iMotorhome
16: December 15 2012
.com.au
Issue
because getting there is half the fun...
JAYCO HO HO! Range-topping Optimum catches the festive spirit... Custom Caddyshak! Tiny VW is no crampervan...
Driving Miss Daisy 2
Jackie Dillon talks about her Trakkadu
Love your freedom. Love your Horizon.
Your freedom is well deserved and Horizon Motorhome is your perfect reward. Established in 1995, our motorhomes are built in, not bolted on, and use Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen Crafter and Fiat Ducato as base vehicles with the option of two or four wheel drive. A choice of five models with a huge selection of tailorable features allows you to personalise your motorhome to your travelling needs. Our quality interiors offer clever layouts to maximize storage and convenience, and our entire range is easy to drive and simple to park. Experience the difference.Test drive a Horizon Motorhome today.
p. 02 6681 1555 • 299 River St, Ballina NSW 2478
www.ballinacampers.com.au
On my mind...
I
f a week is a long time in politics then eight months seems just as long in publishing. Yes, it’s that long since the first issue of iMotorhome hit the Internet but, to be honest, it also seems like about five minutes. If you’ve been with us from the beginning then thanks for sticking around; if you’re reading this for the very first time then thanks for finding us. Either way, it’s been quite a journey and a learning curve and, to quote a well-worn cliché, the best is yet to come. Seriously. We have big plans for 2013 and they start with an all-new website, which will launch
towards the end of January. The new-look iMotorhome website will not only look better and have a lot more information, it will be what the boffins call a Responsive website. That means no matter the device you’re viewing it on, the website will resize itself and display accordingly, from a smartphone to a full desktop monitor. Very clever. There will be new style feature stories and other interesting developments, but for now you’ll just have to wait and see what the new year holds in store. After all, a magazine has to have some secrets! Speaking of the new year, word from the recent Louisville
3
industry-only RV show in the US is that there are a lot of Australians over there looking to bring American vehicles into our market. The high Australian dollar and the poor state of the US economy are certainly combining to make Australia an attractive market, although given our comparatively tiny size I do wonder if there is a brisk trade in rose coloured sunnies over there at present. The US-import business has always been fraught with perils – from RHD conversion costs and unsuitable engines to serious compliance issues – so it will be interesting to see what, if anything, actually develops. Continued...
• Campervans • Motorhomes • Caravans • Hobby Haulers
• Campervans • Motorhomes • 4x4 Campers • Caravans
• Camper Trailers • Off-Road Caravans • Pop-top Caravans • Hard-top Caravans • Campervans • Motorhomes
5 Melrose Dr, Wodonga 3690 • Ph: 02 6024 4222 • awrvworld.com.au
Onmy mymind... mind... On ...Continued
And speaking of developments, Technical Editor Allan Whiting has parted company with us so as not to muddy the waters as he develops and expands his rapidly-growing specialist 4WD website www. outbacktravelaustralia.com. au. We wish him all the very best, but fortunately Allan is a friend and neighbour and
I’m hoping I can sneak a few articles in during the course of the year, in exchange for a few beers and, perhaps, a box of Mrs iMotorhome’s home made Xmas mince pies. Of course our other technical guru, Collyn Rivers, will be continuing his excellent work and already has some very interesting articles in mind.
The iMotorhome Team
Finally, we’re taking a short Festive Season break and will skip one issue, returning on Saturday 19 January all recharged and ready to go. From the iMotorhome team we wish you, your family and friends a safe and happy Festive Season and all the best for the New Year. Merry Christmas!
d r a h c i R
Richard Robertson
Malcolm Street
Agnes Nielsen-Connolly
Publisher & Managing Editor
Consulting Editor
Design & Production Manager
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.
Agnes is an experienced and talented graphic designer with extensive experience across a wide range of disciplines, including travel and advertising.
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.
agnes@imotorhome.com.au
Designing and producing iMotorhome issues since June 2012, Agnes does much of the behind-the scenes work to ensure every issue looks great and is easy to read.
©2012 iMotorhome. All rights reserved. Published by iMotorhome. ABN 34 142 547 719. PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW. 2576. Contact us on 0414 604 368 or Email: info@imotorhome.com.au
Trakkaway 700
INSIDE EDISNI
3 ON MY MIND Is that the time?
8 NEWS
Happenings across the motorhome world and beyond!
12 TESTED
Jayco Ho Ho – Malcolm Street reviews Jayco’s range-topping Optimum
26 PROFILE
Trakka profiles a high profile and happy customer!
30 CUSTOM RV
Caddyshak – Noel Anderson talks about his custom VW Caddy Maxi
17 36 HISTORICAL
Big Lizzie – A tall tale for Australia’s pioneering past...
21 42 ROADSIDE EATS
Season’s Eatings! Gourmet pies and cakes at Berrima’s Gumnut Patisserie
23 48 MOBILE TECH
Snow Time Like Xmas! Add some festive fun to your iThingy this Christmas
54 NEXT ISSUE What’s coming up, plus our show calendar
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
Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs, patents and copyrights ™ © 2012
News...
TALVOR HEADS STATESIDE
Talvor is moving into the US market with travel trailers (caravans) as well as motorhomes.
T
alvor, which claims to be Australia’s largest RV manufacturing company, will launch in the USA on 1 January 2013. According to a press release. “Talvor USA is an extension of Australian-based Talvor, which builds caravans, motorhomes and campervans for the Australian and New Zealand markets.” “The new Talvor USA brings together industry experts from the US and Australia and will manufacture travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels and Class B vans at its Perris, California facility. These vehicles will primarily be sold in the United States, however Talvor USA will also be exploring export opportunities to Australia, Korea and China.” “The rugged, yet attractive vehicles
incorporate contemporary styling and design features that set them apart from the competition, and are backed by the reputation of a well-respected international brand that has more than 25 years of experience in meeting the needs of travellers.” “CEO Luke Trouchet is confident that the new enterprise will be a successful one because the American team has the expertise and experience to meet and exceed the expectations of the RV market.”
