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the r o f 0 $5 ter! t e l t s be
SEPTEMBER 2018
MAGAZINE
Birdsville Trek Behind the wheel of Avida’s latest Birdsville… Tested
CI Riviera 66P
Reader Report Benimar Tessoro
Bürstner Argos Time A650
Showtime
Düsseldorf Developments
2 | About iMotorhome
iMotorhome Magazine is published monthly and available by subscription from www.imotorhome.com.au. Your letters and contributions are always welcome!
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Richard Robertson
Agnes Nielsen
Publisher/Managing Editor
Manager/Lead Designer
(+61) 0414 604 368
agnes@imotorhome.com.au
richard@imotorhome.com.au Christopher O’Hare Malcolm Street
Designer
Road Test Editor
chris@imotorhome.com.au
(+61) 0418 256 126 malcolm@imotorhome.com.au
Published by iMotorhome PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW 2776. Australia.
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4 | On My Mind
Splendid Isolation?
W
hile isolation can indeed be splendid and a tonic for the soul on a personal level, in business the problem with it is the lack of vision, understanding and diversity it leads to, amongst other things. And that’s not to mention suspicion and fear it can create.
I’m just back from my first visit to Düsseldorf, Germany, for the annual Caravan Salon – the world’s biggest RV show. Actually that’s not quite true: I began writing this on my last night there, finished it in the UK several days later while stopping off on the way home, and then polished it up a bit at 41,000 ft over South East Asia. While the world might be touted as a small place after all it’s still a long way from one side to the other. At least that provides opportunities to the Tech Nomad to do a bit more work in this globally connected age. It’s also my first experience with in-flight Wi-Fi, something I’ve always avoided because it’s good to be ‘disconnected’ at some point these days. However, I have to grudgingly admit it is handy to have the connectivity option. Being able to clear the email backlog before landing/getting home is a real novelty, but I’ve digressed… On the last day of the Caravan Salon I met up with Alan Heath, who runs the Motorhome Full Time website and YouTube channel. We’ve emailed over the years and it was good to finally meet in person. It was also great to be shown around the show by someone who has been there many times before and literally speaks the lingo. Despite being an international event, Düsseldorf is very much a German
consumer show. There’s little information in English and a surprising number of exhibitors speak little or no English. In the time I wandered the halls with Alan he fluently spoke German, Italian and French, apart from conversing with me in his native English. Alan is a Pom and a full-time RVer who has lived in Poland for the past 30 years. I felt embarrassed by my linguistic ineptitude, which is largely the result of our not-so-splendid isolation. As many of you will well remember, growing up in Australia in the 50s, 60s and 70s was like living in a huge rowboat in the middle of the ocean, for all the relevance other languages had on our daily lives. And while English has become an international language – much to the annoyance of the French – and many ‘foreigners’ are more than happy and even keen to speak/practice it, I always feel inadequate when travelling outside Australia, the US or UK. This feeling of linguistic isolation is also paralleled by the state of the local RV industry, especially compared to New Zealand. At the Düsseldorf show I counted 80 to 90 motorhome and campervan manufacturers, and I know I didn’t find them all. The product diversity is bewildering and the competition and innovation it spawns is intense and eye opening. Sure there is a lot of sameness – there are only so many ways to arrange things in a rectangle box – but it’s amazing how people seem to keep coming up with new ideas. New Zealand opened its doors to RV imports some years back and it apparently continued...
On My Mind | 5 continued...
decimated the local manufacturing industry. That’s an interesting outcome in itself because it shows the local offering really wasn’t what people wanted, it was all they were offered. However, the industry adjusted, recovered and now has never been busier, more vibrant or successful, and probably never employed as many people. It has also never sold so many motorhomes. That’s because buyers have unprecedented choice and are voting with their wallets. Interestingly and by way of example, longtime manufacturer TrailLite now imports and sells AutoTrails and Benimars, yet it’s greatly revamped local manufacturing arm can’t keep up with demand for it’s high-end distinctly Kiwi motorhomes: Proof that if you offer a world class product you can not just survive, but thrive.
of Australia, yet it won’t be long before it sells more new motorhomes each year. How can that be? Yes, traditionally we are a caravan market, but we were a horse-and-cart market when the motor lorry came along! New campervan/ motorhomes registrations in Australia are closer to five percent of total RV production than the ten percent it used to be. While the industry booms, we’re effectively dying. Embrace change, move with the times and everyone benefits. No man is an island, and neither is an island these days (if you catch my drift). It’s a global world out there and we should be embracing it, to everyone’s benefit. What are we waiting for?
