iMotorhome eMagazine Issue 13 - Nov 2 2012 by iMotorhome Magazine

iMotorhome

13: November 03 2012

.com.au

Issue

because getting there is half the fun...

ON THE RIGHT TRAKK 2100 km in Trakka’s innovative Trakkaway 700...

Two’s Company

United’s Kiwi camper is surprisingly versatile...

Alaska Dreaming!

Up or down, which way will you go?

TOP 10 REASONS TO BUY FROM BCMC... 1 2 3 4 5 6

Superior vehicles ‘Satisfaction built-in’ is BCMC’s bi-line. We are the only retailer in Australia focused solely on the sales and support of ‘built-in’ recreational motorhomes and campervans.

Deal direct with the manufacturer It’s great to know that the people that sold you your motorhome, also built it. Most of our staff have spent extensive time in built-in recreational vehicles, tap into their experience and their handy travel hints.

Proven track record Since 1988 BCMC have seen many companies come and go. With no big city overheads, you’ll realise that the total on-road prices represent the best value in Australia.

Research & development BCMC are constantly testing and improving all aspects of vehicles in line with customer expectations and demands. Horizon and Frontline vehicles are at the leading edge of design.

Large range of new & pre-loved ‘The range of Horizon Motorhomes and Frontline Campervans on display is substantial, so too is our fine range of pre-loved vehicles. Horizon models are designed and built by BCMC in Ballina.

Accessories galore Full inventory of spare parts and accessories. Our staff will explain the value of optional add-ons such as air conditioning, solar power, or fly screens to make your touring even more pleasurable.

7 8 9 10

p.02 6681 1555 www.ballinacampers.com.au 299 River Street Ballina NSW 2478

After sales service BCMC are industry leaders in their approach to servicing your vehicle. Totally professional, always prompt. Complete diagnostic and maintenance programmes.

Visit our factory You are invited to inspect our modern Ballina factory where our skilled craftsmen work to achieve Horizon’s ‘satisfaction built-in’

Australian family owned Since 1988, MD Clayton Kearney has strived to produce the very best product at the most affordable price. Clayton knows repeat and referral business comes from very satisfied customers.

Country courtesy BCMC pride themselves in giving the best delivery service. We spend time to orientate you with your new camper and give you free nights at local parks to be on hand if you need further advice.

On my mind...

n Australian Bureau of Statistic’s report released this week has revealed 63 percent of Australian adults are either overweight or obese: 70 percent of men and 56 percent of women. Sadly, the weight gain trend has continued in our society, with the overall figure up two percent on the previous survey, conducted in 2007-08. The consequences of carrying too much weight include, but aren’t limited to, type 2 diabetes and heart disease; both of which can not only kill you, but consign you to a retirement of endless doctors appointments, reduced

mobility and hospitalisation. The report is timely because in this issue you’ll find an article from the CMCA that sets out a basic exercise program people anywhere – including on the road – can easily adopt to become more active and healthy. My recent visit to the CMCA’s 27th National Rally in Boonah highlighted for me just how prevalent the expanding waistline trend is amongst RVers. Throw in hot weather, easy access to fat-filled delights like ice cream, soft drinks and fast food and you have an almost perfect storm for weight gain.

I’ve been there, so let me briefly share my story. Four years ago, fat and 50 wasn’t where I wanted to be. A light went on somewhere in my brain, after a three week cruise and two 50th birthday bashes, that I’d reached my “line in the sand”. With the help of my lovely wife I was able to commit to eating real food in sensible amounts and exercising three times a week, with a focus on cardio (raising my heart rate). A year later I was 15 kg lighter (I’d set out to lose 5 kg) and I’ve never looked back.

My initial cardio workout was on an indoor exercise bike while watching Star Trek DVDs,

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On my mind... ...Continued

starting at just five minutes per session and building until I reached my target of half an hour. Getting in the groove, I found I could progressively extend that to an hour and one Sunday afternoon I dusted off the old mountain bike in the garage and my life changed for ever. The fitness developed on the exercise bike allowed me to ride easily for kilometres

and even tackle hills I’d never imaged possible, and from that an unexpected passion for cycling developed. Exercise has become an integral part of my life, along with eating well and (mostly!) avoiding junk food. My weight has stablized, too, as I’ve traded fat for muscle and I can now cycle more than 100 km

The iMotorhome Team

in a session without residual aches or pains. That’s my story, but the bottom line is you CAN change your life; but only you can do it. Draw that line, make the effort and you’ll never look back. It won’t be easy (at first), but the things in life worth having seldom are.

d r a h c i R

Richard Robertson

Malcolm Street

Allan Whiting

Publisher & Managing Editor

Consulting Editor

Technical Editor

A long-time freelance RV, motoring and travel writer, Richard is a dedicated, longterm motorhome enthusiast.

Unquestionably Australia and New Zealand’s best known RV journalist, Malcolm is a fixture at CMCA rallies and RV shows and is now in his second decade as a specialist RV writer.

An experienced motoring writer when Japanese cars were a novelty, Allan’s career read’s like Australian motor writing royalty.

richard@imotorhome.com.au

He has held senior editorial positions with some of the best know recreational vehicle magazines in Australia. Richard also has a passion for lifestyleenhancing technology, which is why he is the driving force behind the new iMotorhome eMagazine.

malcolm@imotorhome.com.au

If it’s available on either side of the Tasman, Malcolm has probably driven it, slept in it, reported on it, knows how it’s made and can tell you just how good it really is.

allan@imotorhome.com.au

Highly experienced in or on everything from motorcycles to B-doubles, Allan also runs www.outbacktravelaustralia. com – an invaluable free resource for anyone into four-wheel driving or touring remote corners of Australia.

Paradise Motor Homes have Moved Paradise Motor Homes is excited to announce we have moved to the former Swagman premises located at 245 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Queensland. Our new headquarters houses a state-of-the-art production facility specially designed to meet the high demand for our new price-competitive Integrity Series. The exciting news for those wanting to trade will be the new 15,000sqm Paradise RV Sales & Service Division which will offer:

• Paradise New & Used Sales • Consignment Listings • Annual Motorhome Body Servicing • Solar & GenSet Supply & Fitment • Tilta Car Trailers & A Frames

• Trade-ins • Repairs to all makes & models • Insurance Repairs • Upgrades & modifications • RV Shop

This exciting move into such a high profile and well-known location will delight you with its easy accessibility, improved parking and extended services. We look forward to seeing you at the new home of Paradise.

Enjoy the prestige of owning Australia’s best quality motorhome Paradise Motor Homes www.paradisemotorhomes.com.au 245 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Queensland, 4216 , Australia ph (07) 5597 4400 - fax (07) 5597 5500 - email info@paradisemotorhomes.com.au

INSIDE EDISNI

2 ON MY MIND Richard ponders the weight of the world

8 NEWS

Things you might be be interested in...

12 TESTED

Short Favourite – Richard puts the Trakkaway 700 through a real road test

30 TESTED

Two’s Company – Malcolm samples a compact Kiwi campervan

41 TRAVEL

Up or Down the AlCan? – Motorhome convoy tours of Alaska

48 TECHNICAL 17

Vehicle Dynamics – Part 2 of a series by Collyn Rivers

MOBILE TECH 56 21

Postcards from Bologna – Postino rekindles the magic of travel...

60 CMCA MESSAGE

Save money and lose that spare tyre!

66 ROADSIDE EATS Delicious pies, with a view of the sky...

70 NEXT ISSUE What’s coming up, plus our show calendar

Sunliner 2012

Return to luxury and style Available in dealerships now

info@sunliner.com.au www.sunliner.com.au 1800 SUNLINER

News...

Go Make Some Memories! “People are forever telling us how they enjoyed caravaning and camping as children, and what wonderful memories they have,” he said.

he Caravan Industry Association of Victoria (CIA) has taken a bold new multi-media initiative with the launch of its “Go Make Some Memories” campaign. More than a year in development, the campaign supposedly has both a Victorian

and national focus, although a quick review of the website showed nothing beyond Victoria’s borders. CIA Chief Executive Officer Rob Lucas said Go Make Some Memories was all about reminding people of the joys of the caravan and camping lifestyle.

“Go Make Some Memories will help people to go out and make new memories that they and their families will carry through their lives. It tells them everything they need about where to go, how to get there, and a whole lot more. There is an incredible wealth of information, and yet navigation is so simple and intuitive that each visitor will feel as though the site was custom-developed just for them.” Mr Lucas said CIA members would integrate the campaign into their own marketing activities. Visit www.gomakesomememories. com.au to find out more.

What Goes up! Should Come Down... press release has a starting price of just $13,990 for the basic 3-door model. This got some readers excited, only to find that the onroad price grows to an alarming $17,179.82 for a NSW resident. Image: © Volkswagen

ast issue we reported on the all-new VW up!, which according to a Volkswagen

That’s an increase of 22.8% on the up!’s basic price, which seems out of whack with all reality, is likely caused by an inflated dealer delivery charge. As far as

iMotorhome is aware it’s illegal in Australia to display or promote a new vehicle price that isn’t driveaway. Volkswagen Australia should review its pricing policy if it hopes to attract new buyers at the entrylevel price-point, and should be nominated for Choice magazine’s next round of Shonky awards. Disappointing, Volkswagen...