“Beyond the wheels and chassis, Talvor USA vehicles are based on an understanding of what the modern traveller desires,” said Trouchet. “Our customers want a place to get away while going to amazing places. We believe that to own a Talvor USA recreational vehicle will be to own endless possibilities.” Visit www.TALVOR.com/US for further information. Talvor USA is located at 1320 W. Oleander Avenue, Perris, California 92571.
9
News...
OUTBACK EXPLORER LAUNCHES
for producing serious go-anywhere 4WD truck-based motorhomes. OutBack Explorer Campers is marketing a 2WD truck-based motorhome that rides lower and is more affordable than its more serious cousins, yet still provides good all-road (dirt/gravel/ bitumen) and limited off-road capabilities. But just to muddy the waters, a 4WD option is also available!
A
new operation has launched – OutBack Explorer Campers – which
is a sister business to EarthCruiser Expedition Vehicles; the Queensland company well known
We hope to investigate this interesting new model in the New Year and bring your a full report, but until then you can find out more at www.outbackexplorer.net.
OZeRV FORUM CLOSES
T
he OZeRV Forum, which sprang up earlier this year following the sudden and unexplained closure of the CMCA’s own forum, is itself closing down on 16 December. On 23 November, Doug McKean – the OZeRV Forum
Administrator – posted a public apology to the Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA), it’s employees, officers and board of directors, following legal advice the Forum contained allegedly inflammatory statements.
When asked if this precipitated his decision to close the forum down, Doug said it was ultimately “A decision based on family/ personal/work reasons. A couple of alternate forums have recently gone online which may suit the needs of the OZeRV motorhoming fraternity.” Doug, who still works full time, is looking forward to a couple of months touring the US next year in a motorhome he recently purchased over there and we wish him and his partner all the very best.
News...
VARIETY – THE SPICE OF LIFE
A
s comedy duo, Hamish and Andy, bring caravanning into the spotlight with their new program Caravan of Courage: Australia vs New Zealand; Variety – the Children’s Charity – is gearing up for a Caravan of Courage of our own. According to a press release, “The 2013 ‘Circle the South’ Variety Green RV Adventure is set to be an amazing experience kick starting in February of next year. Variety – the Children’s Charity, organisers of Australia’s largest charitable motoring event – the Variety Bash – brings the 2013 ‘Circle the South’ Variety Green RV Adventure to town. “ “The adventure will start on the 28th February in the idyllic coastal
town of Yamba in NSW, sitting at the mouth of the Clarence River and home to perfect, pristine beaches. The road trip will finish on the 9th March in the small country town of Nindigully, where personality is at large, with arguably the best country pub in Australia.” “The full eight-day adventure will travel through some beautiful national parks and historic towns, finishing with a project to help the kids and communities in the Nindigully region. CEO of Variety Queensland, Les Riley, said the 2013 ‘Circle the South’ Variety Green RV Adventure is a great way of seeing beautiful parts of the country
TOUR EUROPE!
F
ancy an escorted European motorhome tour? We heard this week from RV Tour Europe, a German company that operates group tours across
Europe and Scandinavia and has some very interesting itineraries. Although aimed very much at the American market they heard about iMotorhome from one of our
and meeting others with similar interests.” “The trip caters for individuals, families and friends who have a keen sense of adventure and access to a motorhome, campervan or camper trailer,” Les said. Participants are asked to each pay an application fee of $55 per vehicle and are then required to raise a minimum of $1250, which is tax deductible. Proceeds raised will assist in empowering Queensland children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs, to live, laugh and learn. For enquiries or to book a place on the adventure, please visit www.varietyqld.org.au or email erint@varietyqld.org.au
readers on-tour (thanks!), so to find out more visit www.rvtoureurpoe.com and get planning!
11
News...
2ND WORLD RV CONFERENCE LOOMS
T
he 2nd World RV Conference kicks off in Tampa, Florida, on 17 January and runs for four days. On the agenda are plenary sessions covering RVing around the world and a program of concurrent workshops covering
topics as diverse as advertising and promotion, world product standards and world campground standards. There are also local tours and a series of specially organised social events to (hopefully) make the most of networking opportunities.
Registration cost is a bargain at $850 (!) plus accommodation and for further details visit www.rvia. org/?ESID=WorldRVConf2013.
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27
Optimum PERFORMER
Jayco’s range-topping Optimum delivers a lot of bang for your bucks... Review and images by Malcolm Street
13
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27
Looking good in any location, the big Jayco is also surprisingly easy to maneuver.
J
ayco in Australia is a manufacturer of just about everything in the RV world, except for fifthwheelers. Mostly known for caravans and related offshoots, the company established itself in the mostly budget end of the motorhome market quite a few years ago, but in more recent times has moved upmarket with the Optimum range. Our review motorhome, which came from Jayco Sydney, is based on a Fiat Ducato and is one of the second longest in the range at 8.375 m (27 ft), only being topped by the 8.7 m (28 ft) Iveco Daily rig.
The Vehicle he Ducato-powered Optimum has a GVM of 5000 kg and to achieve that, Jayco bolted an Al-Ko chassis to the Ducato cab. Apart from anything else, it does give the Optimum the slightly unusual feature of tandem rear axles. It’s not the usual lazy axle arrangement of course; the Ducato being front-wheel drive.
