iMotorhome
4: June 16 2012
.com.au
Issue
because getting there is half the fun...
United we Stand Putting United’s 6 Premier though its paces...
Win a Winnebago Holiday Suncamper Southern Cross 2 x 10-day holidays & more up for grabs!
Where did it go?
2
On my mind...
E
agle-eyed readers will pick that the review of the Suncamper Southern Cross we said would feature in this week’s issue is mysteriously absent. Well done! In its place you’ll find the United 6 Premier: a New Zealand made-for-rental motorhome that Malcolm Street reviewed recently. The reason we switched is to try and give our Kiwi neighbours a bit more local content and to try and broaden Australian readers’ exposure to the ways things are done overseas. Next issue, the Suncamper will make its delayed debut and all will be right with the world.
Speaking of New Zealand, I’d like to encourage anyone in the campervan/motorhome business ‘over there’ – or just interested in them – to keep us up-to-date on what’s going on. We Aussies are also very fond of New Zealand as a holiday destination, so travel tips, tours and attractions are also of great interest. Just don’t mention the rugby. Moving on, we now have a professional designer as part of the iMotorhome team, who started last issue. I can’t tell you her name (international security issues) or show you her face (professional code of ethics), but I can tell you she is a she and she isn’t
the Stig (or the cat’s mother). What “she” does is bring a level of expertise and ability that far surpasses my initial two issues and which I hope you’ll notice and appreciate as she progressively refines and develops this publication. A round of applause please – for whoever she is!
In the News section you’ll read that the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia’s (CMCA) Founder, Don Whitworth, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) last weekend. The CMCA is the largest RV club in Australia and its impact on the Australian RV scene cannot be underestimated, so
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On my mind... it’s only fitting Don has been recognised for his outstanding contribution. I am surprised and a little dismayed, however, to find Don’s wife Erica wasn’t recognised in the same way – or any way – given she’s been there from the beginning and seems as integral to the Club as her husband is. Next year, perhaps?
Finally, thanks for your support and increasing feedback, which really seemed to get a kick along after the last issue. Maybe it’s Mrs Not-the-Stig’s refined design skills; perhaps our increasing readership or maybe you’re just feeling more comfortable with how this thing works and what we’re all about. Anyway, thanks for your support and please keep
The iMotorhome Team
the feedback coming.
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Due to a quirk of the calendar we won’t see you for three weeks, which is 7 July, but don’t forget to follow us on Facebook (www.facebook. com/imotorhome): it’s worth it just for the funny photos!
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.
©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
INSIDE EDISNI
2 ON MY MIND 6 NEWS
The Stig doesn’t come to work at iMotorhome. Read all about it!
• Well deserved Queen’s birthday honours • Award-winning Trakkaway 770 • All go at AL-KO
10 LETTERS 11 BRISBANE SHOW Readers write in and you can too
Despite space challenges the show must go on!
20 TESTED 17 30 Readers’ Rigs MOTORHOME 101 32 21
Six in a Row – Malcolm Street checks out an innovative Kiwi motorhome
Ford Thinking – new life for an old friend
Which RV suits your needs? Here’s food for thought...
41 TECHNICAL
23
Should the Diesel engine really be renamed?
44 CALENDAR 45 NEXT ISSUE
What’s coming up soon on the RV show circuit
A sneak peek at what’s coming up on July 7th!
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News...
CMCA Founder Honoured
I
n the Queen’s Birthday 2012 Honours List, the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia’s (CMCA) Founder, Don Whitworth, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Don’s importance in changing the history of recreational vehicle (RV) tourism in Australia deserves respectful recognition. By pursuing his vision for, and love of, the motorhoming lifestyle, Don, along with his wife Erica, founded the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia more than 26 years ago. On learning of the award, Don said, “I have participated in many different areas and given my time to a variety of clubs, but for the past 26 years CMCA has claimed most of my time. It has been
an incredibly gratifying journey and the support, enthusiasm and personal affiliations formed with members have made it a truly wonderful experience.” Don’s concept of creating a national club for RV enthusiasts to share their passion and provide help to one another led to him establishing CMCA, in April 1986. For the first three years Don and Erica devoted most of their time to managing all CMCA operations from their Tweed Heads home. Subsequent years saw the Club expand and in 1996, the CMCA acquired its own premises and begin employing paid staff. Today the National Headquarters is located in Newcastle, NSW and Don can be credited for establishing most of the
foundations from which the CMCA has grown, and introduced various Member Benefits such as the Club’s monthly magazine, The Wanderer, which is distributed to all CMCA Members free of charge. CMCA is the largest and most influential RV Club in Australia, with more than 63,000 members and 97 Chapters, Australia-wide. The Club has had a significant impact on the RV industry through its involvement in and efforts towards developing social networks; boosting local economies by promoting domestic tourism; providing RV tourism infrastructure and minimising the environmental impact of RV tourists in rural and regional Australia.
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News...
Trakka now official Legends
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rakka is celebrating its Trakkaway 770 being awarded overall winner of the Caravan World Motorhome Legends Series. Against solid competition from some of the RV industry’s leading motorhome brands, the Trakkaway 770 won on 10 criteria including value for money, driveability, setting up on-site, suitability for intended touring, layout liveability, quality of finish, build quality, creature comforts, innovation and the X-Factor. The Trakkaway 770 received an overall score of four-and-a-half stars out of five, with the judges commenting on the versatility and the ‘X-Factor’ appeal of the motorhome. “Whether you’re cruising the
highways and van parks or heading for some free camping, this luxury motorhome has everything you could ask for. As cosy as all the other vehicles were, the comforts offered by the Trakka – without having to use a slide-out – were envied by all,” noted the judges.
such a prestigious title.”