News...

Recharge of the light, brigade...

uses six LEDs for a wide, even spread of light, whilst the torch mode uses one LED in the tip and is ideal for direct illumination or use within confined spaces. It has a rechargeable battery with no memory effect, offering four hours of operational use at peak output (flood mode) or up to 30 hours in torch mode.

n good news for the brigade of RVers out there in need of a compact, reliable and powerful torch-cum-inspection light, Narva has just the thing.

A neat and practical lamp, it utilises seven high-intensity LEDs and has a rubberised and waterproof housing incorporating an integrated magnet for hands-free operation. The flood-light mode

The lamp is bright and durable and comes with a handy pocket clip, plus a 240V AC charger. The Narva â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pocketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rechargeable L.E.D Inspection Lamp is available from leading automotive and transport outlets under Part No.71300 at a recommended price of approximately $39.95.

News...

Projecta rides the sine wave disruption when switching between mains and battery power and vice versa.

ccording to a press release, Projectaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most powerful 12 V pure sine wave inverter, the IP2000 offers all the class leading features of the Intelli-Wave range with the added benefits of a sophisticated AC transfer switch, ultra-clean power delivery and rugged construction.

Closely replicating mains power, the 2000 watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter includes a built-in automatic AC transfer switch, allowing appliances to be powered from either mains power or the inverter (battery power). Such an AC transfer makes it ideal for permanent installation in RVs and work vehicles, with minimal

Projecta claims the IP2000 quickly adjusts to high start-up loads from appliances such as fridges, air compressors or any motor-driven units, to deliver 140% of rating for 3 minutes or 200% for 3 seconds. It will indicate an overload when this occurs but will keep running, allowing time to turn off appliances rather than the inverter just tripping out. A remote LCD control panel that displays battery voltage, power usage and load capacity allows the inverter to be mounted outof-sight, whilst still providing Continued...

News... Continued...

full control and access to vital information. A built in Eco mode automatically sends the inverter to ‘sleep’ mode when no appliances are detected. It automatically wakes up when an appliance is switched on and it can also be manually woken up via the inverter or the remote control panel, reducing standby power consumption. There are 30 seconds, 1 hour, 3 hour or off modes.

The IP2000 can be hardwired to power sockets through the vehicle, eliminating the need for both mains and inverter power points and the need to manually switch plugs or dials between two power sources.

and comes complete with 1100 mm battery cable with battery lugs. Projecta says the powerful and sophisticated inverter, with an output of 240 V AC 50 Hz 2000 W continuous (4000 W peak) carries a 2 year warranty.

Engineered and designed in Australia to meet AS/NZ Standard AS4763, the inverter is equipped with fully-approved 240V sockets

RRP is $1,399.00.

Jayco survey makes

interesting reading

they would like to see more of Australia, and 73 percent adored the idea of packing up and going wherever you wanted, whenever you want.” “Penny pinching trended throughout the survey, with 63 percent of Australians stating that the cost of hotel accommodation deters them from going on holidays, and 64 percent said they would go on more holidays if they owned a caravan.”

ustralians have revealed they are itching to get out and see their own backyard instead of buying a holiday home,” according to Jayco’s most recent travel survey. The survey asked 1005 Australians for their thoughts on RV holidays and their travel habits. The results showed that 56 percent of us would rather rough it on the road in campervans, caravans and motorhomes than purchase a holiday home.

Sixty two percent of Australians said that buying a caravan was a much more cost efficient option than buying a holiday house, and just under 50 per cent would prefer an RV holiday because they can get out and meet new people on the road. According to the survey, “More than 63 percent of Australians would consider buying a caravan instead of holidaying overseas. Of those who would prefer to caravan, 58 percent said this was because

The survey revealed that even though they’re cost conscious, Aussies are still spending on travel, with more than 60 per cent spending between $1000 and $2500 per person when holidaying. Jayco, which claims to hold 46 percent of the local RV market, says RV sales have been steadily increasing since 2009. “Sales in 2011 increased by 14 percent. The young couple market in particular has continued to grow as more and more of us want to experience the relaxation and affordability that comes with an RV holiday,” Mr Ryan concluded.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700

Short Favourite

It’s odd’s-on Trakka’s new baby Trakkaway will be a sure winner... Review and images by Richard Robertson

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700

On top of the world: first night away at the lookout above Quirindi. Distinctive nose-cone has been aerodynamically tested.

hen Trakka releases a new model you know it’s going to be something special. Enter the Trakkaway 700: A compact 7-metre B-Class motorhome that sleeps 2, has seating for 4 and is built on Fiat’s popular Ducato cab-chassis. It also features a rear slide-out: a Trakka first. The reason Trakka doesn’t release new models willy-nilly is because they take the time to do things properly. Building on lessons learned from the popular Trakkaway series, which already has models from 7.5 to 8.6 metres in length, the Trakkaway 700 reviewed here is a prototype.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700 In an iMotorhome exclusive I travelled in it for eight days; driving from Sydney to the CMCA’s 27th National Rally in Boonah, Queensland and back, yet it felt as thoroughly engineered and carefully made as any ‘normal’ production motorhome: a reflection of Trakka’s renowned attention to detail. The Trakkaway 700 ushers in a number of evolutionary design updates that will find their way across the 2013 Trakkaway range, including revised roof and lower-body profiles, plus the option of an aero nose-cone on larger Trakkaway models for customers not requiring the over-cab bed. For maximum versatility, however, the new 700 will also be available with a over-cab bed and a sideways-facing fifth

Electric awning is sturdy and a great inclusion.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700

Smile! The dinette is very comfortable and the corner table very handy. passenger seat, transforming it into a compact C-Class motorhome that would be ideal for young families. In Short oming in a gnat’s whisker under 7.0 metres long, the Trakkaway 700 is designed to provide the maximum living space with the minimum physical size in a coach-built motorhome. It’s actually shorter than some van conversions.

To this end the Fiat Ducato is the obvious choice, because as a purposedesigned motorhome basevehicle incorporating ALKO’s specialised aluminium

motorhome chassis, it delivers a wide body with a low floor height. This provides a low entry-step that eliminates the need for an extendable step, yet doesn’t compromise interior headroom. And by eliminating large roof-

mounted accessories, like the airconditioner, it reduces height, enhances streamlining and aids economy. Trakka has chosen the top-level Ducato 180, with a recently up-rated

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 132 kW and 400 Nm, driving through a sixspeed automated manual transmission (AMT). The 2012 Fiat Ducato model line-up now comes standard with a TomTom satnav system mounted atop the centre of the dash and Fiat’s proprietary Blue & Me integrated bluetooth system, plus MP3 connectivity and telephone controls on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The updated Ducato 2012 model range also features a new-look dash and instrument cluster that’s more car-like and inviting than its German

Updated Ducato dash is modern and quite un van-like.

rivals. Typically Italian, it does have its quirks and a thorough read of the owner’s manual and some time spent learning all the features is highly recommended. On the road the Trakkaway 700 is smooth and refined. The dedicated motorhome chassis provides stable, predictable handling backed by the reassurance of electronic stability control plus disc brakes all-round and anti-lock brakes (ABS). Visibility is good, with excellent electrically adjustable side mirrors and a Waeco reversing camera that automatically switches between rear vision

and reversing modes. This means you can watch the traffic behind you whilst travelling and look almost vertically downwards when reversing, all from the same camera. You can also select modes manually while you’re on the move, which I found useful to keep any eye on my bike on the towbar-mounted rack. Speaking of selecting modes, the Ducato’s AMT gearbox is worth a mention. Essentially a six-speed manual with a computer operated clutch, it allows you to drive it in auto mode while it changes gears for you, pausing briefly

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700 between shifts. It also has a manual mode that lets you change up or down when you wish, although the computer will override you if you try to do something silly or forget which mode you’re in.

Tom-Tom satnav is now standard on new Ducatos.