T
The other standout features are the dual slide-outs on the offside. Jayco has opted for a slightly less complex engineering arrangement in terms of body structure by having two slide-outs instead of a single large one. All the
expected comfort and safety items are fitted to the driver’s cab, including air bags on both sides. One thing about having a light commercial background is that there are plenty of storage pockets around the cab for everything from water bottles to clipboards. For the body construction, which isn’t detailed too well on its website, Jayco use a vacuum bonded ply/aluminium frame/fibreglass structure, along with moulded fibreglass components for the luton peak and cab surround. Underneath, a timber framed/ polystyrene/ply sandwichpanel structure is used for the floor. There’s nothing
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27
Dual 4 kg gas bottles are easily accessed.
wrong with the contours of the luton but they do give the motorhome a slightly boofy look, which to me isn’t a bad thing at all. Stylish and flush glazed Dometic windows are used all round and the Dometic door comes with a Crimsafe security screen. The power operated Carefree Eclipse awning is operated by a switch just inside the door and it mostly covers the external living items: picnic table, entertainment unit and slide-out BBQ. The Optimum has a slightly raised floor inside that gives quite a bit of space for external bins – three along the offside and the same number along the nearside. Two are taken by gas cylinders and a slideout BBQ, but that still leaves plenty of space, although being low they are a bit awkward to get at, especially those under the opened slideouts.
Slide-out gas barbecue is a handy and welcome inclusion.
Fitted to the review vehicle were two options: a tow bar and upgraded air conditioner; the standard aircon being a Coleman unit. On the Road good place to try out a motorhome’s capabilities is the Blue Mountains west of Sydney – very handy to Jayco Sydney, but also good for a variety of road conditions. One of the slightly deceptive things about the Optimum is that its
A Dual slide-outs can be independently operated.
15
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27
Swivelling, leather-finished cab seats provide extra seating versatility. length of 8.38 m might give the impression of it being a difficult motorhome to drive, whereas once on the road, apart from remembering not to cut corners and maintaining good overtaking distances, driving really isn’t a chore at all. Manoeuvring in caravan parks, carparks and the like is of a course a different matter, but the large external rear view mirrors and two rear view cameras (the camera screen being where the internal rear view mirror used to be) makes those tasks relatively easy. Being the 180 Multijet model, the Ducato comes with the more powerful 3.0-litre, 132 kw/400 Nm turbo-diesel that is a good match for this
All you want for Christmas? motorhome. Oddly enough so is the six-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), which seems to shift more smoothly through the gears in heavier motorhomes. Sometimes AMT gearboxes have the annoying habit of
being very hesitant in the lower gears, but the Optimum didn’t exhibit that characteristic. One thing to keep in mind with the Al-Ko chassis is that it sits fairly low and whilst coping with most normal road conditions there is sometimes
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27
Light and spacious, the Optimum’s interior is a pleasant place to relax.
a problem with sharp undulations in driveways and the like. It might be just me, but I find it irritating that many motorhome cabs, including this one, don’t come with a 3.5 mm socket for plugging in an iPod/iPhone/mp3 player (I think it is you – Ed). They are a great space and weight saving device for storing entire music collections, but cannot be used easily without some modification when driving. Although in this case I resorted to using the house radio unit in the rear!
Living Inside here is no doubt that having a double slideout in any motorhome adds to the interior space, which is certainly the case with the Optimum. For a quick roadside stop it’s possible to use the nearside kitchen and offside dinette facilities without opening the slide-outs. However, the east-west bed in the rear blocks the walkway and so to use the bathroom means lifting the bed, which is hinged right at the back. In the driver’s cab, the standard
T
motorhome friendly cab with the cut-out and swivelling seats has been used, so getting to-and-from the cab is quite easy. Both cab seats and the dinette seats are leather upholstered, too. In keeping with most of the fleet, Jayco has opted for the Euro look with its curved doors and fittings, including the shower cubicle. Curtains are fitted to all windows, except the bathroom and kitchen. Being a large motorhome there are certainly plenty of storage lockers, lipped shelves and
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27 cupboards, with the cupboard and locker handles relatively easy for older fingers. Large windows all-round give an even wash of natural light, as do the multiple number of LED fittings at night. Generally speaking the light switches are in obvious places, although one or two are a bit oddly located. Ditto the power sockets, both 240V and 12V, although there wasn’t a 12V socket near the dinette table. The one in the cupboard in the TV corner of the bedroom was definitely in an awkward location. Being a luxury motorhome the Optimum comes with just about everything, including a satellite TV system. Twelvevolt electrics are powered by a single 100 AH deep cycle battery (seems penny-pinching - Ed) and charged by both a mains charger and a single roof mounted 120W solar panel. For everything there are two control panels, one in a locker above the dinette with water tank gauges, 12 V and 240 V master switches and hot water controls. The other is at the end of the overhead lockers by the entry door, which has slide-out and awning switches, along with various light rockers and the solar panel regulator. If I was being picky about something here, the slide-out and awning switches are definitely on the high side.
17
This cupboard above the dinette houses about half the electrical controls.
The entertainment centre includes an MP3-compatible sound system and satellite TV controls.
The dinette’s fixed-leg table is a design oops.
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27 Lounging Around lthough not meshed together the L-shaped dinette and the swivelled cab seats both offer places to sit and relax. With the floor level being where it is, the front seats don’t have the usual problem of being too high for short legs, but the dinette is set off the floor, being in the slide-out. For TV viewing the upper cupboard beside the entry door is fully wired for a flat screen TV, but unlike the bedroom, there is no mounting bracket fitted. The latter can be seen from either the bed or the front cab seats and also the dinette seat, but probably only comfortably for one person. For eating, the oval table is reasonably sized but only mounted on a fixed single pole. Given this is a luxury
A
Looking aft from the dinette. Note the full-width rear bathroom.