Martin Poate, General Manager at Trakka, says that the win is a reflection of the company’s hallmark style, quality, craftsmanship and years of expertise in the RV industry. “All of our motorhomes are proudly manufactured in Australia by our dedicated and passionate team of designers, engineers and builders,” he said.
Over the years Trakka has received many other awards, including numerous ‘Business Most Committed to Training’ titles, ‘Best Manufacturer’ and ‘Best of The Best Business’ from the Caravan and Camping Industry Association Awards of Excellence. This latest award is confirmation of the company’s leading position within the Australasian motorhome industry.
“We are delighted to have the effort and detail in the Trakkaway 770 recognised with
For more information on the Trakkaway 770 or about Trakka, visit www.trakka.com.
“The comfort and ride of the Trakkaway 770 is also a tribute to the Fiat Ducato base with AL-KO chassis that provides a low centre of gravity for increased road holding and ride comfort,” Martin explained.
News...
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All Go at AL-KO O
n May 25th, RV components manufacturer ALKO Pty Ltd officially opened a multi-million dollar research, development and manufacturing facility at its Dandenong South (Vic) headquarters. AL-KO says it has earned a reputation for quality and innovation, developing leadingedge products for the caravan and motor home manufacturing industries, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and an advanced motorhome chassis. Continued...
Sven Mannfolk and Richard Dalla-Riva MLC cutting the ribbon to AL-KO’s new R&D Centre.
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News... ...continued.
The Company holds patents for the ESC, worldwide, with huge global potential for use on new and used used caravans and
motorhomes that use AL-KO electric brakes. The ESC and other AL-KO
products, including Sensabrake and AMC (AL-KO Motorhome Chassis) will be manufactured at the new Recreational Vehicle Technology Centre, which will also play a key role in research and development of new products and systems. Managing Director Sven Mannfolk said, “Our new Recreational Vehicle Technology Centre will ensure manufacturing of the AL-KO RV products will stay put in Australia, and allows the highest quality product, R&D and Quality Assurance to remain a focus for AL-KO.”
The AL-KO Motorhome Chassis (AMC) literally bolts to the rear of the front-wheel drive Fiat Ducato cab, providing a low floor height for easy entry and extra internal headroom, amongst other benefits.
For more information about AL-KO and its product range, visit www.alko.com.au.
View the all new Sunliner Monte Carlo M74 today. Available for immediate delivery!!
5 Melrose Dr, Wodonga 3690 • Ph: 02 6024 4222 • awrvworld.com.au
Letters... is badly needed by a lot of people out there. Lynn, Port Adelaide.
Basic info please! What about articles especially geared toward women and/or other solo travellers? Women, particularly first timers, need some really basic information about things like generators and solar panels, etc. It needs to be in plain talk. Why they might need them. What size powers what appliances, etc. A woman I met at Aramak had had two small solar panels put on her roof because the bloke who sold them said they would power her air conditioner, heater and microwave. What a joke. But she didn’t know that and neither did I – then. Regarding generators, I’d heard of them but didn’t really know what they did and couldn’t see the point or use of them, until I was free camping one night outside Mount Isa. It got down to -5C, my toothpaste even froze in its tube! I was bloody freezing, but the couple next to me were happy with a quiet little generator running their heater. Then I met another couple at Lake Dunn who had a diesel heater keeping them warm. All that really basic info
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C class for motorhomes here we probably should get it right and stick to the American definitions once and for all.
Hi Lynn, Thanks for your thoughts and sorry to hear about some of the troubles you and others have/are experiencing out there as new travellers. I hope you’ll find our Motorhome 101 article on page 32 helpful. It’s a start and we’re already working on an ongoing series developing the theme further.
Americans refer to B-Class motorhomes as built using automotive manufactured van or panel-truck shells and C-Class motorhomes as built on an automotive van frame with a wider body section attached to the original cab section (the space over the cab can be an optional sleeping berth but it remains a C-Class).
Terms of Confusions
The RVIA (Americas RVMAA) official web site clearly defines the different types. http:// www.gorving.com/.
Hi Team iMotorhome, Firstly, just a quick word to say the magazine is looking great. In issue 3, simple as ABC, Malcolm was a little frustrated that the industry can’t agree on a universal term for the van based motorhome (which Winnebago in Australia is calling campervans). This could be because Winnebago in the States only produce A and C-Class motorhomes. At Trakka we do use the terms B and C-Class, but qualify a B-Class as a van-based motorhome and a C-Class as a Coachbuilt motorhome. We actually refer to all our campervans/motorhomes models as Motorcampers. I guess as Australia has used the American terms A, B and
Keep up the good work. Dave. G’day Dave, It’s great to get your input, from a manufacturer’s perspective, and it goes to show that while the categories we spoke about last week are broadly accepted, nothing is set in stone. It’s also good to look at how things are classified in America: the link you supplied is very interesting and well worth our readers checking out. Perhaps we should have called the story “Not as simple as ABC”?
Feature: Brisbane Show
THE SHOW
MUST GO ON!