When using cruise control with the gearbox in auto mode you can drop it back a gear (or two) on hills without cruise disconnecting. It’s a great feature for maintaining speed without having to reset cruise every time and is especially welcome because the gearbox doesn’t downshift to maintain speed when using cruise control. Instead, when speed drops about 15 km/h below your target speed it simply drops out. Trakka’s Dave Berry pointed out to me how well the new Ducato operates in manual mode and I tried it out quite a few times during my journey. It shifts seamlessly and provides an extra measure of control, and this proved especially useful in preventing automode dropping back down a gear on long inclines when I knew it wan’t going to be able to hold top gear again for long. That Body s mentioned, the Trakkaway 700 is the shape of Trakkaways to come, in terms of roof and lower-panel profiles. The body itself is sleek and stylish and made from high-gloss

Rear slide-out bed still allows rear boot access.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700 finished vacuum moulded composite panels, like all other Trakkaways. Dometic’s Seitz double-glazed windows with in-built fly and privacy screens are used all-round and an electrical locker with a built-in power lead is a nice touch, too. The test vehicle had Trakka’s new, optional Rainwater Retrieval System. This basically has a concealed gutter built into the body across the rear roofline, with slots in the roof above it for collection. Water then flows down a concealed down-pipe and into a 55-litre tank that supplements the main supply. Unfortunately, it didn’t rain

during the test and I wasn’t able to see how effectively it worked. Our course the real point of difference with the Trakkaway 700 and the feature that attracts all the attention is its rear slide-out bed. Note I said bed, not bedroom. Only half the depth of the rear wall, in operation it looks more like the vehicle is poking its tongue out rather than extending a slide-out.

aft, however, you could drive with the bed extended (unlike a sideways slide-out) although it isn’t recommended.

The Trakkaway 700’s streamlined nose cone is all-new, too. Designed following research into the aerodynamics affecting airflow over the vehicle’s nose, its jutting edge assists in generating an area of low pressure at the top of the windscreen that helps push the slipstream up-and-over Electrically operated by remote the cab/body interface with control, the gear-driven minimal disruption. bed unit sits above the rear boot and includes a manual Another significant feature is a override in case of problems. large wind-up hatch/skylight Because it operates fore and above the cab. Providing

The bedroom is surprisingly spacious when the bed’s extended.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700 abundant sunlight while driving and fresh air when camped, it can also be screened off from the heat and glare of the day. A sturdy and user-friendly electric awning is a welcome standard inclusion, while an external table is provided that mounts on a track towards the rear of the body, and stores in the boot at other times.

reaching/storing hoses, etc, much easier – especially if you have a bike rack on the towbar as I did, which restricts access through the main door.

Designed Space tep inside many motorhomes and you could be forgiven for thinking they all come from the same factory. Step inside a Speaking of the boot, Trakka and you’re never in any external storage space is at doubt it’s a Trakka. From the a premium and the rear boot signature grey cupboards and (incorporating an external matching roller shutter doors to hot/cold shower) is the only the subtle and contemporary storage space available. Wide tones of the soft furnishings but quite shallow, the boot on and the curved, Scandinavianproduction vehicles will have a looking panel work, Trakka small access hatch on the kerb has establish a style that is side, I’m told. This will make

uniquely and unmistakably its own.

The Trakkaway 700 has a front lounge, mid kitchen/bathroom and rear bedroom layout, which is quite conventional. What’s unconventional is the feeling of space the designers have managed to imbue; especially when the bed’s extended. The cab seats swivel easily and are very comfortable for after-hours use. The forwardfacing dinette seat, which is on the driver’s side, is also very comfortable and incorporates lap/sash seat belts that don’t intrude when stowed. All seating in the test vehicle was

Working dinner: The dinette makes a great mobile office.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700 finished in optional tan leather with grey accents that added to the overall sense of style. A small flip-up table is wallmounted between the dinette and driver’s seat and it’s especially useful for an onthe-move cuppa, casual drink or even a quick Facebook update on your iPad. The main table is removable and stores neatly out of the way in the bedroom. When installed, its multi-adjustable mechanism allows you to position it for any seating position, while its generous dimensions would allow (organised) dining for four. The Euro-style entry door is positioned between the lounge/dinette (to the left) and the kitchen/bathroom. Immediately to your left as you enter is a low cupboard unit with a pole-mounted 60 cm flatscreen TV/DVD above, plus another cupboard on top. The TV adjusts easily for height and viewing angle and there’s a matching unit in the bedroom, so a couple could watch different shows if desired (aided by the bedroom’s concertina privacy door). Privacy is also provided by a set of REMI front blinds, which are built into frames around the windscreen and cab door windows, extending in moments to provide total seclusion. Stowing them is easy, once you have the hang of it and the key is not to rush (like so many things in life!).

Entry door is neat but lacks an opening window.

Dining table stows neatly in bedroom corner.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700

Funky LED strip lighting works well and isn’t just for show.

Electrical, fridge, cooking and heating controls hide away in this kitchen cupboard, next to the crockery cupboard designed for Corelle dinnerware.

Power House entral to the Trakkaway 700’s design philosophy is independent living. To this end it comes with Trakka’s Remote Pack: diesel-fired cooking, water and room heating, plus two 135 watt solar panels.

House lighting is LED throughout, with just the halogen lights of the rangehood as the exception. Funky purple LED strip lights are used to great effect around the over-cab roof hatch and in the kitchen; at bench height and floor level. These can be operated independently and provide a relaxing and coollooking alternative to the usual white house lighting or reading lights. Separate switching is

provided for the dinette/kitchen house lights, the bedroom and exterior lights – all of which can be dimmed.

which it takes directly from the fuel tank. It’s also designed so it can’t drain the tank dry and leave you stranded.

The Remote Pack means the Trakkaway 700 is gasfree, so there are no bottles to store, carry or fill and no gas inspection required at rego time. European-sourced, it’s largely automated and consumes minimal diesel fuel,

The Trakkaway 700’s main control system is mounted discreetly in an overhead cupboard in the kitchen, behind another roller-shutter door. It displays and controls the vehicle’s house electrics (2 x 100 AH house batteries),

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700 Kitchen drawers are self-closing and provide good storage space.

drinking-water tap, while six self-closing cupboards of varying depths are immediately below. The fridge, an underbench 136-litre Waeco 12/240 V compressor unit, sits to the left of the drawers. water system (165 L fresh and 135 L grey) and also displays things like interior and exterior temperature. The fridge/ heating/stove controls are all grouped in the same location, while the 240 V ducted aircon is operated via a remote (like the televisions). Meal Time urprisingly spacious, the kitchen sits between the dinette and bedroom,

on the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reasonable bench space and this is enhanced by a little shelf that runs around the back of the bench, which is ideal for items you want to keep handy but let not get in the way. On the far right of the benchtop the glass-lidded sink is flush-mounted and includes a lift-up flick-mixer tap. Between it and the Webasto glass ceramic cooktop is a filtered

Above the sink, to the right of the electrical control panel, is a cupboard designed for a six-place Corelle dinnerware setting, including six mugs. The microwave is concealed in another cupboard, to the left of the control panel, but runs only on mains power. Some people will lament the lack of a gas cooking option and this could cost Trakka sales. The Webasto dieselfired cooking system, while

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700 innovative, is not without its compromises and its style of heat delivery probably won’t suit those who enjoy cooking and regularly entertain; at least not without a lot of practice. Cleaning Up he Trakkaway 700 features Trakka’s proven Switch Mode Bathroom, which has a remote controlled cassette toilet that tucks discreetly away beneath the vanity when not required. This frees up considerable space and the bathroom cubicle itself is deceptively spacious once you’re inside.

There are three mirrors above the hand basin (one concealing a medicine

cabinet), a hand shower that operates independently of the hand-basin tap, good downlighting and an outlet for the ducted heating system that not only keeps you warm in winter but also helps dry wet clothing and towels.

you standing above the water sump in the floor. Shower water is drained by a wateractivated pump (from memory) that sucks water out and doesn’t just rely on gravity.

Sweet Dreams he same small remote Typical of Trakka’s attention control unit operates the to detail is a wrap-around bedroom slide-out and shower curtain that follows the the retractable toilet. Pressing wall shape and press-studs the big button at the top into place at either end. It not sends the bed outwards and only protects your towels, you need to extend it at least toilet roll and even the door, a little to use the kitchen fully. with the toilet tucked away it Pressing the smaller button provides a spacious shower beneath it brings it back in. cubicle, while the whole bathroom setup is very livable. Once extended, you can access the bed from either Another nice feature is the side via a series of small wooden floor grate that keeps steps, as it sits quite high.

Switch Mode Bathroom loo retracts beneath vanity when not needed.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700

Huge bed-head window averts claustrophobia. The bed has rounded ends, but surprisingly this didn’t prove to be a problem despite my 183 cm height. Disappointingly, however, it’s only a double in width. There’s no massive underbed storage, but a deep drawer slides out on either side, at the foot end and is ideal for shoes. There are also bedside wardrobes, overhead cupboards with reading lights, plus small shelves for your essential overnight nicknacks. Big windows on both sides plus one at the bed head and a powered roof hatch provide plenty of fresh air and light. You can adjust the height and viewing angle of the second, pole-mounted TV, which is tucked away in the corner behind the bathroom. Opposite it, on a matching pole where the bedroom and kitchen meet, is a good-sized mirror that can be swivelled and viewed from the kitchen or bedroom.

Pedestal island bed has side wardrobe, drawers and overhead cupboards.

Over-cab wind-up skylight has sliding fly screen and blind.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700 Final Thoughts have no doubt Trakka’s new Trakkaway 700 is going to be a winner. Despite the test vehicle being a prototype it proved a complete and capable machine that’s fuel efficient, comfortable and fun to drive, plus highly practical and enjoyable to live in.