With both slide-outs extended the Jayco Optimum offers a ton of living space.
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27
19
For a large motorhome the kitchen is surprisingly small, though well equipped. motorhome, something like a Zwaardvis any-which-way mounting would be good. Time to Eat o surprises at the kitchen bench, except that there isn’t a great deal of working area. It does come with three drawers, a cupboard, wire basket pantry and two overhead lockers, but part of the cupboard space is taken by the hot water heater. Naturally, there is also space for a four burner (three gas, one electric) cooktop and stainless steel sink. Other kitchen essentials, like the Dometic two-door 186 L fridge (with microwave oven above) are located in the front slide-out, between the dinette and driver’s cab.
N
The large two-door fridge operates on LPG, 12 V or 240 V power.
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27
The bed has an extension bolster for maximum length, which must be removed to close the slideout. Lack of a bedroom privacy screen is a pity, too. After Hours ith its head in the offside slide-out, the fully extended bed measures 2.03 m x 1.48 m (6 ft 8 in x 4 ft 10 in). Certainly a very comfortable length for sure, but the slight problem is that with the extension bolster in position, the slideout cannot be fully closed up. Without the bolster, the bed loses about 200mm/8in, so whether you use it or not depends on what you are happy to put up with!
xxxxx
W
In terms of storage, the person sleeping on the rear side gets both a bedside cupboard and recessed shelf but the other party gets nowt, except for two overhead lockers. Making up for that slightly is a small
Only one side of the bed has storage for night-time knickknacks. cupboard that is mounted on the rear of the dinette seat and also a selection of narrow around-window cupboards at the foot of the bed. Keeping clean isn’t really a problem in the full width rear
bathroom. I like the nearside circular shower; it’s a bit space saving and looks very modern. Also circular is the centrally mounted wash basin, with cupboard below. That still leaves space for a much narrower floor cupboard,
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27 xxxx
21
The bathroom looks good, but a cupboard for the washing machine would make it look even better. overhead locker, offside Thetford cassette toilet and rear offside corner washing machine. I know looks aren’t everything and space is certainly a consideration, but I did wonder why the washing machine couldn’t have been fitted into a cabinet. What We Think nyone familiar with the Jayco motorhome range will certainly recognised that the dual slide-outs add a considerable amount of interior space, while just about everything opens and shuts at the touch of a button.
A
Being one of Jayco’s top-line models you’d naturally expect the Optimum to come with just about everything and it’s
Circular shower saves space and looks good, too.
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27
Fiat’s Ducato is front-wheel drive, while both rear axles are purely weight bearing. Fully set-up the Optimum is an impressive sight. The large electric awning provides shade without effort, but be careful in high-wind situations.
certainly well equipped, but some things – like the single house battery – mystify. In real estate terms the Jayco Optimum certainly delivers. At this price point, however, it’s up against considerable competition from the likes of Trakka and Paradise Motor Homes, for example, both of whom have reputations for quality and design innovation. As they say, you pays your money and you makes your choice.
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27
23
Room to party! Jayco’s Optimum could be just the place to hold your next big Christmas bash.
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27
Just lacking gift wrapping, many a household would like to wake up to a new Jayco Optimum on Christmas morning.
Tested: Jayco Optimum 27
Pros
25
• Classy looking motorhome • Not difficult to drive • Two slide-outs; spacious living area • Good storage areas inside and out • Two rear-view cameras
Specifications
Cons
• Single house battery • External storage bins quite low • Fixed table for dinette • Smallish kitchen • Some attention to finish required
Manufacturer
Jayco
Model
Optimum 27
Base Vehicle
Fiat Ducato multijet 180
Engine
3.0 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power
132 kW @ 3500 rpm
Torque
400 Nm @ 1400 rpm
Gearbox
6 speed AMT
Brakes
ABS Disc
Tare Weight
4400 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass
5000 kg
Towing Capacity
1510 kg (braked)
Licence
LR (Aust), Class 1 (NZ)
Passengers
2
External Length
8.38 m (27 ft 6 in)
Jayco Sydney
External Width
2.39 m (7 ft 10 in)
External Height
3.39 m (11 ft 1 in)
Internal Height
2.06 m (6 ft 9 in)
63-67 Glossop Street St Marys NSW 2760.
Rear Bed Size
2.03 m x 1.48 m ( 6 ft 8 in x 4 ft 10 in)
Cooktop
Smev 4 burner/grill & oven
Fridge
Dometic RM 4605 186-litre
Microwave
yes
Lighting
12V LED
Batteries
1 x 100 AH
Gas
2 x 4.0 kg
Heater
Optional
Solar Panels
1 x 120 W
Air Conditioner
Air Command Ibis
Hot Water Heater
Suburban 23-litres gas/elec
Toilet
Thetford cassette
Shower
Separate (circular) cubicle
Fresh Water Tank
160-litres
Grey Water Tank
80-litres
Price Australia
A$173,680 on-road, as tested
Price New Zealand
NZ$220,000 on road
Contact Click for Google Maps
Ph: (02) 9623 1971 W: www.jaycosydney.com.au E: sales@jaycosydney.com.au
Contact Jayco New Zealand South Auckland Caravans 162 Great South Road Takanini, Auckland. Ph: 09 298 7873 W: www.jayco.co.nz E: caravancentre@xtra.co.nz
Click for Google Maps
Trakka Profiles Jackie Dillon
DRIVING
‘MISS DAISY 2’. Tales of a Trakkadu Tragic...
Pete from Trakka catches up with Jackie Dillon, four-time Australian Women’s Waveski Surf Champion.