Despite Brisbane steadily encroaching, the Queensland RV show rolls on‌ Story and Images Richard Robertson
D
espite some of the challenges that faced Ron Chapman and the Caravanning Queensland team, it seems the Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show proved to be its usual, successful self.
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Small bus conversions, like these by the Motorhome Conversion Company, are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Feature: Brisbane Show
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VW’s Transporter continues to be the vehicle-of-choice for most campervan manufacturers, like Frontline and Ballina Campers.
CMCA members kept the Club’s flag flying, offering plenty of advice and signing up new members.
In regard to challenges, the major one is the considerable loss of one of the display areas in the RNA Showgrounds area, which meant the area formerly used as a car park was now a
display area, and on-site car parking was non-existent. Public transport was laid on, but in car-centric Australia this surely served as a major visitor deterrent.
Fortunately for most of the motorhome manufacturers and dealers, the area used by them in years past was still available and they took full advantage of it. From the show-goers’ point of view,
Feature: Brisbane Show
13
having all the motorhome exhibitors (except Jayco) under the same roof was definitely an advantage. It was quite obvious to the casual observer watching prospective buyers move from stand-to-stand that there was considerable benefit in everybody being together. For those who attended the Sydney show there were quite a few familiar faces: Winnebago, Sunliner, Trakka, Talvor, A’van, Jayco, Horizon, Frontline, Paradise,
Horizon Motor Homes’ big van conversions blur the boundaries between campervans and motorhomes.
Feature: Brisbane Show
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Wirraway, Suncamper, Kea Campers and the Motorhome Conversion Company.
KEA Campers’ new and ex-rental vehicles are always popular, especially its Ford Transit van conversion, pictured here at the Company’s recent Sydney open day.
In addition to them, at the Brisbane show was Earth Cruiser with its 4WD conversions, Silversun Motorhomes, and slideon manufacturer Ozcape Campers.
Feature: Brisbane Show
The 2012 Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show marks the end of this year’s major shows on the Australian circuit, but watch our show calendar for regional shows and what’s coming up in New Zealand. We’ll cover them where we can – even if it really is just and excuse for another hot dog and a good chinwag.
Another example of the Motorhome Conversion Company’s handiwork, this time on the ever-popular VW Transporter.
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Feature: Brisbane Show
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Up-market slide-ons, like this one from Queensland-based Ozcape Campers, provide a surprising amount of interior room and standard equipment.
Feature: Brisbane Show
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Paradise and Talvor were both well represented, with Paradise’s full-length slide-outs generating much interest.
Feature: Brisbane Show
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Trakka’s mix of campervans and luxury motorhomes always attracts great interest. Their latest 4WD Sprinter-based Jabiru, which debuted at the recent Sydney Supershow, features unique ‘bubble mouldings’ at the rear that increase the east/west bed’s length without the need for a slide-out or any moving parts.
Feature: Brisbane Show
Winnebago’s vast model range was well displayed, with the wheel-chair accessible Esperance of particular interest.
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Tested: United 6 Premier
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SIX IN A ROW Review and Images by Malcolm Street
An innovative approach to touring with family or friends
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Tested: United 6 Premier
A
nyone who has done but a brief study of both rental and private motorhomes will know that whilst most of the campervan and large-van layouts look the same, the larger rigs often have some differences. All, of course, come with the essentials like kitchen, dining and sleeping areas but it’s the latter two where differences occur. Whilst the rental market often caters for four or six people, motorhomes built for the private market are frequently just for two, with maybe a Luton bed for the grandchildren. It’s been my experience that when travelling in a
motorhome with more than two people, the travellers in the back often get to ride in seats not overly comfortable and or right at the back, making conversation difficult as well. Not so long ago in New Zealand, I borrowed a United Campervans United 6 Premier motorhome. A six-berth you’ll have noticed, but one with a very interesting approach to the aforementioned seating problem. Naturally, as with any motorhome it does come with the odd compromise, but read on.
The Vehicle nderpinning the United 6 Premier is a MercedesBenz Sprinter cab-chassis. It’s powered by the Benz 2.2-litre 120 kW, 360 Nm turbo-diesel motor driving through a fivespeed full-auto gearbox. Like most other motorhomes the Sprinter comes out of the factory ready for a motorhome body to be built on the back.
U
Most NZ motorhomes come with either framed tinted windows, with smaller opening slides, or tinted acrylic hopper-style windows. This motorhome has sliding windows fitted to the Luton but the side windows are done coach style; i.e. flush-
Tested: United 6 Premier
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glazed with sliders in various places. Visually, it certainly gives the motorhome a very modern look. Slightly detracted, I have to say, by the squarish-looking Luton peak but compensated for by the fibreglass mouldings at the rear that take away that boxy look, which too many motorhomes have.
The flush glass of the side windows gives a modern and distinctive appearance.