The design makes the most of the vehicle’s compact dimensions, although limited external storage is the compromise. It’s ability to live independently of power, gas and even water (to a small extent) is highly attractive and if you’re looking to a compact, quality motorhome that won’t disappoint, the Trakkaway 700 should be on your list.

Slide-out leaves room for a bike rack. Nice thinking, Trakka...

otorhome tests rarely afford us the opportunity to so thoroughly put a vehicle through its paces. Over eight days I drove approximately 2100 kilometres, from Trakka’s headquarters on Sydney’s northern edge to Boonah in Queensland and return; basically via the New England Highway with a few diversions because I could. Economy-wise, the Trakkaway 700 returned an average of 12.02 L/100 km (23.5 mpg), with a best of 11.29 (25 mpg) and a worst of 12.86 (21.97 mpg): Not bad for about four tonnes of

motorhome in a hurry on a highway that reaches around 1400 metres altitude in places. Of the seven nights away only the second was in a caravan park, where I connected to power and topped up the water tanks. I spent three nights freecamping along the way and three nights at the CMCA Rally site in Boonah; all without power or water. On driving days and while the sun was strong at the rally I cranked the fridge up, turning it down lower overnight. The good Mrs iMotorhome packed six frozen homeContinued...

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700 ... continued

cooked dinners (I know – I’m spoiled!) and the last one, which I had on my final night away, was still frozen solid. The Trakkaway 700’s solar panels and dual house batteries easily coped with the load and at no stage did the power meter fall below three bars out of a possible five. Each night I also ran my iPad and/or laptop, cooked and washed-up, and showered. Television reception failed on the first night; victim of an aerial connection gremlin I believe, so that did reduce my potential power usage. Being on my own certainly helped but I still had water upon my return, although I believe the tank level gauges readings of 80% and 100% remaining in the main and

auxiliary tanks, respectively, to be somewhat, um, optimistic. Showering was via the proven bird-bath method: A quick shower to wet down, having already filled the hand basin with hot water and lathered up the flannel. Wash, then a quick rinse off at the end. It’s amazing how far you can stretch your water supply this way without compromising personal hygiene. Cooking on the Webasto diesel-fired glass ceramic cooktop is an acquired art more suited to re-heaters than cooks. Heat control is limited and takes a fair time to respond to thermostat changes, while in the mornings it took about 20 minutes to boil a small kettle. Also, in summer the amount

of heat the cooktop generates and radiates into the vehicle is annoying, although it would be most welcome in winter. A gas cooking option would be a great idea. The dinette/lounge also made a perfect mobile office (Issue 12 was produced there!) and the bed proved comfortable, although it’s a shame it’s only as wide as a standard double. After my week on the road I was in the groove and could just have kept going. The Trakkaway 700 proved itself a capable and desirable travelling companion and even as a prototype the test vehicle felt sorted and composed. If only I’d packed my portable tabletop gas stove for a quick coffee...

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700

Sunrise at the tranquil Beardey Waters, near Glen Innes. Note the REMI cab blinds that snap into place in seconds and provide total privacy.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 700

Specifications

Pros

Manufacturer

Trakka

Model

Trakka Trakkaway 700

Base Vehicle

Fiat Ducato 180

Engine

3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

132 kW @ 4000 rpm

Torque

400 Nm @ 1500 rpm

Gearbox

6-speed automated manual

Brakes

ABS ventilated 4-wheel discs

Tare Weight

3690 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

4490 kg

Towing Capacity

1500 kg

Licence

Car

Passengers

External Length

6.99 m (22 ft 11 in)

External Width

2.39 m (7 ft 10 in)

External Height

2.90 m (9 ft 6 in)

Internal Height

2.19 m (7 ft 2 in)

Rear Bed Size

1.95 m x 1.350 m (6 ft 5 in x 4 ft 5 in)

Cooktop

Webasto diesel-fired stove

Fridge

136 L 12/240 V

Microwave

yes

Lighting

12 V LED/Halogen

Batteries

2 x 100 AH

Solar Panels

2 x 135 W

Contact

Air Conditioner

Ducted

Trakka

Hot Water Heater

Webasto diesel-fired

Toilet

Retractable Thetford cassette

Shower

Flex-hose

Fresh Water Tank

165-litres

Grey Water Tank

135-litres

Grey Water Tank

55-litres

Price

$169,500 drive-away NSW

• Quality and Comfort • Liveability • Economy • Solar • Water capacity • Standard equipment

Cons • Limited external storage • Diesel cooker won’t suit everyone • Bed could be wider

9 Beaumont Rd, Mt-Kuring-gai, NSW. 2080 Ph: (02) 1800 872 552 W: www.trakka.com.au E: trakka@trakka.com.au

Click for Google Maps

Tested: United 2plus1 Premier

TWO’S COMPANY

But three’s no crowd in this clever United campervan.... Review and images: Malcolm Street

Tested: United 2plus1 Premier

Compact and maneuverable, this Sprinter conversion is easy to drive and economical to run.

n a recent-but-short trip to Auckland to visit the Covi RV Show, United Campervans was kind enough to lend me one of its vehicles: A 2 plus 1 Premier. United has a wide range of campervans and motorhomes available for rent from both its Auckland and Christchurch depots. They also have two ranges of vehicle: Those that have been on the road for less

than three years and the more economical Alpha range, which have been on the road for longer. One of the advantages of motorhome rental is that it makes a fly/drive trip whether for holiday or work very easy. The Vehicle

y 2 plus 1 Premier was built on a Mercedes Sprinter: a 6.94 m (22 ft 9 in) long CDI 311

van conversion to be precise, powered by an 80 kW 2.2-litre turbo-diesel motor that drives through a five speed auto gearbox. One of the advantages of a van conversion is that there is no body to build, the motorhome manufacturer just cuts out for things like the cassette toilet, gas cylinder bin, water heater and windows, although in this

Tested: United 2plus1 Premier case the flush-glazed Sprinter windows were retained. These windows have limited openings and this isn’t such a problem in the Kiwi climate, but it doesn’t work so well in Aussie. A slight oddity is the fresh water filler, which is fitted to the kitchen bench inside

the sliding door: a system that works quite well but is slightly confusing if you walk around the motorhome looking for it with the sliding door closed! Behind the driver’s door is the mains socket, with the power lead being conveniently stored under the driver’s seat. I did

Big van windows give a great view but don’t open for fresh air.

have a problem with the power lead one night – it wasn’t long enough and I had to turn the motorhome around. Like most van conversions there isn’t any external storage, but opening the rear doors gave access to the rear, including a locker for the water and drainage hoses, both of which were supplied in a plastic bag. In case you were wondering, the 2 plus 1 refers to the sleeping accommodation. In effect there is room for two adults in a double or two single beds and one child, no taller than 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in). Although it might sound odd in something this size, it sort

Tested: United 2plus1 Premier

Small van in a miniature town: Malcolm explores Sandspit Holiday Park’s unusual historical town recreation. of has two separate dining/ sleeping areas, although most people won’t use both in the same role. On the Road hilst the 2 plus 1 Premier Sprinter has one of the lowest powered engines in the Sprinter range, its relatively small size means it isn’t a slouch on the road and when pushed, moves through the gears fairly swiftly. Its size also means it can be handled easily by one person; meaning outside assistance really isn’t needed when

parking or manoeuvring. For the inexperienced motorhome driver, particularly those from overseas, the width of the Sprinter – or lack thereof – is useful on some of the narrow New Zealand roads.

Living Inside

eing a van conversion, the 2 plus 1 Premier has quite a simple layout with two sideways facing lounges in the rear, a nearside kitchen, mid-offside bathroom

Tested: United 2plus1 Premier

The dinette even makes a good mobile office (if you need one) or a nice place to relax and watch the flatscreen TV. Big side windows could let in a lot of cold if travelling in an NZ winter. and small dinette behind the driver’s seat. Both passenger seats swivel around, with the driver’s side being used in tandem with the table and seat behind. That seat comes with a seat belt but it can also be folded down to form up a single bed, best for a child or small adult. Because it’s single pole-

mounted, the table doesn’t offer a lot of manoeuvring room, so to speak. Above the rear seat, a flat screen TV is mounted outside the bathroom wall, such that it can be seen from both the swivelled front seats. A slight disadvantage of this location is

that it’s quite easy to bump into the TV when passing by. In the rear, the two sidewaysfacing lounges are quite versatile in that they can be used as seats, single beds or made up into a very large double. Rear access is closed off by a seat cushion that can

Tested: United 2plus1 Premier

The rear lounge can become two singles or a double bed, with storage beneath both side units.

rolling around room. On my second night I made up the full bed, which did give much more room but meant a lot more fiddling around. Given the small dinette at the front, it’s possible at the loss of the lounge seats to leave the bed made up.

used. The table is at its most fiddly when being lifted out for making up the large bed. This is why, on my first night in the Mounted on a simple swivel 2 plus 1 Premier and being on mount, the table can be rotated my own, I tried out using one for various uses, including single bed. It worked quite well, dining for three people. It can but the width of 600 mm also be pushed out of the way (1 ft 11 in) does mean limited to the offside when not being be removed if not wanted, but also acts as a convenient place to store travel bags.