Trakka Profiles Jackie Dillon
W
ith home being the stunning Cottesloe Beach in Western Australia, Jackie was a long, long way from her home break. In fact it’s about as far away as she can get on mainland Australia. But Jackie doesn’t mind. She made the trip across the country in ‘Miss Daisy’ (named after the movie), her beloved 2009 Trakkadu. The exciting part will be the drive home in her brand spanking new All Terrain Trakkadu (VW Transporter).
So with her trusty waveski, paddles and surf gear tucked safely underneath the bed, and Jackie about to head off into the sunset with the new “Miss Daisy 2”, we catch up with her for 10 minutes before her first stop - The Australian Waveski Surf titles in Ulladulla this weekend. Oh did I mention Jackie is currently ranked 2nd in the world (Women’s Division), has won a staggering 15 West Australian Women’s Waveski Surf titles and was awarded the prestigious Australian
27
Sports medal in 2000. Just thought I’d throw that in. Sorry Jackie, you were about to say… …yeah Pete, I like to think of my Trakkadu as the most expensive change room on wheels. Because I live at the beach and I get changed at the beach. So I can get changed in the van, regardless of whether it’s stinking hot, or storming down. And I can watch all the other reprobates struggling with strong wind and freezing cold conditions.
Trakka Profiles Jackie Dillon
The other thing is that I can take it anywhere I want to. It can park anywhere. I’m so happy with it. So why the change Jackie? The reason why I’m trading ‘Miss Daisy’ in, is the new one is an automatic. My old Trakkadu was a 6 speed manual, otherwise I would have kept it. I love the 4 motion and the raised suspension which is great on the beach, but it wasn’t the full off road pack. And I love the fact it’s not a heavy vehicle. My other car is a Range Rover Sport which is very heavy on the sand. But ‘Miss Daisy’ just
travels so easy. And it’s got all the creature comforts. Prior to my Trakkadu I had larger van which was a mission in itself to park and drive while finding beach access. I never had those issues with my old Trakkadu and now with my new AT things will only get better.
getting away. I’ve just spent a week up in Byron Bay and it was the most comfortable van at the caravan park. It’s just so easy and people were saying to me, “Oh, if only we’d seen this earlier!”
Just a bit about your surf ski Jackie – how long is it and how will you store it in Do you use your Trakkadu the new van? a lot overnight with the bed It’s just under 2 metres. I can down? now store it underneath the Yes I do. And I keep the bed bed with my paddles and all down all the time. Not only for my surf gear. sleeping at night time, but also Which keeps the surf stuff during the day. Just relaxing down at the beach, putting my separate from sleeping and feet up, reading the paper, just the clean stuff. And I can just access it from the back. So
29
Trakka Profiles Jackie Dillon I can get out of the surf, put my ski straight in the bag and straight in the back under the bed. Easy. You were saying before you don’t use your awning all that much. Is there a reason for that? Too be honest I’ve just not needed to use it. The van itself is very cool inside and I haven’t done a lot of long term camping. I do lots of short trips to carnivals. Having said that when I had my Trakkadu up at the world titles, I had the awning out every day and that was really great. It’s very easy to put out. I was quite surprised, as small as I am, that I could do it so easily. So I think I will definitely use it more with my new one. So in your old Trakkadu you had gas. How are you feeling about now having a one fuelled car with a diesel cooktop? I think it will be a lot better.
It means that I don’t have to worry about getting a gas bottle refilled. And it just means that if I’m anywhere remote, especially in the vastness of Western Australia, and I’m not anywhere near somewhere that can refill my gas, it’s not a problem. Your beloved ‘Miss Daisy’ is a 2009 Trakkadu, what can you see that has changed with your new Trakkadu? I think finish is much nicer. It’s an automatic which is important for me now. The dash looks great and has Bluetooth and built in SatNav which is a big thing for me. And it just looks quite sleek. I thought my old Trakkadu was the Rolls Royce. I look at this new one we’re sitting in now and I think “Wow, what an improvement.” Obviously over a period of time upholstery techniques improve, the kitchen area
improves and I just love this beechwood finish. I think how you’ve done it is brilliant. It just seems that the whole vehicle has been totally modernised and updated in such a short period of time from when I bought my 2009 model. But when you think about it almost 4 years is quite a considerable amount of time and you guys are obviously always updating how you design your conversions. I love the external shower by the way. It’s brilliant. A must for a beach girl like me. I plan on keeping this for a long time. Until your next one… Ha ha. This is so true. Jackie thanks so much for talking with trakka.com, good luck this weekend at the Australian titles and safe and happy travels in ‘Miss Daisy 2” Thanks guys. I absolutely love it. I’m a Trakkadu Tragic.
jackie and her trakkadu..
J
ackie is now the proud owner of a Natural Grey 132kW Trakkadu (VW) 4 Motion All Terrain, DSG automatic. Plus she had an Aero Bull Bar fitted on the front and a bike rack on the back. It also has Seikel HD Maxi raised suspension, Engine guard and leather upholstery. With
Jackie being on the (he says delicately) short side, we also have built up the heal area in front of the drivers side floor. Jackie has surfed since she was 5 and been paddling since she was 19. She’s been runner-up in the World Waveski Surfing Titles 3 times,
Australian Women’s Waveski Surfing Champion 4 times, West Australia Women’s Waveski Surfing Champion 15 times and is President of the World Waveski Surfing Association. Now all ‘Miss Daisy 2’ has to do is try and keep up with her. Have fun Jackie.
Custom RV: Caddyshak
Caddyshak Here’s a customised VW you could really gopher... Story and images by Noel Anderson
Custom RV: Caddyshak
31
The Caddy’s dash is neat and functional, with Noel’s CB mounted nicely out of the way in the lower centre console.