Rental motorhomes don’t always come with good external storage but this one does, with a nice large bin at the rear that’s accessible from both sides. There is a bin, of course, for the toilet cassette but not for the gas cylinder. On the outside at least, the gas cylinder is located under the floor, mid-motorhome, and accessible by lifting a floor
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Tested: United 6 Premier
hatch inside. That little feature shows one of the differences between the Aussie and Kiwi gas regulations. In Australia, all gas cylinder bins require an external access door! On the Road ith a length of 7.4 m and a width of 2.22 m, the Six Premier isn’t a particularly small motorhome, but don’t let that deter you. I spent a few days around Hamilton and touring around the Coromandel, including when I mistakenly thought I was taking a short cut along Route
W
309 across the Coromandel Peninsula. The 120 kW turbodiesel pushes the motorhome along well enough, as long as you aren’t trying to get around in record time, while the 5-speed auto gearbox, a very smooth performer, is certainly the best in its class. A few motorhomers that I met along the way thought that the slightly unusual looking Luton-peak design might affect forward and upward visibility when driving, but it wasn’t something I particularly noticed.
Living Inside tepping into the Premier reveals a layout that looks slightly like the interior of a passenger bus, at least at the front. A couple of twoperson seats, with seatbelts, sit directly behind the driver and with this arrangement, everyone travelling sits quite close together: an advantage for all. A disadvantage of this setup – isn’t there always one – is that there isn’t any table, but a redesign is underway and new vehicles will feature it later this year. I would also ponder whether having
S
Tested: United 6 Premier
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swivelling cab-seats might be a possibility?
Forward-facing passenger seating makes enroute conversations easy.
In the rear of the Premier is a more traditional dinette set-up in what I call a New Zealand Back: A club lounge with a table in the middle and windows all-round. I have to say that the table isn’t particularly large and six people might find things a bit of a squeeze. Under the seats there is plenty of storage space, part of which includes a small safe for valuable items. An idea I quite like but sadly cannot take advantage of with my camera gear (subtle dig for a pay rise ignored. Ed).
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Tested: United 6 Premier
Wrap-around rear dinette provides panaramic views. All the windows are tinted, with openings at the back and front on both sides. Sensibly all, including the front cab-area, have curtains – except the kitchen, which has a roller blind. Touches like these, along with features like the stylish looking curved overhead locker doors do much to take away the rental motorhome look. Time to Eat atering is handled by a well set up kitchen. Behind the passenger seat, the bench contains a fourburner cooktop, grill and oven that sit alongside a stainless steel sink supplied by both a flick-mixer tap and a separate filtered drinking water outlet. Maximising the bench-top area, its curved shape has a drainage area included in the moulding. Under the bench-top, general storage
C
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Tested: United 6 Premier
Curved worktop adds a nice touch. Kitchen is modern and comprehensively equipped.
is maximised by the provision of five drawers of various sizes, including one with two shelves, pantry style, and one cupboard. Given this is a rental motorhome, most of the drawers a filled with cooking and eating essentials. Have to say there wasn’t anything missing that I thought I might have needed. Quite close to the kitchen bench are the 130-litre compressor fridge on the
rear side of the doorway (and hence handy to the rear dinette) plus the microwave, fitted into the overhead locker area adjoining the front side of the bathroom cubicle. That might sound awkward to get at, being above the rear passenger seat, but it’s been installed flush with the shower cubicle and therefore does not offer a problem. Actually, that area is quite busy with the 12V switching, hot water switch and space-heater
controls as well as the radio/ CD player and flat screen TV. The latter can really only be viewed from the rear dinette in comfort and whilst the radio does have a 2.5 mm socket for an iPod or equivalent, there’s not really anywhere to put the little gadget. After Hours eing a six berth motorhome, there are plenty of beds. Above the cab the Luton bed, measuring
B
Tested: United 6 Premier 2.19 m x 1.6 m, is the only one that does not have to be made up every night. Although not everyone likes sleeping in the Luton bed, that latter fact makes them a favourite with this writer. Naturally there’s a ladder needed to get to the bed and it’s clipped behind the passenger seat when not in
27
use, with steps that just pass the bare foot test (i.e. aren’t painful to stand on).
backs over; just putting the sheets and blankets on takes a little while longer.
The passenger seats behind the driver’s cab have been designed so that both seat backs fold down to form up a 1.8 m x 1.3 m bed. It isn’t a difficult bed to make up in terms of folding the seat
In the rear, the dinette can be used to make up another bed. Measuring 2.19 m x 1.69 m, it’s made-up by removing the table and dropping it to the floor, then rolling out an integrated slat-
Luton bed over cab has handy side storage but headroom isn’t enormous. Other sleeping options would be especially good with a gaggle of kids.
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Tested: United 6 Premier
base from under the rear seat and covering it with the side cushions. It’s all quite simply done, actually. Regarding the bathroom, unless a full-width one across the motorhome is desired then this one is not going to offer any difficulties. It comes with a Thetford bench-style cassette toilet, moulded-in vanity cabinet with a basin and a fixed-height shower. It and the basin share the same water outlet. Given the microwave oven location, the
shaving cabinet offers quite a good storage area! What we Think here’s not much doubt that from a rental perspective, the United 6 Premier offers a very interesting and practical solution for a family or group of people travelling in a motorhome: all forward facing seats, close to the driver’s cab and all reasonably comfortable for travel. A good idea from United!
T
U
Apart from the seating layout, the 6 Premier has all the necessary items and appliances that should be found in any motorhome. All-up not a bad little package at all: One that steps away from a more traditional rental motorhome layout and is good for a family or four adults to enjoy some quality motorhome travel time together.