P.S. Forgot to mention I snavelled a drive of the all-new Sprinter at the Düsseldorf Show! It was a Hymer van conversion and I was allowed 15 I wonder how long the Australian RV market minutes to go around the block. Literally. What’s can exist in Splendid Isolation? I truly believe it like? Very nice. The cockpit is much more car we make some of the best motorhomes and like and takes its styling cues from Mercedes’ campervans in the world and I have no desire passenger vehicles. The new steering wheel to see any company close. But why don’t we is a joy to – literally – behold: Sporty and learn from NZ, embrace the world and offer tactile it’s a winner, while the new dash is a big complementary product lines that give buyers improvement. Can’t wait to try it in Australia, but a wider choice? It’s true we do have some UK it looks like the Sprinter will remain on top of the and European brands in Australia. However, desirability heap. I didn’t get to drive VW’s new marketing efforts have been half-hearted (I’m Crafter, but by comparison its dash is current being kind) where those brands are sold by local generation VW car-inspired, so pretty dull. manufacturers with their own vehicles to sell. However, I think it looks better externally and so Why? What’s the point? Who benefits? it will be interesting to compare the two when we get the chance. Instead of bickering over gas regulations, electrical connections and the nonsense only Australian-built can handle Australian conditions, let’s ‘go global’ – and go forward. NZ has about 20 percent of the population
Richard
6 | Contents
4
On my Mind
10
On Your Mind
Splendid Isolation?
Share your thoughts for the chance to win $50!
8 14
Street View Haera Mai!
News What’s happening in the wider RV world and beyond
30 Tested: Avida Birdsville C7444SL 44
Tested: Bürstner Argos Time A65
54
Tested: CI Riviera 66P
64
Feature
80
Product Test
86
Wanda
96
MobileTech
Düsseldorf Show
Black Wolf Chairs
Heading East
Body, Mind & Soul!
76
Reader Report
82
Technical
92
Travel
100
Benimar Tessoro
CSIRO Breakthrough
Three more RV Friendly Towns
Next Issue What’s coming up!
SWITCH A great place to start
making the motorhome lifestyle easy
www.sunliner.com.au
8 | Street View
Haera Mai!
I
’ve not long spent a few very pleasant days skiing the slopes of Cardrona and Treble Cone, whilst enjoying the charms and delights of Wanaka. Our transport on this occasion was a Jucy Cabana camping car (rather than a campervan). Those who know me well might be a little surprised that Mrs Malcolm and I took the Jucy camper rather than something a little more upmarket; you know, with shower/toilet, heater and all those other little comforts (you got me! – Ed). However, all we needed was a day vehicle with hob, fridge and a few basic facilities, because we were staying in a house whilst in Wanaka, and the Cabana served us very well. It did have one other facility that we needed: room to fit the snow skis without having to resort to racks. For the winter season I prefer Wanaka to Queenstown. It’s a little quieter, while to get to the aforementioned resorts it means avoiding the steep, winding sections of the southern part of Crown Range Road (something really exciting when it’s snowing or there is ice on the road). I know that the road is often subject to bad weather and I’ve been there on one memorable occasion that meant having to turn around, but I hadn’t realised it is one of the highest roads in New Zealand, yet reaching an altitude of just 1,121 m (3,677 ft) above sea level. It is a great drive and there is the very historical Cardrona pub to be visited, plus some magnificent views along the way, so it isn’t all bad… Getting back to Wanaka, I know it’s really offseason time for motorhome touring in August,
but I was greatly surprised by the number of rental motorhomes of all sizes parked around the town during the day, and particularly late afternoon along the lakefront. Some owners were clearly there for the skiing but an equal number were just touring around and the rental motorhome business seems to be doing well indeed. Jucy campervans are quite distinctive in colour and a cheery wave when seeing one along the road seems to be de rigueur for both driver and passenger. On a day away from the slopes we visited a winery (or two). At one we were a little surprised by the $15 per person charge for tasting, an offer we declined (been awhile since your last tasting? – Ed). At another, the Rippon Winery, which has a stunning view of Lake Wanaka, the tasting was free but a donation was requested for a charity. A much better idea we thought, especially as the wines were great too. Did I like my Jucy camper winter travels? You bet. For our purposes it suited very nicely. The Toyota Estima (Tarago for Aussies)-based Jucy ran very well, was cheaper than an equivalent hire car and best of all, the snow chains (it being a front wheel drive) were very easy to fit! I’ll have more about the Jucy camper in an upcoming issue and seeing all the motorhomes around Wanaka confirmed my theory that motorhome travel can be done any time of the year!