A
fter having a 96 VW Transporter Trakka Synchro 2.4 diesel, which I bought in 2007 for a measly $22,500, I was off travelling around the country. My first trip was with three other motorhomes to Barcaldine in early 2007 for the CMCA rally (yes, I was in the big line-up). I did lots of other travelling, including the Leeton rally later that year and off to Western Australia to my great nephew's 21st Birthday. I had two nieces to catch up with as well, then back to the Eastern States and up home to Cairns. Opportunity Knocks was at Earlville Shoppingtown in the van, when I was approached
I
by a man who asked me if I wanted to sell the vehicle. I said everything is for sale at the right price and gave him a $29,000 price tag. He got a friend to come and check it out and within a hour or so handed me $1000 deposit, which I accepted thankfully. This was a Monday and by Friday the Transporter had been transferred to its new owner. Then the panic set in. I was contemplating a new trip but this had put a spanner in the works. I had looked at the VW Caddy 1.9 diesel, with fuel economy in mind, and had also made a few layout designs and I quickly ordered a brand new 2008 Caddy Maxi from the Maroochydoore
VW dealer. I still had a problem getting down south to pick the vehicle up, but this was solved when Dolly (who had hurt her arm) needed someone to drive Gypsy Dolly to Casino for the Solos Rally. This was a funny kind of trip, with people looking at me in this Gypsy Dolly Hi-Ace, and when I had the back doors opened there were earrings and necklaces hanging from the side curtain. I quickly explained the situation and (I think) this was accepted. Finally, on 19th October, I picked up my Caddy and then I was off to get some prices to outfit the van. Eventually, Casey's RV in Bundaberg came up with a quote of $10,000, which
Custom RV: Caddyshak
Easy fridge access and a removable rear table help make the most of limited ‘kitchen’ space. the under-bed storage.
I accepted and then we had to work out a time to do the fit-out. I must say this worked out well and a time was agreed on, which was bought forward because of a cancellation. Fit For Purpose he fit-out included a single 800 mm wide bed, 60 L fridge, 40 L water tank, sink, porta-potti, 380 W sinewave inverter,
T
120 AH AGM battery, a couple of LED lights and an inlet for the 80 W folding solar panel I would purchase in the following weeks. On the 19th November I took the train to Bundaberg to pick up my van and was very pleased with the workmanship of Casey's. I would recommend them to anyone thinking of fitting out a campervan or motorhome. There is hanging space and other cupboard space besides
I had the windows tinted and then done with the opaque white, which gives me privacy in day time without curtains and also some filtering of the sun. The name "Caddyshak" was printed on the rear window. Since then 25 mm foam and aluminium insulation has been added between the roof and existing board panels. There are a few things I would change if I were to outfit another Caddy. I had a rear tent made (as per photo) and this was good, but since then I have just used a light rear-fitting tent I bought from BCF for $79. It works well and gives me the space to do my cooking, which is on a single burner (gas canister) stove. Two external tables
33
Custom RV: Caddyshak
With the awning and rear tent in place, Noel’s Caddyshak makes a great mobile bachelor pad...
Aerial view of Lake Eyre, South Australia have been made, one that can be fitted to the sliding door and one to the rear under the sink. On The Road Again s far as travelling is concerned there have been a variety of trips made in the
A
Caddyshak, from 2-3 day trips to Townsville to watch the Cowboys play rugby league, to a major trip to WA for the 2011 Quairading Solos Rally. The trip to WA also included a detour to Lyndhurst, where I flew over Lake Eyre before travelling
Custom RV: Caddyshak
The single bed still allows van access and provides extra storage space.
back to Port Augusta via the Stirling Ranges National Park. My first major trip was to Mundulla (SA) for the Solos rally in 2008, followed by other journeys around Quensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Easy to drive and very economical, the best fuel figure has been 5.9 L/100 km, but probably the average is around 6.5. I guess you can't have it both ways with room and economy. Travelling home from Mandurah to Cairns the fuel bill was around $102
per 1000k and considering the price of fuel and terrible headwinds all the way, other than the final 400 km, this was pretty good. When not away travelling the Caddy makes an ideal around-town rig, with 6-7 weeks on a 60 L tank being the norm unless of course I do some travelling up and other the Atherton Tablelands. Unusual Suspects ery unusual is the usual message I get from people and some have even called it a Crampervan, but all are surprised by the
V
amount of storage space. Even Ken Tame told me this was the only Caddy Campervan he has insured with his company. Finally, I plan to explore more of the country in the future in the Caddy. Who knows where you will catch up with me? Vehicle: Volkswagen Caddy Maxi 2008, 5 speed manual with cruise control. Extras: iPod connection, mini weather shields, roof rack
Historical
The Mother of all inventions... Story by Red Cliffs and District Historical Society. Images Richard Robertson.
37
Historical
Big Lizzie dwarfs small Mrs iMotorhome. Unique wheels predated tank-style tracks and laid their own ‘road’ across soft ground.
J
ust a short drive from Mildura is the township of Red Cliffs, home to one of the most remarkable pieces of Australian invention ever. Big Lizzie sits in a small park (it’s actually a big park, she just makes it look small) on the corner of Jacaranda St & Jamieson Avenue and looks not unlike a museum dinosaur exhibit; both is size and shape. In an evolutionary way, Big Lizzie could even be considered a forerunner of the motorhome; having not only transported but also housed
the team of men it took to service and operate her. Here, in the words of the Red Cliffs and District Historical Society, is a brief account of her fascinating story. In early 1915 Frank Bottrill commenced construction of Big Lizzie (in Melbourne) to replace the camel trains which carried wool and other heavy loads in the sandy terrain. Fabrication and assembly of the huge prime mover and two trailers was carried out by Bottrill over a period of 12 months.