Running down both sides in the rear are a bank of overhead lockers. Like the ones above the kitchen bench and the table at the front, they are quite spacious and are curved-in at the base, making them not only look reasonably classy but also practical in being out of the way – where one’s head might be! Like a few other motorhomes I have seen, a slight problem is that is no lip on the lower shelf meaning that often when

Tested: United 2plus1 Premier Under side-seat storage at the rear also houses the hot water system.

Leave the rear middle cushion in place for extra under-seat storage.

opening the door after travel, something falls out. Under both seats are the usual storage areas, accessed by the lifting the ply hatch. In the case of the nearside seat, there is also a small security safe. In a motorhome this size wardrobe space is going to be limited, but effective use has been made of the otherwise unusable airspace at the end of the offside bench to offer a generous amount of hanging space. Time to Eat ike many a large van design, the 2 plus 1 kitchen extends into the sliding doorway. Not that is really a problem because there

You can leave the rear bed made up and still use the kitchen, plus the front dinette.

Tested: United 2plus1 Premier

The well equipped kitchen covers much of the side door opening but still leaves room for easy access.

is still room for getting in and out of the motorhome and it does leave room for a relatively spacious kitchen. A moulded bench top, which includes the drainer for the square stainless steel sink, sits above a storage space that consists of two cupboards, three large drawers and a wire

basket slide-out pantry. Like any good rental motorhome, all the cupboards and drawers were filled with all the necessary eating and cooking essentials ready for use. Adjoining the kitchen bench area is a Smev four-burner cooktop/grill, with an 85-litre Waeco fridge underneath and

a Sharp Carousel microwave oven in the overhead locker: All in all, a relatively compact kitchen but still very practical to use. Keeping Clean itted into the bathroom is a bench-style cassette toilet and a moulded in wash basin that is supplied

Tested: United 2plus1 Premier by an extendable hose outlet, which can also be used for a shower. A frosted glass window supplies a generous amount of natural light, while ventilation is effected by a ceiling exhaust fan. Outside the bathroom a panel is the mounting point for hot water heater controls, 12 V switches, battery gauge and space heater switch: All very handily located for quick access. What We Think lthough some think that large van conversions are really too small to be a motorhome, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

think so at all. Compared to a campervan they are a palace, but with all the driving and parking benefits of a relatively small vehicle. One of the benefits of the United 2 plus 1 Premier is that it offers a very flexible layout for both a single person and couple with/without a child. It also provides the added attraction of several dining and sleeping arrangements, depending on exactly how you like to travel. Although I really only had a short trip, the 2 plus 1 Premier could certainly be used for something much longer.

Although compact, the bathroom is reasonably spacious and is all you need. Electrical controls are wall mounted, just outside.

Tested: United 2plus1 Premier

From country lanes to crowded city streets, United Campervanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2 plus 1 Premier is a surprisingly versatile and capable machine.

Tested: United 2plus1 Premier

Specifications Manufacturer

United Campervans

Model

2 plus 1 Premier

Base Vehicle

Mercedes Benz Sprinter CDI 311

Engine

4-cylinder 2.2-litre turbo-diesel

Power

80 kW @ 3800 rpm

Torque

280 Nm @ 1600-2500rpm

Gearbox

5-speed automatic

Brakes

Disc ABS

Tare Weight

3160 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

3550 kg

Licence

Car

Passengers

External Length

6.94 m (22 ft 9 in)

External Width

2.42 m (7 ft 11 in)

External Height

2.7 m (8 ft 10 in)

Internal Height

1.9 m (6 ft 3 in)

Rear Bed Size Double

1.86 m x 1.8 m (6 ft 1 in x 5 ft 11 in)

Rear Bed Size Single (1)

1.8 m x 0.6 m (5 ft 11 in x 1 ft 11 in)

Rear Bed Size Single (2)

2.0 m x 0.6 m (6 ft 7 in x 1 ft 11 in)

Front Bed Size

1.75 m x 0.7 m (5 ft 9 in x 2 ft 4 in)

Cooktop

Smev 4-burner and grill

Fridge

Waeco 85-litre

Microwave

Sharp Carousel

Gas

1 x 4.5 kg

Lighting

12 V LED

Batteries

100 AH

Solar Panels

2 x 190 watt

Air Conditioner

Hot Water Heater

Suburban 23-litre

Toilet

Thetford bench cassette

Shower

Flex-hose

Fresh Water Tank

80-litres

Grey/Black Water Tank

100-litres

Price

Only available ex-rental. Check for pricing.

Pros • Good size for one or two people • Second dining table at the front • Good internal storage space • Rear lounge/bed set-up • Good lighting

Cons

• Fixed front table • Method of TV attachment • Short power lead

Contact United Campervans

Click for Google Maps

3 Kingsford Smith Place, Airport Oaks Mangere, Auckland 2022. NZ Ph: +64 (9) 275 9919 W: www.unitedcampervans.co.nz E: info@campervan.co.nz

Travel: Alaska

Up or down the AlCan?

Heading north or south, the Alaska Canada Highway has plenty to offer.... Words by Malcolm Street, images courtesy of Graeme Smythe.

Travel: Alaska

The US’s 49th State is also its largest, making it ideal for organised motorhome convoy tours.

here’s no doubt that there are some great motorhome journeys to be had in Australia and New Zealand, but on the worldwide scene a trip on many a motorhome traveller’s bucket list (it’s certainly on mine!) is up or down The Alcan: The Alaska Canada Highway, between Seattle and Anchorage, which crosses part of Canada along the way.

Travel: Alaska

These 7.31 m (24 ft) Ford-powered rentals come with all the expected comforts and are easy to drive. In many ways Alaska is still very much a frontier state; albeit one with all the modern comforts you’d expect in America. But if the thought of putting together a 25–day motorhome trip through this breathtaking land is a bit daunting, you can relax. Graeme Smythe, the Principal of Harvey World Travel, at Menai in Sydney’s South West, is widely regarded as the guru of Alaskan motorhome travel. Graeme has been running excellent motorhome convoy tours between Seattle and Anchorage - one north-bound and one south-bound - for a number of years and they are very highly regarded.

Travel: Alaska

A relaxed pace ensures time to take some great side trips.

Bear! There are several great advantages to this style of travel; the first is that just about everything is organised - about the only thing to really be decided is the date of departure. The second is that although the

Happy Hour Alaska-style. Some things never change... destinations are fixed for each night, participants can travel at their own pace during the day, in what is termed loose convoy configuration. Consequently, there is plenty of time to explore places like Banff, Jasper, Whitehorse

and Dawson City in Canada, plus Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage in Alaska, at a pace the suits people individually. The third advantage is that every comfort is assured in the 7.31 metre (24 ft) motorhomes and although that might sound

Travel: Alaska

Rugged and capable, these ‘baby’ (by US standards) Sunseeker C-Class motorhomes make a great home-on-the-road. daunting to some, US and Canadian roads are usually very wide. It’s not all motorhoming, though, because included in the tour is a seven night cruise of the Inside Passage between Vancouver and Anchorage, while is Alaska there are options like a rail trip on the White Pass and Yukon Railway, to Skagway. You can also take flights to various remarkable destinations (including a glacier!), choose tours into the magnificent Denali National Park and even take a tour around the truly ‘jumbo’ Boeing factory in Seattle - the largest building of its type in the world. Although I have not done this particular trip I have

Travel: Alaska

A glacier flight is just one of many optional tours available. been to Seattle, Canada and Alaska on different occasions, including travelling in those parts by motorhome in winter. The thought of putting them altogether in one motorhome trip is certainly very appealing! iMotorhome’s ‘Ambassador’ in Queensland, Bill McClintock, has done this very trip and speaks extremely highly of it: high praise indeed from the canny Scotsman.

The northbound tour runs for 36 days and the southbound tour for 45. Next issue we’ll bring you some details of the Eastern Canada and Nashville/ Caribbean motorhome tours Graeme also has on offer. Contact: Graeme Smyth Harvey World Travel Menai Shop 3, Menai Market Place Menai NSW 2234

Ph: (02) 9541 1244 Email: graeme.menai@ harveyworld.com.au www.menai.harveyworld.com.au Click for Google Maps

DepArture DAtes: 8 MAy 2013 18 August 2013 Itinerary: Seattle, Moses Lakes, Radium Hot Springs, Banff, Jasper, Prince George, Whitehorse, Dawson City, Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage. This tour is completed with a 7 night inside passage cruise. The August departure operates in reverse. Inclusions: Return Airfares, 4 Nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hotel Accommodation, 22 days Motorhome Hire, 22 Nights RV parks, Mt McKinley Scenic Flight, Kenai Fjord cruise. Visit www.menai.harveyworld.coau <http://www.menai.harveyworld.coau/> and view a past passenger diary.

