result of being lovingly washed by my wife after I had worn it once. There were various other charity initiatives also going on during the rally. I poked my head into the Craft Barn, which was situated right across from my site, so I could give my wife a report on the activities there. On being confronted by lots of ladies diligently working away at their various crafts, I simply noted the piles of completed craft works and beat a hasty retreat as I am very un-crafty. At least I saw enough to make a sensible report to my crafty wife after I got home. Each evening, entertainment was provided in the main arena. Most nights I wandered over after an early dinner. I didn’t always stay for the whole show but what I saw on each night was very good and age appropriate for an audience almost entirely made up of retirees. A Down on the Farm Ball was scheduled for the Friday evening but I missed that as I needed to depart on Friday.
encouraging those who, for whatever reason, need to dispose of their large motorhome and downsize to a smaller van-style vehicle that can double as a daily driver, rather than dropping out of the RV lifestyle completely. It was still quite hot at dinner time so I decided that instead of cooking I would head back to the food court. However, a quick drink first with neighbours in the shade of one of the vans seemed a good idea. This became an extended session of yarns, jokes, some poetry and suggestions for future trips until we all realised it had gotten dark as we chatted and the food court was about to close. We all wandered off in the cool of the evening to grab some food and resume our discussion, sitting in a circle in the outdoor food court until they turned off the lights and we headed back to our respective vans. As we strolled along we observed that in a couple of places the ranks of motorhomes and vans lined up along the various avenues had thinned somewhat from earlier in the week. Perhaps the heat had affected some participants more than others, leaving some with health issues to make an early departure? Others, like me, might have had other commitments, which is why I had planned my departure for Friday about lunch time. However, I attended one last seminar on Friday before departing for home on a much cooler day.
Thursday was forecast to be hot and it certainly delivered, reaching 33ÂşC by lunchtime. Forewarned, I caught the Smiley bus early in the morning and headed first to the Rochester Historical and Pioneer Society, which had a very good collection of artefacts from local farms and homes, plus sporting and business activities, etc. The collection was spread across several historic buildings and an excellent Devonshire tea was also available. Then it was back for a look around Elmore which has some interesting old buildings, a museum and a rural discovery centre. By the time I got back to the rally site I was rather hot, so an ice-cream at the shady outdoor food court was in order. Refreshed by the ice cream and then lunch, I attended a seminar on grey water issues that quickly became a very interesting and broad ranging discussion about various aspects of RV ownership and usage. This was followed soon after by a session 60
TRAVEL
Thoughts
O
verall I enjoyed my week at the rally and the organisers and numerous volunteers and presenters did a fantastic job. Although it was a bit overwhelming at first to see so many motorhomes and so many Grey Nomads all in the one place, I soon felt at home on the rally site. However, I found it a bit tiring at times rushing from one seminar or activity to another, especially on the hot days. The number and range of activities available was impressive and it was just by chance that some activities of interest to me were scheduled close together time-wise, but in venues far apart. Making friends with my neighbours for the week certainly enhanced the experience. I’m not sure I will go again next year as I prefer to keep moving rather than staying in one place for a week or more. However, if a future rally coincides with one of my trips or is being held in a location I want to visit, I would certainly consider attending.
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#HEDRIVES
TRAVEL
REAL TALK By Mitch Crowle
Y
ou wouldn’t necessarily pick an introvert as the personality type of someone living solo on the road in a campervan. Considering how warm and open the RV community is, especially when you are staying in RV parks or boondocking in popular spots, the lifestyle lends itself to those who are happiest when meeting new people and learning all about their neighbours.
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#HEDRIVES
TRAVEL
The lodgings at Polebridge, Montana, near the Canadian border, were ideal for me - beautifully remote and minimal neighbours!
When I first picked up my campervan, I was in the luxurious position of having our publisher Richard accompany me in his own rental RV as we made our way east across California, headed toward Texas. We parted ways for a short time, met up again, parted again, met up again, and it was a great introduction to the life. I was finding that while on my own, I tended to hole up in the van. Slightly wary of daily new neighbours, experimenting with where I could park the camper overnight, and working on the road to Australian business time combined to form an insular perspective that became lonely quickly. I resolved to make a change - and begin getting out of my comfort zone. Meet. New. People.
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#HEDRIVES
TRAVEL
Glacier National Park was dead in terms of visitors for the time I was there which meant I had free rein to take in the incredible vistas and shoot as many photos as possible without interruption.
Most of the scenery and landmarks I have visited so far are rural, out of the way, and because of the time of year when I began driving (February), sparsely populated. I was happy to be avoiding tourist crowds - especially in areas like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone - but it also meant that RV parks and BLM lands could also be isolating. Making the conscious decision to meet more people proved awkward at first, from my perspective. I would constantly overthink the situation and end up retreating to my camper. Over time this feeling started to disappear, because the RV community is filled with people who are genuinely happy to sit down and talk to whoever they come across, without apprehension or judgement. There is a genuine warmth and generosity that I have found, whether talking to someone for 10 minutes or seeing a new neighbour three nights in a row. 87
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#HEDRIVES TRAVEL
This is Dakota. Under an overpass in Seattle three days a week, he practices with his kit so he won’t disturb the neighbours in his apartment building.
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TRAVEL
The more I talked to people day to day, the more that confidence fed into other aspects of living on the road. Waiting in line to pick up an order from a food truck, heading into the gym in the morning or out on a hiking trail for the day - the relaxed and genuine warmth from fellow RVers fed into my outlook for everyone and I found myself enjoying my days a lot more. Where the first little while in my campervan I was happy to see certain landmarks or venues that I had researched, now in a groove I began wandering a lot more, spending less time in the van than ever unless I was driving or sleeping.