Early in 1916 Big Lizzie left Richmond, expecting to be in Broken Hill by early 1917. The route chosen was via Kilmore, Heathcote, Elmore and Echuca, where it was proposed to cross the Murray River. The first major problem occurred when the prime mover broke through a bridge near Kilmore, causing a dent in the drinking water tank which is still evident to this day. When Lizzy reached the flooded Campaspie River a suitable crossing site was located below the weir near Elmore. It took 3 weeks of de-snagging
Historical
The massive vehicle was driven by a 44 kW crude-oil engine. Top speed? 3.2 km/h! and earthworks to cross the river. Bottrill was unable to cross the Murray at Echuca because of floods and the lack of permission to cross the approach bridge to the town, so he headed for Swan Hill. He arrived at Kerang in January 1917 and spent 5 months there carrying out modifications, but it was August 1917 before he
reached Ouyen. In October 1917 Big Lizzie reached Mildura, only to find the Murray River in flood. Without a bridge to cross the river, completing his journey was out of the question, for several months at least. As Bottrill had not yet earned one penny of income he sought work in the area.
Red Cliffs. This was to provide 700 Soldier Settlement blocks for veterans of World War 1.
A gang of up to 16 men was employed to handle four heavy cables, which were attached with loops and hooks to as large a number of trees or stumps as possible. Repairs to damaged cables, In 1920 Big Lizzie commenced etc, were carried out on the clearing scrub for the proposed front platform of Big Lizzie, 6000 hectare irrigation area of which was equipped with
39
Historical blacksmith's forge, anvil and toolbox. Clearing work at Red Cliffs was completed in 1924 and Big Lizzie was driven to Western Victoria to find more work clearing land. In 1938 the Blackstone engine was sold and moved to Pyramid Hill where it was used to drive stone crushing equipment until 1942. It was finally broken up for scrap in 1945. In 1971 (the year of Red Cliffs Golden Jubilee) a committee was formed to negotiate the purchase and return of Big Lizzie to Red Cliffs. Big Lizzie and one trailer now hold pride of place in Barclay Square Red Cliffs. The second trailer awaits restoration. The shelter over Big Lizzie was erected in 1988 by Mildura Shire Council as a Bicentennial project.
Part of the internal reduction gearing.
Historical Specifications: • Prime Mover - 10.36 m long, 3.35 m wide, 5.49 m high • Weight - 45 tonnes • Payload - 10 tonnes • Turning Circle - 61 metres • Trailers (2) - 9 m long, 3 m wide, 2.13 m high • Payload - 35 tonnes each
Mechanical Details: • Engine: Blackstone watercooled single-cylinder crude oil engine • Power: 44.74 kW (60 hp) @ 215 RPM • Bore: 228 mm, Stroke: 450 mm • Single flywheel: 2.13 m diameter, Weight 3 tonnes • Gear Box 3.15 m long, 1.37 m deep, 0.91 m wide • Oil Capacity: 430 Litres • 4 forward speeds: 3.2, 2.4, 1.6, 0.8 km/h • 2 reverse speeds: 0.8, and 0.4 km/h • Crude Oil: 19,800 litres. • General purpose water: 3,400 litres • Drinking water: 1,000 litres
Steel-plated wooden wheel blocks were attached by steel cables.
Historical
41
Big Lizzie’s front platform served as a blacksmith’s shop. Note the massive anvil and enormous ‘spare cog’.
Roadside Eats...
Season's Eatings!
There are festive delights aplenty at Berrima’s celebrated Gumnut Patisserie... By Richard Robertson
43
Roadside Eats...
The Gumnut offers limited indoor and outdoor seating and is very busy on weekends.
W
ith Christmas upon us and many of you scurrying along the Hume Highway to catch up with (or escape from) family and friends, why not take a few minutes extra to detour via the historic township
of Berrima for truly award winning pies and cakes? It could be just the thing to make your journey truly memorable – or bearable! The Gumnut Patisserie is something of an institution in the Southern Highlands – and
an award winning one at that. Founded by Tracy and Vicki Nickl some 17 years ago, the business now has outlets in Bowral and Mittagong in addition to its Berrima cafe. Known locally as “the Gumnut”, it regularly takes out top awards, including
Roadside Eats...
Be early as the gourmet pies sell out fast!
Roadside Eats... 46 at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show. In fact its Lamb and Rosemary Pie, with sweet potato mash on top, is a (deserving) Grand Champion! Be warned though: The best pies disappear early in the day... Pies, pasties and sausage rolls aside, the Gumnut produces a wide range of exquisite cakes of all shapes and sizes, plus great coffee. For Southern Highlands’ locals like myself the Gumnut is an irresistible attraction when driving through Berrima; especially if the
weather is chilly. So quite often, really. The Gumnut’s Berrima shop is right next to the old Post Office, but its on the apex of a difficult corner of the Old Hume highway and thus has no parking at the door. On a good day – so not weekends – you can easily park within 100 metres, with Jellore St (beside the park) the best bet for a motorhome. Just around the corner from the Gumnut is the beautiful old Survey General Inn, which claims to be Australia’s oldest continuously licensed Inn and is a great place for an afterlunch ‘refreshment’.
Festive treats of all shapes and sizes are on offer, too.