Buying
Rentals nited Campervans has depots in Auckland and Christchurch – near the airports and excellent for fly/ drive holidays. In addition to the 6 Premier there are also four and two-berth motorhomes/campervans available and all are less than three years old. For those on a tight budget, United also have its Alpha range: same models but all several years older. We have not put rental prices in because they are hugely
I’m aware that often, six-berth motorhomes are sometimes hired by four people who desire a bit more space and so this setup would work well for them. There is, of course, a downside in that there isn’t a second dinette and so it would not be particularly practical to leave the rear bed made up all the time, which is what some travellers do.
variable, depending on the time of year and what specials are available. Be sure to check the United website (www.unitedcampervans. co.nz) for these because we know from our own experience that there are often some good deals going if you are flexible with travel dates. Don’t be put off by travelling in the cooler off-season months, because this can be a great time to travel if you wrap up a bit.
I
f you would like to purchase a former United Campervans rig then there are sales depots in both Auckland and Christchurch. One of the great advantages of this is that you can definitely try before you buy and know exactly what you want!
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Tested: United 6 Premier
Specifications Manufacturer
United Campervans
Model
Premier Six
Base Vehicle
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 316 CDI
Engine
2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power
120 kW @ 3800 rpm
Torque
360 Nm @ 1400-2400 rpm
Gearbox
5-speed full automatic
Brakes
Discs with ABS
Tare Weight
Unavailable
Gross Vehicle Mass
4490 kg
Licence
Standard car
Passengers
6
External Length
7.4 m (24 ft 3 in)
External Width
2.22 m (7 ft 3 in)
External Height
3.03 m (9 ft 11 in)
Internal Height
2.09 m (6 ft 10 in)
Internal Luton Height 0.54 m max (1 ft 9 in) Rear Bed Size
1.85 m x 1.3 m (6 ft 1 in x 4 ft 3 in)
Luton Bed Size
2.19 m x 1.6 m (7 ft 2 in x 5 ft 3 in)
Mid Bed Size
2.0 m x 1.69 m (6 ft 7 in x 5 ft 6 in)
Cooktop
Smev 4-burner, grill and oven
Fridge
Isotherm 12V 130-litre
Lighting
12V LED
Batteries
2 x 115 amp hour
Solar Panels
Wiring provided
Heater & Hot water
Truma gas space heater
Toilet
Thetford Bench cassette
Shower
Fixed height
Hot water heater
Suburban 14-litre
Water Tank
93-litre fresh/93-litre grey
Price Ex Factory
Only available ex-rental, check for pricing.
Pros
• Different six-berth layout • Great for travelling passengers • Good internal and external storage • Flush windows that give a coach-like look • Mercedes Benz full-auto gearbox
Cons • Small dinette table in rear • No table in front seat area • Radio lacks iPod shelf
Contact United Campervans 3 Kingsford Smith Place, Airport Oaks Mangere, Auckland 2022. NZ T: +64 (9) 275 9969 W: www.unitedcampervan.co.nz
Custom Motorhomes: DIY
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Ford Thinking Custom Transit camper keeps an old friendship going strong...
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ot everyone can afford, or wants, a factorybuilt motorhome or campervan. Colin Harrison contacted us following a Facebook post in which we asked what sorts of vehicles readers would like to see featured, and asked if we were planning to run any DIY articles. DIY conversions can be fraught with difficulties, especially on larger vehicles.
Add to the mix the legal implications of Australian Design Rule (ADR) compliance and Sate and Territory registration requirements, and it’s not a path we really recommend people heading down. However, as you’ll see, at a more basic level it can be a solution to an individual situation, but if you’re interested in trying it yourself be sure to seek advice from a qualified engineer first.
Here, then, is the story of Colin’s DIY Ford Transit conversion, which he hopes will inspire others to get out here and give it a go. If you’ve got an unusual motorhome, campervan, fifth-wheeler or slide-on and would like to see it featured in iMotorhome, just drop us a line to info@ imotorhome.com.au. On ya, Col – you might have started something big!
Custom Motorhomes: DIY I have taken of the Ford “Here is a series of photos that Transit I converted to a camper.” work van, when I was an “The Transit started life as my nd paid employment in the owner-driver courier, but when I fou to keep it and convert it. It has same field the decision was made rs along, with the diesel motor now done 370,000 km and still pur and giving 10 km/l (about 27 mpg sitting at 2500 rpm at 100 km/h and weight, is pretty good.” – Ed), which considering its size thing, I spent time looking at “To the conversion. Before I did any about most of them was that pro fit outs, and what I didn’t like or boil the billy, you had to be to do anything, like cook a meal been into camping and fishing, inside the thing. As I had always it was more a matter of I had already acquired the gear, so storing it safely and conveniently.” m a queen sized bed, with “A raised floor was created to for n in the pictures. Up front storage underneath, as can be see larly needed items and there’s I have used plastic drawers for regu eater, both running off a deep an Autofridge and a Waeco cooler/h have the cargo barrier fitted from cycle battery with isolator. I still the courier work.” ing for outside, but found them “I then started looking at an awn poly tarp, old tent poles, ropes, way too expensive. Solution is a to attach to the roof gutter. pegs, and stainless steel fittings pretty much sums up the whole Simple, cheap and effective, which conversion.” flash, simple but effective, and “So that’s my conversion. Nothing think that I’ve inspired others cheap. I would like to be able to how about some articles on the to give it a go themselves. Now, as from Seaspray to Paradise free camping sites we have, such Beach in Victoria?” Keep up the great work, Colin Harrison.
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Nothing flash but it does the job! Awning anchor points are innovative and sturdy, too.