The Great Australian Doorstep TV show accompanied us to Alaska in August 2012. They have produced a five series Television show that will appear on the following channels. Channel 1: Australia Wide 6:30pm on Saturday evenings. Late January Channel 10: Southern Cross Regional Australia 6.30pm Saturday. Late January Channel 72: Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania 4.30pm Saturday. Late January Foxtel Aurora: March 2013 8:00pm Tuesday

Technical...

Vehicle Stability Part 2

How vehicles behave on road is rarely described. In this, the second part of an article by engineer/writer Collyn Rivers, he explains what happens, in non-academic terms.

he download on an overhung hitch causes the rear of a tow vehicle to be levered downward about its rear wheels, and the front lifted. If rear tyres are close to maximum load, this may suddenly increase the rear slip angles. (See Part 1). The downweight causes the tow vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rear to drop. Stiffening the rear springs or adding rear air bags alone, increases the rear roll resistance (such that it may, by transferring the roll induced load onto the outer rear tyre), suddenly increase the slip angle of that tyre, triggering gross oversteer.

In the more severe instances, such rigs are potentially mobile accidents waiting for the right triggering circumstance to occur. A weight distributing hitch assists to remedy this by forming a semi-flexible beam between vehicle and trailer. This restores some of the imposed weight to the tow vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s front axle. Current thinking about their desirability is changing. A WDH is now beginning to be seen as a truss needed to counteract pitching forces - that are better reduced at source. They are no longer necessary or even

usable, with recent European Union designed caravans. Some tow ball weight is essential for stable caravan towing and that commonly recommended in Australia (e.g. 10% or so of gross trailer weight) was arrived at 60-70 years ago when most caravans were around 4.0 metres long and weighed 1200-1800 kg. That 10% (but only 7% in the UK) has been virtually a mantra ever since. At best however it can only be a very rough guide for centre kitchen â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;vans of the above sizes.

Technical... Basing that loading on gross weight alone, shows a fundamental misunderstanding between weight and mass. For many purposes the terms are interchangeable. In this context they are not. Mass can be regarded as the amount of matter in something. The greater the mass, the greater the force needed to start or stop it moving. Weight is simply a measure of the force exerted on a mass by gravity. A hammer for example may weigh 1 kg, and can be rested on oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand without concern. When swung, its mass is still 1 kg but the force that it exerts is many times

higher than when at rest. The faster it strikes, the greater the force. As a hammer shows (and is how it works!) the force required to initiate or resist movement of a mass increases with the rate of change of that massâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movement.

from its centre of gravity. Thus a 250 kg mass on the tow ball of a six metre van exerts far greater dynamic forces when swaying, than does the same 250 kg mass on the tow ball of a four metre van. Likewise, does the mass of an end-kitchen, let alone a motorcycle slung on the rear.

The down force exerted by gravity on a tow ball supporting A good example of this is that a mass of 200 kg, will 200 kg one can stand comfortably weight only whilst it is at rest. near the centre of a circus round-about but, at the The forces exerted when the periphery, one has to hang on rig pitches downward (or hard simply to stay on board. the tow vehicle upward) well (Life is sometimes a bit like that exceeds that amount. too!). Such forces increase with the square of the distance that any so-moving mass is located

The 10% nose weight is thus absurdly too high for most camper trailers (that,

Weight distributing hitch (WDH) - a vital component for end-heavy trailers. The hitch acts as a semiflexible beam between the two vehicles. The (necessary) nose weight of the trailer pushing down on the towing hitch acts as a lever and lifts the front of the tow vehicle. The WDH levers it down again, partially restoring the original balance.

Technical... in practice, may range from 2% to 20% with no little or apparent noticeable effect. (I suspect the ‘recommended’ weight is what it turned out to be when first made). Conversely,10% is far too low for a seven metre with the lot, but the 350 kg limit generally precludes any more, unless the tow vehicle is (as one builder uses - used to) a cut-down Mack truck. Or as with a well known tri-axle Bushtracker, about 1000 kg on tow bar of a twin rear wheeled Dodge RAM. Similar effects and relationships apply to weight/ mass when caravan or tow vehicle yaws (sways). The forces are there, but the resistance to a mass’s change of movement (inertia) may initially mask this effect - as for example a heavy tow vehicle tows and excessively endheavy ‘van. ‘Steady as rock’ until that one day when... Swinging Pendulums onventional caravans and fifth wheelers behave quite.

A fifth wheeler and its tow vehicle is like a pendulum of which the pivot is the tow vehicle and hitch, and the bob is the mass of the trailer. Disturbing forces cause that mass to swing, but (with a fifth wheel trailer) the forces

These two trailers will behave very differently on-road. Moving the mass of that kitchen from the centre (where it had next to no effect, adds a huge amount of mass forward).

are mostly small and kept harmlessly in check. Providing the rear wheels are well back, that the weight on the tow vehicle is within both vehicle’s limits, and the hitch above or in front of the tow vehicle’s axle (and allows the trailer to oscillate from side to side, rock front to rear, and turn), no unduly disturbing loads are transferred from either part to the other. A well-balanced fifth wheeler is thus stable, and that stability is unrelated to speed. If a hitch unduly restricts or (worse) precludes side/ side movement however, a torsionally rigid fifth wheeler transfers roll resistance to its front end and thus to the towing vehicle’s outer rear

tyres. If already close to their maximum load, this may suddenly increase their slip angle. Caravan-like behaviour (as below) may also manifest to a minor extent if the hitch is located to the rear of the tow vehicle’s axle. Caravan Behaviour conventional caravan’s behaviour is far more complex. Right from their earliest usage (around 1920 onward) there were reports of caravan-related accidents.

“Trailers, when towed at high speed often have a tendency to start swaying from side to side... (This) usually follows some sort of steering

Technical... manoeuvre such as overtaking a vehicle on a motorway, or going round a sharp bend,” states Christopher Killer (Dynamics of Towed Vehicles, 2003). He adds that: “nearly all snaking accidents involve caravans.” When a caravan sways, its transfers the sway forces, via an overhung hitch, to the tow vehicle. That overhung hitch result in a force that causes the rear of the tow vehicle being pushed in an opposite direction to that of the tow vehicle. The transmitted forces are resisted by the inertia (i.e. resistance to movement) of the tow vehicle, and reacted by the grip of its tyres. The caravan’s wind drag and rolling resistance reduces the sway movement, but its (yawing) inertia causes it to

until the energy is somehow absorbed. A similar action happens in reverse when the tow vehicle sways (and the two parts then interact). Below a critical speed (specific to each rig) such swaying results in the energy expended automatically slowing the rig (typically by 10-15 km/h) and the interaction dies. But if swaying occurs above that critical speed, the interacting energy may (and sometimes does) build up, generating forces that exceed the ability of either or both parts of the rig’s rear tyre’s, let alone the driver’s ability, to react. The physical movement also suddenly changes - to that known to physicists as chaotic behaviour. If/when this occurs that rig is all but certain to jackknife. Theoretically, the tow vehicle and its overhung hitch form one pendulum, from the bob of which swings a second pendulum (the caravan).

The double pendulum a conventional sways like overshoot. caravan The oscillatory this.action For a working demonstration may thus continue see: http://www.myphysicslab. com/dbl_pendulum.html

Explaining the subsequent dynamic behaviour of such double (also known as complex) pendulums involves double differential equations. The action is shown dramatically however at (http://www.myphysicslab. com/dbl_pendulum.html)

and includes the maths (that I do not even pretend to understand), for those so interested - and mathematically competent - which I am not.

A sanely designed, laden and driven rig is a safe combination. However as a few engineers, including myself, have long suspected, and The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath recently confirmed, there are limiting conditions that, if ignored or exceeded, are likely to cause a caravan to go out of control. Knowing this, and its probable causes, must surely however be preferable to caravans seemingly jack-knifing without apparent cause. (This following web-reference is an interactive demonstration of this section. It enables even the most doubting readers to test for themselves the effect of excess end weight (mass). http://www. towingstabilitystudies.co.uk/ stability-studies-game.php Try it - it shows the effect very clearly.. Speed – the Vital Factor he generality of the above is known to be correct and quantifying and correlating the various causes and forces is well underway, but not yet totally established as there are

Technical... stability are trailer yaw inertia, nose mass (mass distribution), and trailer axle position. Tyre pressure too also affects stability, although less significantly. There is increasing evidence that wind speed as well as road speed is a limiting factor and that driving fast when there is a strong side and/or head wind is not advisable. It has often even been suggested that a wind-speed indicator be used when towing where a rig has only border-line stability.. Left: as conventional trailer sway to the right, in pushes the rear of the tow vehicle to the left. Right: when (even a long) fifth wheel trailer sways that movement only barely affects the tow vehicle.

innumerable uncontrollable variables, such as loading, and driving techniques, plus roads and weather conditions. Whilst a mildly snaking rig normally corrects itself (the often-suggested minor acceleration is risky), ongoing and repeated controlled trials strongly indicate there is a critical limiting speed for any specific combination of tow vehicle and caravan. Above that limit which, if snaking is triggered, that snaking irreversibly escalates and/or snaps into chaotic behaviour. It has been conclusively shown that speeds at which this may

occur typically begin at not that much over 100 km/h. That speed is directly associated with the ‘van’s length and weight distribution, with both vertical and lateral disturbing forces (i.e. pitching and yawing) increasing as speed increases. A study by Darling, J., Tilley, D., Gao, B., 2009. ‘An experimental investigation of car-trailer high-speed stability’ published in the Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 223 (4), pp. 471-484) indicates that dominant factors affecting

Anti-Sway Hitches here are two variants. In one, a friction layer around the hitch absorbs some sway energy (converting it into heat). This has been shown to smooth down minor snaking, to reduce settling time. Trials however show that such (Coulomb friction) devices have no effect on forces beyond that.