Stay a While
45
B
eing only 90 minutes from many parts of Sydney and only about 2 hours from Canberra, Berrima makes a handy overnight stop for travellers in both directions, with several free camping locations close by. The Berrima Reserve, on the banks of the river (http:// goo.gl/maps/w55eV) at the bottom of Oxley Street, is about 10-15 mins walk from the Gumnut or Surveyor General Inn. It has four sites and basic (read: cold showers) facilities, and costs $15 for an
Roadside Eats... overnight stay (max 2 nights). Call 1300 125 944 to book ahead or upon arrival, to avoid possible bother. Unofficially, but often home to an RV or two overnight, is a free camping area opposite the beautiful, historic St Paul’s Catholic Church, at the corner of the Old Hume Highway and Oldbury Street (http://goo.gl/maps/oSgUB). Closer to Mittagong there is
also a popular free camping area, again on the Old Hume Highway, where the Wombeyan Caves Road joins (http://goo.gl/maps/3op4b). And if you’re really in a hurry, the Gordon VC (northbound) (http://goo.gl/maps/OHbCS) and Mackay VC (southbound) (http://goo.gl/maps/fs0kI) rest areas on the freeway itself also feature in the Camps directory, just south of Berrima.
So for pies, cakes, a Christmas drink and maybe a quick overnight stay, be sure to work a detour through Berrima into your Festive Season plans. Enjoy! Gumnut Patisserie Shop 1, Post Office Corner Old Hume Highway, Berrima. T: (02) 4877 2177
Award-winning cakes and pastries are another reason to call in. If you’re staying, the closest campsite is the nearby Berrima Reserve, for $15/night for a basic, unpowered site.
Roadside Eats...
47
Mobile Tech...
Snow Time like Xmas!
mes but o c s a m t Chris ar, and in the once a ye apps that’s world of good thing... a probably
T
hey don’t call Christmas the Silly Season for nothing: A search of iTunes for apps with a Christmas theme, for example, reveals 3363 results – and most are, um, rubbish. Here are a few apps that either give a laugh, perform
a vaguely valuable function or are just plain silly. If you’re an Android user you’re on your own with this one as I spent way too much time browsing, downloading and testing useless Apple apps, but I suspect you’ll face the same issues. Merry Christmas indeed....
The following are all free apps, so think of them as a present to you from your computer!
Mobile Tech...
Sleeps Lite ow many sleeps to Christmas? Sleeps Lite will tell you – in days, hours, minutes or seconds. For instance, as I write this there are only 1,154,028 seconds until Christmas. Best I get a move on...
H
49
Mobile Tech...
Xmas Radio streams non-stop Xmas music from around the world!
Xmas Radio tream live Xmas music from 16 dedicated radio stations around the world, via the internet.
S
Tune in to Xmas in Frisko (USA), Radio NOEL (France), Chroma Christmas (Greece) or the romantically named Das Weihnachtsradio (Germany, where else). There’s even
North Pole Radio from, well, you know. All-in-all not a bad little app to get you in the Christmas mood. Ho, ho, ho...
51
Mobile Tech...
Advent 2012 lets you take an Advent calendar on your travels and sends a daily reminder to open the next square...
Advent 2012 o time and/or place to prop up a real Advent calendar, but just love opening those little squares? Then Advent could
N
be just the ticket – or maybe not. You get a calendar with 25 squares that open to reveal a quick game, plus the option to download a free Christmas app. If you can stand the
excitement it could keep you occupied for days. But then again...
Mobile Tech...
Xmas Booth is a lot of fun and very easy to use.
Xmas Booth y far the ‘funnest’ of all of these free apps is Xmas Booth, which lets you take or use
B
an exiting photo and add silly seasonal effects. Fancy your spouse with a carrot nose, bushy eyebrows or antlers? No problem. The best thing is, that on an iPad at least,
you select the desired effects and then position, rotate and resize them with intuitive finger movements. You can also save and print, email, text, tweet or Facebook finished
Mobile Tech...
53
Mr & Mrs iMotorhome get the Xmas Booth treatment; proof there’s no respect any longer... !
Ed's Note
images, which would make a great personal Xmas card. Do these antlers make my app look big?
In last issue's review of the free Sun Seeker Lite app I said it was available on Android, but it turns out only a paid version is. The free version is Apple only. Thanks to Chris Amesbury for spotting that and sorry to all you Android users out there.
54
Next Issue... BIG NEWS FOR 2013!
T
he iMotorhome team is taking a short but wellearned Festive Season break and the magazine will return on Saturday, January 19th. But it won’t be all icecold beer and shrimps on the barbie for us: We’ll be using the time to work on a totally new website that will launch by the end of January. The new iMotorhome website will become your one-stop
February 8-10
FEB
8-10
shop for campervan and motorhome information – with a few surprises thrown in – and when it’s ready to go you’ll be the first to know. In the mean time, from all of us here we thank you for your support in our founding year and wish you, your family and friends the safest, merriest and happiest Christmas and New Year possible!
FEB
MAR
20-34February 1-3
FEB
20-248-10
FEB
20-34
See you in 2013 and until then please follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ and Twitter iMotorhome) (@iMotorhomeMag) Merry Christmas!
MAR
1-3March
FEB
1-3 8-10
FEB
20-34
MAR
1-3
Newcastle Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo
Adelaide Caravan & Camping Show
Gold Coast Caravan, 4WD, Fish & Boat Show
Newcastle Entertainment Centre & Showground Broadmeadow, NSW, 2292.
Adelaide Showground Goodwood Road, Wayville. SA, 5034. • Open 10:00-6:00 daily • Parking not advised • Adults $13 • Seniors $10 • Kids U 15 free with adult
Parklands Showground Parklands Drive, Southport. QLD, 4215. • Open 09:00-5:00 daily (closes 4:00 pm Sunday) • parking not advised • Adults $15 • Seniors $11 • Kids U 16 fee with adult
• Open 09:00-5:00 daily (4:00 pm Sun) • Free parking • Adults $10 • Seniors $6 • Kids U 16 free with adults • Website: www.newcastle. supershow.com.au
Click for Google Maps
• Website: www. caravanandcampingsa. com.au
Click for Google Maps
• Website: www. campingshow.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.