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iMotorhome 101: The Basics
Story and images by Malcolm Street
The Agony
of Choice
No matter what you choose, any RV is great fun!
Think carefully about what kind of RV best suits your needs...
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ot all recreational vehicles (RVs) are created equal. In Australia, the market is dominated by caravans, but it’s not so in other lands. If you’re in the market for your first RV you should carefully consider the different types available and how they suit
your budget, circumstance, abilities and travel preferences. Essentially, you can divide the RV market into six popular categories: campervans, camper trailers, caravans, fifth-wheels, motorhomes and slide-ons. Each has its pros and cons and each suits people differently. Choose the
right one and it’s a marriage made in heaven. Choose the wrong one and, well, you can guess the rest. Think of it as the agony of choice, but be thankful if you have a choice. Here’s a quick and by nomeans exhaustive look at the pros and cons for each RV type.
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iMotorhome 101: The Basics
Big campervans, like this KEA Ford Transit, are great for solo travellers and cooperative couples. Swivelling front seats make a big difference.
Campervans Pros: • Lowest-cost entry to selfpowered RV market • Can replace a car as only transport, or serve as a second vehicle • Manoeuvrable, easy to park and cheap(ish) to run • Great for solo travellers • Good security for belongings and when free-camping • Easy to park on a suburban street or in a small driveway
• Quick set-up/pack-up, not weather affected (unless you have a free standing tent on the back!) • Useful for day trips (roadside cuppa and/or nap) • Useful when shopping (fridge keeps things cold, plenty of storage space) • DIY a possibility for the enthusiast Cons: • Need to close-up/pack-up to move • Can lose camp site when away
• Too big for many garages and some underground car parks • Bed options limited • No bathroom • Limited storage for longer trips • Rego, insurance and running costs if just an extra vehicle • DIY conversions can open Pandora’s Box of rego/ compliance and insurance issues
iMotorhome 101: The Basics
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Camper trailer or caravan? Tough call...
Camper Trailers Pros: • Most per-square-metre bang for your buck • Wide price range ‘accommodates’ even tiny budgets • Great value family accommodation, especially with younger kids • Makes a great base camp to go exploring from
• Enormous range of layouts and fitouts
• Towing/hitching not for everyone, especially singles.
• Upmarket units can be quick to set-up/pack-up
• Limits parking options when shopping for supplies and/or stopping enroute
• Wide range of options, including bathroom in some • The more you can afford, the better they get • Cheapest in terms of rego, insurance, service and parts
• Easy to store in average yard
Cons: • Requires suitable tow vehicle and appropriate hitch
• Proper off-road units hugely capable and beautifully engineered
• Heavier units need larger tow vehicles. Check ball-weight rating as well as tow rating
• Tedious set-up/pack-up with many units – especially cheaper ones • Lack of security when set-up but unattended • Price-wise, you largely get what you pay for • Potential weather-proofing issues • Lots of canvas that requires drying out • Cheapest units very basic • Beware back-yard conversions with poor quality and potential rego/ compliance issues
Camper trailers are a hassle to setup and pack away but provide a lot of room and are great for kids.
iMotorhome 101: The Basics
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Caravans come in all shapes and sizes, but big ones need equally big/capable tow vehicles.
Caravans Pros: • Bewildering variety means there’s something for most budgets • Myriad layout options • Bathrooms increasingly common • Models to suit smaller cars available • Good security when travelling and in camp • Best suited to drive-andstay-awhile touring • Makes a great base-camp to go exploring from • Affordable in terms of rego, insurance, service and parts Cons: • Bewildering variety means you can go ‘round in circles for ever trying to choose • Requires suitable tow vehicle (sometimes very large) and appropriate hitch
• Can be difficult to park/ manoeuvre at home and when travelling • Towing/hitching not for everyone, especially singles. Towing course recommended! • Daily hitching/un-hitching, levelling and connecting can get tedious • Limits parking options when shopping for supplies and/or stopping enroute • Big vans need big tow vehicles. Check ball-weight rating as well as tow rating • Tow vehicle fuel consumption can go through roof. Check fuel range (and budget!) • Price-wise, you largely get what you pay for • Many caravans not suited to free-camping (no fresh/grey water tanks, water pumps or house batteries)
• Beware of off-road vans that aren’t • Beware specialist off-road vans (especially) that weigh more than the Queen Mary 2 • Beware of overloading • Poor load distribution can have marked effect on vehicle stability • Adversely affected by strong winds • Can jack-knife under emergency braking/sharp steering inputs
iMotorhome 101: The Basics
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Fifth-wheelers are gaining popularity in Australia as they’re safer and easier to tow than a caravan.