There is concern however that the restraining forces built up within such devices, add suddenly and possibly dangerously to the disturbing forces, when such devices are overwhelmed. They suddenly let go, feeding the energy into the accident. The second types cause more sway force energy to be reacted by the tow vehicle.

Technical... Here again they reduce minor sway but cannot assist the tow vehicle’s ability to react the sway forces in a jack knifing situation. There is also the risk that such devices mask a condition that needs correcting at source. Optimising Towing Stability ow vehicle behaviour is now well understood, both in theory and practice. A long wheelbase tow vehicle with short rear overhang, and that weighs more than the trailer, is more stable than one that lacks such attributes. Lateral deflexion of the tow vehicle’s rear tyres is also a factor.

Caravan stability is becoming increasingly understood, but because most of the information is confined to academic papers (albeit confirmed by a great deal of practical testing), little is currently being applied except by companies such as Al-KO in Europe - and hopefully this regularly updated article.

Reducing trailer perimeter and particularly end-weight/s is vital. “A fast moving caravan with a large mass distributed around the perimeter would be highly unstable”, states Chris Killer. Long caravans end heavy caravans need long and end heavy heavy vehicles to tow them. It makes every sense to follow the European practice of reducing weight, particularly end weight. Most 18 ft EU ‘vans are still under 1600 kg and just as strong as local ‘van that size (but that typically 2200-2300 kg.

chassis in front of the axle/s.

The axle/s should be located as far back as possible without tow ball weight becoming excessive. Automatic Stability Control ithin reason, a swaying caravan is controllable by selectively and proportionately applying ONLY its own brakes. AL-KO (in Europe) totally accepts that towed caravans exhibit the ‘critical speed’ behaviour referred to above, and that ‘van braking is the solution.

Every effort needs to be made to reduce end weight particularly at the rear end.

The company has developed an ATC Trailer Control electronic control system that reacts quickly to restore stability.

Batteries should be located centrally between the axles, water tanks made long but narrow and located as centrally as possible.

This unit continually monitors the stability of the caravan and operates only when a potentially dangerously unstable condition is detected.

The spare wheel should be held on a carrier below the

It does this via sensors on the caravan that detect laterally

A major safety breakthrough: the AL-KO Automatic Trailer Control detects swaying at a known to be dangerous threshold and applies the trailer’s brakes automatically. (It does not control ‘normal’ swaying - but operates as an emergency system only. See also http://pjcaravan.dk/ side/220

Technical... disturbing forces (such as a large swinging motion - but ignore bends etc) and, via a servo mechanism, applies the caravan brakes only, selectively and appropriately before instability becomes critical. The system is claimed to raise the critical speed by about 20%, but the makers sensibly warn it is an emergency aid intended to operate only to prevent an accident. It is not, stresses Al KO, a way of enhancing stability. AL KO Australia is now fitting these units to some new caravans. It is unclear however if they are able to counteract the huge yaw inertia of the longer end-heavy local products. Conclusion long end-heavy caravan commonly feels more stable than a short one with centralised mass. Short twin-axled ‘vans are usually very stable but may feel ‘twitchy’ due to their fast but minor movements, but these do not usually develop to serious swaying.

Inertia is not the same thing as inherent stability: a giant container ships seems ultrastable - until a rogue wave rolls it too far - and its inertia keeps it rolling). That “My mega-van always seemed rock stable until the

How AL KO ATC works.

day it jack knifed and rolled over” is a very common postaccident reflection.

Having been involved in this issue for over 50 years, and in depth since 2000, I marginally prefer a small off-road motor home such as our previously owned OKA, but also like the flexibility of caravans/camper trailers.

I suspect further research will result in long end-heavy caravans being relics of the past, not least because, over a certain length (that I suspect to be about six metres) the fifth I would not tow any wheel configuration dynamically conventional caravan longer makes more sense. than five metres at over 90 km/h , and then only if were There is increasing evidence designed in accordance with that the probable safe speed the generality of this article. for big rigs is less than the limit Collyn Rivers, Caravan & of 100 km/h.

Motorhome Books October 2012.

AUTHOR'S NOTE The first part of this article inadvertently used the original (2010) non-revised version.

The updated first part, as well as the above (plus ongoing updates re this changing scenario) will be on my own website – www. caravanandmotorhomebooks.

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102 201 for your nearest Winnebago Dealer www.winnebago.com.au

Mobile Tech...

S D R A POSTC A N G O L O B M FRO Postino helps revive the romance of travel...

emember when going on holidays meant having to send postcards, too? Depending on your disposition, they were a lot of fun or a pain in the whatsie, but receiving a postcard was always a treat.

Postino is an IPhone/Android/ Winphone/Facebook app that is a lot of fun and helps revive the romance of the postcard generations. The Postino app is free to download and install, and at its most basic level allows

you to send free electronic postcards to anybody with an email address. What make it really fun is that you can buy â&#x20AC;&#x153;stampsâ&#x20AC;? and send a real, live physical postcard to anybody, anywhere in the world. All postcards allow the photo

Mobile Tech...

Once you get the hang of it, Postino makes sending postcards – real or electronic – simple and good fun.

to be customised, with a small selection of frames, while of course you can add a message and even your signature – which on an electronic screen comes out more like a toddler’s first drawing effort. Either way, you upload the completed

Mobile Tech...

postcard via wireless (or your mobile data allowance) and off it goes.

Arizone, via Postino HQ in beautiful downtown, Bologna, Italy. Go figure...

‘stamp’ covers the card and postage, it’s a pretty good deal.

The free electronic postcards are delivered at the speed of email, but the physical cards take a more leisurely route. Allow at least a couple of weeks, maybe more, for them to arrive with friends or family in Australia, as they first have to be physically printed out and posted from Scottsdale

Stamps can be bought through the Postino app, via Paypal, with a single one costing $1.99, which drops to $1.49 per stamp if you buy 100 at a time. Packs from 5 upwards are available and offer a sliding scale of discounts the more you buy. When you consider that the

The physical cards themselves are high quality and gloss finished and can add another dimension of fun and enjoyment to your travels – no matter whether you’re the postcarder or postcardee. Postino: Think of it as memento of your very own Roamin’ Holiday....

Mobile Tech...

Postinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real postcards are excellent quality but can take weeks to arrive. Still, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of space to write a message and you can even sign it in your best electronic scrawl.

A Message From CMCA...

SAVE ON FUEL, LOSE THE SPARE TYRE Could exercise become the new Happy Hour??? By Michelle Hogan, CMCA - Communications and Marketing Team

A Message From CMCA...

Use it or lose it: Keeping active improves your quality of life to keep you motorhoming longer...

ravelling on the road for long periods at a time can provide amazing stimulation for the mind. Our brain is constantly active, focusing on the road, enjoying inspiring scenery, investigating new towns, and socialising throughout the journey with relaxing drinks around the BBQ with friends new and old. This all sounds great, doesn’t it? During this time though it is easy to forget about our bodies and allow them to fall a little by the wayside with unbridled road snacking – yum! However, there are ways to decrease your risk of weight gain and in fact increase your ability to enjoy life. Thirty minutes a day is enough to have you fighting fit and ready to scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge or swim Bass Straight with one hand tied behind your back. Well, maybe not, but

thirty minutes of exercise a day will have your body running better than it has in years, reducing the risk of illness and premature aging; and if that isn’t incentive enough, just think about the fuel you will save not having to lug around those extra kilos on the road. Before undertaking any new exercise program it is important to first consult with your physician to ensure that the exercise program is suitable for you. Warming up the engine efore starting your new exercise program it is important to warm your body up. A five minute walk at a moderate pace, enough to break a sweat, will help lubricate the joints and prepare your body for what is to come. This is important and will reduce the risk of injury.

A little bit of resistance esistance training will increase the body’s horsepower and get you moving again. Once warmed up you can begin with some resistance exercises. Resistance exercise provides significant improvements and benefits for over-all health and well-being. Resistance exercise is low impact training, which is used to develop the size and strength of skeletal muscles.