Haere ra!
Malcolm
ISSUE 6 NOW OUT!
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10 | On your mind
WIN $50 FOR THE BEST LETTER!
It’s only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind, you should be able to have yours too. letters@imotorhome.com.au and we’ll If you have anything to say – or ask – just drop a line to share it with our readers. We’ll also reward the most interesting, useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way.
What If? We bought our first motorhome last year and by and large have enjoyed our first travels, mistakes and all, and the whole lifestyle of getting out and about, and meeting lots of terrific new people. But. I’ve been following iMotorhome for a couple of years and you helped us decided on what we want, but you also showed us what’s available overseas and I can’t help looking enviously abroad and wondering what if. What if we could buy something European or even American over there and bring it back? Or better still, what if we could buy them here especially second hand? When we were looking around dealer’s yards in NSW and Vic and asking about imports, we kept hearing how only Australian made could handle our conditions and how imports are rubbish and fall apart. Not being an idiot or believing their stories, and also not liking the attitudes of many we spoke to, we went on our way and bought privately. It seems to me the RV industry here is parochial and highly self interested, and it’s a real turn off. Our little motorhome is locally made and has been well cared for. It’s a beauty and will do us for a few years more while we decide what we want to do. If we decide to update I’ll be looking to find a good, used imported model
because we both love the space efficiency and style of European motorhomes. If not, we might just sell up here and buy one and use it in Europe for a few years because at least we might find what we really want. Sorry for the rant, but I hate being the victim of self interest. Regards, Steve An interesting and timely yarn Steve. I feel your frustration, in which case you’ll probably agree with my post-Dusseldorf editorial this issue! There’s no easy answer or silver bullet solution and I’m sorry to hear about your dealer experience. And yet, if dealer staff are indoctrinated into that belief it’s hardly surprising. There’s also no doubt some aspects of motorhome design need to specifically take into account our extreme heat and longs distances, but those are things that really aren’t rocket science. For raising the subject and sharing your experiences, please accept this issue’s $50 prize. It won’t buy you a new motorhome of any sort (except a model), but it’s a start!
On your mind | 11
Congratulations! Congratulations on the move to paid, I’m sure it’s been a great success, and headache. Just wanted to let you know that while I loved it being free, for the small asking price I can’t believe you won’t get everyone subscribing. Good luck and keep up the great work!
Regards, Chandra Appreciate your good wishes Chandra and fingers crossed your attitude spreads amongst the Luddites out there… !
Subscription Issues I’ve had a few problems with Issuu.com when trying to subscribe and wonder if there is an easier way for you to deliver the magazine to those of us who only want to read it on a computer. The Issuu website isn’t very clear and it took a bit of hunting to find where to pay and I’d hate to think you lost readers because off it. Good luck, John We’ve certainly had some ‘issues’ with issuu. com and I’ve been in touch with them with suggestions on how to make their website and the buying process easier and more intuitive.
It’s funny when tech nerds design things – what seems obvious to them can leave the rest of us bewildered. You’re certainly not alone in your frustrations so thanks for sticking with it. What I have been offering as an alternative to the technically challenged/annoyed is to pay us directly and I just email a PDF of the magazine out when it’s done. It’s not something we could do on a big scale, but I’m happy to offer the service on an individual basis. Anyway, hope you enjoy the reading experience via Issuu now it’s sorted, and thanks for subscribing.