Fifth-Wheeler Pros: • Easier to hitch/un-hitch than a caravan (and you can see it over your shoulder/in the mirror) and better suited to daily travel and single travellers • More stable than a caravan due to the semi-trailer style hitch/turntable, which puts weight directly over the tow vehicle’s rear suspension. Also, the long distance between the hitch and the unit’s wheels provides increased longitudinal stability • Easier to reverse than a caravan (less sensitive to steering inputs)
• More space efficient than a caravan due to the over-towvehicle bedroom • More stable in cross winds and on bad road surfaces (won’t sway like a caravan can) • The best riding units have the axles set towards the rear, like a semi-trailer • Far more popular in USA than caravans due to an
abundance of big tow vehicles • Smaller, locally-produced units go well with smaller utes and are far more fuel efficient • Makes a great base-camp to go exploring from • Affordable in terms of rego, insurance, service and parts
iMotorhome 101: The Basics
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Fifth wheelers come in many styles and sizes and smaller units, like these, work especially well with Japanese 4WD utes. Cons: • Requires a ute, tray-top or small light truck which, if not your primary driving vehicle, is an extra purchase and ongoing expense • Can still jack-knife under emergency braking/sharp steering inputs • Like a caravan, it requires the driver to leave the accommodation to access
the tow vehicle if security threatened, say when freecamping • Some rough-road units available but no off-road units that we’re aware of • Big, imported American units require big tow vehicles and their suspension is not always at home on rough Australian roads
• Also, if the axles are set towards the middle of the vehicle it will develop pitching over bumps and rough roads that tries to lift the tow vehicle’s rear wheels up. Not only does this reduce stability, it’s uncomfortable and can even induce motion sickness
iMotorhome 101: The Basics
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Motorhomes usua lly have all the comforts of home
Motorhomes Pros: • Wide variety of makes and models available, most with bathrooms and many home comforts • Smaller units quite affordable, especially compared to a caravan/ fifth-wheel and tow-vehicle combo • Surprising number of motorhomes can be driven on a normal car licence • Raised driving height highly desirable/enjoyable • Raised living height provides better views and reduces
chances of middle-of-thenight flooding or animal/ insect visits • A-Class vehicles with front lounge and captain’s chairs provide truly panoramic views • Makes travelling fun because driving, parking, reversing and manoeuvring are more enjoyable than when towing • Excellent space efficiencies make even smaller units good for couples – and excellent for singles – especially the large van conversions (aka motorcampers)
• Quick set-up/pack-up and no need to exit vehicle if weather really bad. Just stop and enjoy. Excellent for single travellers, too • Excellent security when freecamping. Can just drive off if feeling unsafe. • Smaller Euro-based motorhomes can be surprisingly fuel efficient, especially when driven gently • Best for on-the-go holidays with short stays and lots of daily travel • Excellent for remote and longer-term free-camping. Easier to make power and water independent
iMotorhome 101: The Basics Cons: • Can be expensive, especially the larger units • Ongoing rego, insurance and maintenance costs in addition to your day-to-day car, at home • Bigger units, like A-Class and big bus conversions, can prove very thirsty
• Can be difficult to find suitable parking at home
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Also need to watch tress branches, road signs, etc
• Have to pack-up to go anywhere – every time
• Can be difficult to manoeuvre in some caravan parks
• Can lose campsite when out and about
• Secondary transport needed for go-and-stay holidays
• Vehicle height and weight must be considered, especially with larger vehicles, as many roads and bridges have limitations.
• Special drivers’ licence required for many motorhomes
Motorhome styles and prices vary widely, so do plenty of research to find out what works for you.
iMotorhome 101: The Basics
Slid-ons are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Slide-Ons Pros: • A tow-free alternative to a camper trailer or tent • Models to fit utes or traybacks • Basic models can be very cost-effective entry to weather-proof touring • Tray-back models can be quite spacious • Bigger units have bathrooms • Over-cab beds are usually quite big • Good for both daily travel and stop-and-stay touring • Can leave at camp to secure your site and use vehicle for local sightseeing • Most secure than a camper trailer when unattended • Easy set-up/pack-up (when left on vehicle) and good for singles
• Many have powered legs for easier loading/unloading, and for levelling when on the ground • Good remote area access on suitable 4WD • No registration or insurance requirements • Great views from lofty perch! Cons: • Can be tricky to load/unload until well practiced. Not a 5-minute job • Requires ute or tray-back host vehicle • Some require mods to host vehicle to attach tie-down points • Can increase fuel consumption considerably, especially if the distance between the vehicle’s cab roof and the over-cab bed isn’t snug
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Long/tall stairs aren’t for everyone.
• Load height detracts from vehicle stability, especially if exploring off-road. Might require supplementary suspension mods, like airbags or heavy-duty shocks and springs • Overall height needs to be considered when travelling • Storage space at a premium • Access when on-vehicle can be tricky, requiring long/ tall stairs, usually without handrails, so not good for older travellers or those with • Limited water carrying capacities • Bigger units heavy and need serious, American-style host vehicle • Can be difficult to store at home. Not suited to onstreet parking mobility issues
Technical...
Should the ‘Diesel’ Really Be Called an ‘Akroyd’?
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Modern diesels owe everything to early engines like this Akroyd.
Allan Whiting explores the convoluted origins of the diesel engine...
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ost people think the internal combustion (IC) engine was invented in the late 1800s, but the principle of internal combustion was demonstrated by Dutch scientist Christian Huygens way back in 1673. In the Huygens engine, a piston was blown upwards in a cylinder by a gunpowder explosion. When the resulting hot
gases in the cylinder cooled, atmospheric pressure forced the piston down again, completing its ‘working’ stroke. Other experimenters followed in Huygens’ footsteps, using flammable gases to drive pistons. These early internal combustion engines had little practical value, but proved the IC principle that is still employed in today’s engines.
Success at last! The first successful IC engine was patented by French engineer J. J. E. Lenoir, in 1860. In this engine design the piston, for the first half of its stroke, drew in a mixture or air and flammable gas that was then ignited by a spark. The resulting expanding hot gases pushed the piston through the second half of its stroke, before escaping to the atmosphere. The flywheel
Technical...