The following is an exercise program; ensure that you work through each exercise for the designated number of repetitions before moving onto the next exercise. Once through all three resistance exercises, move onto and perform the entire the cardio routine. Repeat the circuit (three resistance exercises followed by cardio three times) and then cool down.

A Message From CMCA...

Squat: A wall can provide a handy backrest.

Squat: 1. Position your feet shoulderwidth apart with toes slightly pointed out.

parallel with the ground, whichever comes first. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.

3. As you exhale, begin to raise 2. Keeping your head up and your body by pushing the maintaining a straight back, floor with the heel or middle slowly lower your body by of your foot, and straighten bending the knees and the legs and extend the hips sitting back with your hips. to go back to the starting Continue lowering yourself as position. far as you can comfortably, 4. Repeat 12 times. or until your thighs are

Push-up: 1. Stand facing a wall with feet approximately 60 cm away from the bottom edge. Leaning into the wall, place hands slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Keeping arms extended hold your torso away from the wall. 2. Keeping your back straight lower yourself toward the

A Message From CMCA...

Even standing push-ups provide good weight resistance

wall until your chest almost touches the wall as you inhale. 3. Exhale and press your upper body back up to the starting position. 4. Repeat 12 times. Increasing difficulty: If you would like to make this exercise a little bit more difficult you can try and use the floor, bending your legs at the knees or for a real work out, perform the exercise on your toes. One Arm Row: 1. Fill an empty container with enough water to give you your desired lifting weight. 2. Pick up container and grasp handle in your right hand letting the weight hang by your side. 3. Extend right leg back behind you and bend your left leg

at the knee. Keeping your back straight, lean your torso forward from the waist until your upper body is 45째 to the floor. Place your left hand on the top of your knee for support. 4. Pull the water filled container straight up to the side of your chest, keeping your upper arm close to your side and keeping the torso

stationary. Breathe out as you perform this step. 5. Lower the resistance straight down to the starting position. Breathe in as you perform this step. 6. Repeat the movement 12 times. 7. Switch sides and repeat again with the other arm.

A Message From CMCA... Blowing out the cobwebs: tarting at the bottom of a hill and briskly walk, or if you feel comfortable, jog, up the hill for one minute. Walk back down the hill taking two minutes to return to your starting point. Repeat this three times then, depending on how you are feeling, you can now repeat resistance exercises or move on to cooling down. Remember not to push yourself too much for the first few weeks, it is important that exercise becomes a regular activity in your life that you look forward to, not something you are scared of or dread doing.

After finishing your workout it is important not to just stop dead, but to cool down first. This will reduce the next day’s soreness (which is normal, but will lessen as your body adjusts to working out) and allows the body to return to its natural resting state. You can cool down by performing

a mild paced walk for five minutes. Walking at a speed you can comfortably hold a conversation at is ideal. If you are training with a friend, this is the perfect opportunity to discuss your new workout. Could fitness be the new happy hour? Joining a club such as CMCA will put you in contact with similar minded people; there are 97 Chapters Australia wide who meet regularly for fun and social get-togethers. Chapters offer a great way of socialising and sharing ideas. Instead of treating exercise as a chore, why not involve your friends and create an activity to be enjoyed; exercise can become the perfect excuse to catch up with friends, while feeling great. So for those who love to travel the open roads, and explore our beautiful country, why not join CMCA today; make new friends and get healthy at the same time.

Details of Chapter venues and dates, plus Chapter contacts are published in the CMCA monthly magazine, The Wanderer, and on the CMCA website – www.cmca.net.au Thanks to Stephen Hogan at Beach Fit Personal Training for his assistance with this article. For more fitness tips please visit www.beachfitPT.com or call Stephen on 0413 193 335. A special note of thanks to Olga Connolly for being a model citizen – literally – by happily agreeing to demonstrate these exercises. Special thanks, too, to our designer, Mrs Not-the-Stig, for taking such great photos (with her helmet on, of course).

A Message From CMCA...

Power walking â&#x20AC;&#x201C; walking that raises your resting heart rate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is perhaps the best exercise you can do.

Roadside Eats...

PIE IN THE SKY

Roadside pies with a view of the sky... By Richard Robertson

Roadside Eats...

ontinuing the pie theme from last issue, Pie in the Sky is something of an institution at Cowan, on Sydney’s Northern outskirts. Nestled between the Old Pacific Highway and a cutting on the F2 Freeway, Pie in the Sky is a favoured meeting place for motorcyclists, cyclists and sports car drivers – and it’s no wonder. The Old Pacific Highway, in its day, was a winding and torturous road that linked Sydney to all points north.

Motorcyclists flock to Pie in the Sky as the Old Pacific Highway is a riders' paradise. Motorhome parking is at the far (southern) end.

Today is a rider’s/driver’s dream, with little traffic sporadic policing and a great surface that rises and falls and twists and turns while criss-crossing the freeway; like a playful puppy bounding alongside its master. According to Wikipedia, “A notable landmark of the Cowan area is the ‘Pie In The Sky’ pie shop located approximately one kilometre north of Cowan on the Pacific Highway. Pie In The Sky featured in the Australian film ‘Lantana, and is a frequent

stop for day-trippers and motorcycle/motor-scooter enthusiasts on weekends.” Enough said.

Fame and hype aside, Pie in the Sky is a slightly shabby place in need of a good makeover and some reinvestment of the bonanza the owners must reap every week. Our visit coincided with the review of Suncamper’s new Sapphire (patience, next issue) and for a mid-spring Tuesday morning the place was bubbling along nicely.

Roadside Eats...

You can choose to dine inside; outside under shadecloth sails or at any of the numerous tables in the terraced open area opposite the front of the building. For motorhomers there is usually ample parking at the southern end, just watch for errantly parked motorcycles when maneuvering at busy times. Also, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re arriving from Sydney, the shop is located on a bend in the road and a quick turn-in is recommended!

Roadside Eats... Pies are what the place is famous for and the Thai Chicken Curry example sampled on the day didn’t disappoint. There were all the usual favourites – steak and kidney, pepper beef and so on – plus other gourmet treats like chicken honey mustard and lamb korma – as well as sausage rolls and pasties. You can even have a Devonshire Tea if the mood takes you, or you just can’t face a pie because you’ve mistimed your visit...

Eating-in entitles you to a plate and a choice of sides at extra cost, but ours was strictly a take-away occasion, consumed in the Sapphire to make sure the dining table worked. It did. Pie in the Sky also make fruit pies, but being good we’ll wait to hear your reports. All pies are baked on the premises and while delicious, the serving staff on the day was underwhelming – particularly the surly young

The ‘test’ takeaway pie: Thai Chicken Curry. Yum, but no marks for presentation.

lady with a bad dose of I-don’t-want-to-be-here-itis.

Plan to visit mid week and Pie in the Sky can offer a pleasant and delicious roadside treat that feels a million miles from civilisation (despite the traffic noise from the freeway below). Here’s hoping for a lick of paint, some new outdoor furniture and a course in customer service for those left to hold the fort. I’m hoping that’s on the cards and not just pie in the sky... Pie in the Sky 1296 Pacific Hwy Cowan NSW 2081 Ph: (02) 9985 7018 Open 7 days

Click for Google Maps

Next Issue... NEXT ISSUE

ontinuing the prototype theme, Suncamper’s slightly unusual Sapphire comes under the rather large

November 2-4

NOV

2-4

iMotorhome microscope. If you regularly need to transport two extra passengers it could be just the machine you're looking for.

Richard looks at the best bicycles to take on your motorhome adventures and also explores Werris Creek: NSW’s first railway town.

Malcolm takes Sunliner’s new Pinto 3 for a whirl and discovers a compact and capable machine with an interesting floorplan and that trademark Sunliner sparkle. He also reports on the Bateman’s Bay RV show that’s on this very weekend.

See you on Saturday 17 November and as always, why not follow us on Facebook (www.facebook. and com/iMotorhome) Twitter (@iMotorhomeMag) ? Stay safe!

NOV

9-11 November 23-25

NOV

9-112-4

NOV

9-11

NOV

November 23-25 2-4 23-25 9-11

South Coast Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo

NZ Motorhome & Caravan Show

11th Annual RV & Camping Leisurefest

Mackay Park, Batemans Bay. NSW.

CBS Canterbury Arena, Christchurch. NZ. • Open 9:00-5:00 daily (4:00 Sunday) • Free parking • Adults $12 • Kids U12 Free

Bendigo Racecourse Heinz St, Epsom. Vic. • 09:30-5:00 daily (4:00 pm Sun)

• Open 9:00-5:00 daily (4:00pm Sunday) • Free parking • Adults $10 • Seniors $6 • Accompanied kids free • Website: http://southcoast.supershow.com.au

Click for Google Maps

• Website: www. nzmotorhomeshow. co.nz

Click for Google Maps

• • • •

NOV

23-25

Free parking Adults $10 Seniors $8 Kids U 15 free with adults

• Website: www. leisurefest.com.au Click for Google Maps

Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes, campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general? Drop us a line at info@imotorhome.com.au and we’ll happily promote it in this calendar.