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Hiking trails and bike tracks throughout Colorado, Utah and Northern California were a great way to see gorgeous scenery - and also meet likeminded people!
#HEDRIVES TRAVEL
The Arnold family in Yellowstone were parked next to the campervan and each morning their three young kids were out and about, enjoying the fresh morning wilderness as their parents took care of the RV and other chores.
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#HEDRIVES
TRAVEL
As I spent more time on the road I began to find a great balance that would have seemed alien when I first started to drive across the US. Between travel, work and exploring, I became able to be honest with myself about when I needed to be in my own space, and when I should be making the most of meeting people and learning about their stories and getting recommendations on places to go, things to do and sights to see. It has definitely been a learning curve, although the infectious enthusiasm that is rampant through the RV lifestyle does wonders for your mindset and outlook if you are willing to open up to it. Taking time for yourself is a healthy aspect of life - just remember the age old advice of everything in moderation. Embrace the idea that when living life on the road you will meet amazing people who love the life just as much as you do!
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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS
CMCA
RV Friendly Towns image: Joey Csunyo
he RV Friendly program is a Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Limited (CMCA) initiative aimed at assisting RV travellers as they journey throughout this wonderful country.
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will be provided for them that may not be available in other centres, and they will have access to a safe place to stay overnight and possibly for a longer period.
An RV Friendly Town (RVFT) is one that provides a certain number of amenities and a certain level of services for these travellers.
On the following pages are this issue’s featured RV Friendly towns. If possible please include them in your travels and support the communities going out of their way to welcome those of us fortunate enough to be travelling. Enjoy!
When RV travellers enter a town displaying the RVFT sign they know they will be welcome. Certain services
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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS
Young, NSW
Y
oung is situated in the South West Slopes Region of NSW and is commonly referred to as the ‘Cherry Capital of Australia’. The town was settled in 1826 and has grown from a humble sheep station into a thriving regional centre.
and features a street parade, the Cherry Festival Ball, heritage train rides and a fantastic farmers market. Parking is available at Young Showground, located on Boorowa-Murringo Road. Parking is only available to those travelling in self-contained vehicles and there is no cost to stay on-site. To access power, additional fees apply. Bookings must be made with the showground secretary prior to arrival. Conveniently, potable water and a dump point are accessible at the showground.
When travelling through the region be sure to visit this thriving town. It is renowned for its quality cool climate wines, excellent local foods and authentic country experience. A very popular event – The National Cherry Festival – takes place each year in December
Tourist/Visitor Information Centre
Railway Station Lovell Street, Young T: (02) 6382-3394 E: info@visityoung.com.au W: www.young.nsw.gov.au
Casual Parking (near retail centre)
Railway Station, Lovell Street
Short Term Parking
Young Showground Boorowa-Murringo Rd
Dump Point
Young Showground, Boorowa-Murringo Rd
Potable Water
Young Showground, Boorowa-Murringo Rd
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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS
Warialda, NSW
W
arialda is approximately 62 kilometres north-west of Inverell on the Gwydir Highway. The district is home to a diverse range of agricultural industries, including crops, cattle, sheep, olives and pecan nut farms. When visiting Warialda, pay a visit to Cranky Rock Recreation Reserve. Featuring excellent picnic and barbecue facilities, a suspension bridge and bird and wildlife sanctuary, the reserve is a great place to relax
and enjoy the local wildlife. Here, you will also find a jumble of giant boulders, heaped in the most fantastic positions due to past volcanic upheaval. Parking is available at the Saleyards Rest Area, strictly for self-contained vehicles only. Stays are limited to 24 hours and visitors have access to bins, potable water and a dump point. Pets on leads are welcome.
Tourist/Visitor Information Centre
Warialda Visitor Information Centre Cnr Geddes St & Holden Sts, Warialda T: (02) 6729-0046 E: warialdatourism@gwydir.nsw.gov.au W: www.warialdansw.com.au
Casual Parking (near retail centre)
Emergency Services Bldg, Stephen St
Short Term Parking
Saleyards Rest Area Gwydir Highway 24 hrs, self-contained only, water, dump pt, pets on leads
Dump Point
Saleyards Rest Area, Gwydir Highway
Potable Water
Saleyards Rest Area, Gwydir Highway
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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS
Batlow, NSW
B
atlow is a small rural town in the South-West Slopes Region of New South Wales, on the edge of the Great Dividing Range. The town is well known for its apples and a collective love of Princess Diana, who is said to have payed the town a discrete visit during a Royal tour in 1987. Travellers can visit several attractions in town, including orchards, Farm Gate Road stalls, the Sugar Pine Eco Walk and engage in a wide range of outdoor
activities such as bush walking, cycling and mountain bike riding. RV travellers visiting Batlow can stay at Batlow Showground. Parking is available for up to 96 hours for no charge, and access to showers, toilets, power and a barbecue is available. Potable water is available on-site at the showground; however, the dump point is located at 14 Memorial Drive.
Tourist/Visitor Information Centre
Coffee and More 33 Pioneer Street Batlow T: (02) 6949-2053 W: www.visitbatlow.com.au
Casual Parking (near retail centre)
Pioneer St & Memorial Ave, Batlow
Short Term Parking
Batlow Showground Cnr Memorial Ave & Park St 96 hours no charge, pets on leads, mobile coverage, showers, bins, toilets, power, BBQ, water
Dump Point
14 Memorial Ave
Potable Water
Batlow Showground, Cnr Memorial Ave & Park St
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“Kindness is the language the deaf can hear, the blind can see and even animals understand...� Mark Twain (paraphrased)
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