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maintained the piston’s momentum as it returned, drawing from the other end of the cylinder an air/gas mixture that was ignited by a spark.
efficiency and fuel economy. This design was the first ‘four-stroke’ engine (the most common engine cycle type used today – Ed).
used was coal gas; it being readily available as a light and heat source for industry and homes, and all early IC engines were stationary ones.
The next major design improvement was initiated by Dr N. A. Otto, in 1876. The Otto engine compressed the air/gas mixture before ignition, greatly improving thermal
In Otto’s engine, the first stroke of the piston served to suck in an air/gas mixture; the second stroke compressed the mixture; the third stroke was a power stroke, following ignition, and the fourth stroke pushed the burnt gases out of the cylinder. Ignition was accomplished by exposing the air/gas charge to a flame, a heated tube or by using an electrical spark.
The need for a portable fuel led to the development of petroleum spirit, but the high cost and highly dangerous nature of it sent inventors looking for engine designs that would operate on a cheaper and safer liquid fuel, such as paraffin.
Fuel for Thought At this stage of IC engine development the principal fuel
The first successful oil-fired engine was built in the UK by Priestman Bros, in 1885. In this engine, oil was sprayed into a manifold vaporiser (heated by exhaust gases) where it mixed with air, before
Herbert Akroyd Stuart and one of his earliest engines.
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Technical... being drawn into the cylinder. An external lamp was used for starting the engine. Compressing an inflammable air/gas mixture made the early IC engine developers only too familiar with the phenomenon of pre-ignition, when the mixture exploded before the ignition was triggered, causing severe engine damage. A solution to the pre-ignition problem was sought by a British inventor, Herbert Akroyd Stuart, who patented his compression-ignition engine in 1890. In this engine only air was drawn into the cylinder on the induction stroke, eliminating the risk of pre-ignition. The oil fuel was sprayed into a bulb-shaped extension of the cylinder, where it was ignited by the heat of the compressed air inside the cylinder. The bulb was heated by a blow-lamp for starting. The Akroyd Stuart engine used a mechanical pump to spray fuel into the engine and this ‘solid injection’ system employed the principle used in subsequent automotive compression ignition injection systems. Richard Hornsby and Sons Ltd produced several Akroyd Stuart engines in 189293, one of which was still operating in a Bletchley timber yard in the late 1920s.
Enter Dr Diesel Over in Germany, in 1892, the man whose name would be forever associated with the compression ignition engine, Dr Rudolph Diesel, had worked out mathematically that a compression ignition engine had thermodynamic advantages over a sparkignition one. In his design there was no need for an external heat source, for starting. Because pulverised coal was Rudolph Diesel’s first choice his early engine designs used air-blast injection, but the coal-fuelled engine proved cranky and one exploded, killing a laboratory assistant. Development of Diesel’s engines by MAN and Krupp saw oil-fuel injection largely adopted. Herbert Akroyd Stuart died in 1937, having seen developments of his and Dr Rudolph Diesel’s engine designs power the modern world. Diesel wasn’t so fortunate, being lost at sea in 1913 under mysterious circumstances, largely believed to be suicide. Still, the compression ignition engine lives on in what we now all know as a diesel engine; it’s past and path to popularity as interesting, twisting and involved as the century-and-a-bit that has passed since its inception.
Dr Rudolph Diesel and the first ‘Diesel’ engine.
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Show Calendar...
JULY 27-29 Sydney Retirement & Lifestyle Expo Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. NSW • • • •
Open 10:00-4:00 daily Free parking Adults $ Not stated Pensioners $ Not stated
• Website: http://www. emsaust.com.au/SydneyRetirement-Lifestyle-Expo.html
SEPTEMBER 7-9 Penrith Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo
SEPTEMBER 14-16 Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor Supershow
Penrith Panthers, Mulgoa Rd, Penrith. NSW.
ASB Showgrounds 217 Green Lane West Greenlane (AKL). NZ.
• Open 9:00-5:00 daily (4:00 pm last day) • Free parking • Free entry
• Open 09:00-5:00 daily • Parking $6 • Entry $15
• Website: http://penrith. supershow.com.au/
• Website: www.supershow.co.nz
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.
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Next Issue...
NEXT TIME FOR SURE!
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ext issue we absolutely hand-on-a-stack-ofBibles promise to bring you the Suncamper Southern Cross review. Just to refresh your memory, the Southern Cross is a handy little B-Class motorhome based on Ford’s ubiquitous Transit that could be just what you’re looking for. We’ll also be reviewing the Paradise Oasis: A luxury Sprinter van conversion with a slide-out bed that truly blurs
the accepted boundaries between campervans and motorhomes. Call it what you will, we believe you’ll be mighty impressed with what Paradise has done to Mercedes’ not-so-humble delivery van. Our Motorhome 101 series continues, as do our technical articles with Allan Whiting. If you have a interesting vehicle you’d like to share with everyone, send us some photos and tell us its story
and we’ll try and make you both famous! Don’t forget to include a photo of you yourself, either. Due to a quirk of the calendar we won’t see you for three weeks now, which is Saturday July 7th. In the mean time don’t forget to follow all the fun on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ iMotorhome) and Twitter (@iMotorhomeMag)! Drive safely!