Insurance Have you ever thought about doing a round up of insurance companies who specialise in motorhome insurance? It would be very handy, especially as hubby and I are looking to buy our first motorhome later this year. It’s very exciting but also a bit daunting, so any help would be great. Thanks, Steve & Muriel
That’s an interesting thought, you two. For the most part it seems like Ken Tame has the market sewn up, and also has an excellent reputation. Our Project Polly is insured with them and getting a cracked windscreen replaced when we were having Polly’s windscreen frame rust treated was painlessly easy. You need to be a CMCA member to insure with them, but it’s a good starting point.
12 | On your mind
Memories My wife and I have been reading iMotorhome for years and last year went to Düsseldorf when on holidays in Europe. It was a lucky coincidence and we stayed 2 days but wish we’d been there for the week. What a show, made all the more relevant by our search at the time for a new campervan. Our old HiAce was on its last legs and we were looking for inspiration. We found it in spades, but I was surprised to find that nobody converts HiAces over there, everything’s VW, Mercedes, Renault or whatever. Come to think of it I can’t remember seeing a HiAce in Europe at all. Do you know if they’re sold over there? Anyway, when I read last issue that you were heading over there for the first time it brought
back a lot of memories and I think you’ll probably be amazed. Hope the trip went well and we look forward to some photos to reminisce over. Cheers, Tom. Thanks Tom, I was amazed and no, I didn’t see any HiAces over there either. A quick Google search show’s they’re there, so maybe concerns over frontal impact safety or the, um, ‘average’ driving experience puts converters and buyers off. Or maybe it’s just having so many other choices? Whatever the reason the show certainly was amazing and I hope you enjoy the pics in this issue. More to come in October!
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14 | News
TRAKKADU SPORTS
L
aunching at the Sydney Camping Lifestyle Expo on Thursday 20 September, the Trakkadu 450 S is the first of a new style of Trakkadu campervans. With its release Trakkadus now come in three flavours: On-Road, Off-Road and Sport, and there’s no prizes for working out the italicised ’S’ in the model name stands for Sport. Trakka’s website says, “Introducing the future of premium campervans, the beginning of our Trakkadu Sport range. Brimming with next generation features, our new on road variant, Trakkadu 450 S, is unlike anything else on the market. Replete with a new look and host of new features, once you get behind the wheel of this powerful and unique conversion, it’s going to be hard to drive anything else.” Trakkadu 450 S is built around the latest Volkswagen T6 and powered by a 150 kW/450 Nm, bi-turbo, 2.0-litre diesel driving a 7-speed DSG automatic and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. It rides on 17-inch alloys, features LED headlights and running lights, and sports a wild looking metallic Turmeric Yellow paint job not available on
other Trakkadu models (ditto Pearl White, a more discreet option). The 450 S abounds with safety kit including adaptive cruise control, fog lights with cornering function and all the expected airbags, stability, braking and traction aides, and a whole lot more. Outside you’ll find colour-coded bumpers, mirrors and door handles, a power sliding side-door and a power awning, while up top is a flush-mount 120 watt solar panel charging a 125 AH lithium iron phosphate house battery (which is app monitored). All electrics are 12volt, including the compressor fridge, while cooking, hot water and heating are all dieselfired. The best way to think about the Trakkadu 450 S is really as a cross-over. It blurs the line between car, campervan and SUV, and can transport four people plus gear in outstanding comfort and safety. It can be a daily driver, school bus and holiday escape machine, all the while turning heads with its stunning looks and Euro-sophistication. The Trakkadu 450 S starts at $135,000 and you can find more information here.
Calling All Wilderness Explorers
trakka.com.au
16 | News
SMARTRV’S OKTOBERFEST EXPO EXTENDS
S
martRV’s popular Oktoberfest Motorhome Expo has been extended to two days for 2018 and is a unique opportunity to see New Zealand’s biggest range of motorhomes from HYMER, Bürstner and Carado.
“There will be very special Oktoberfest Only deals for visitors to the event and, while along with SmartRV’s own team, motorhome owners who have bought from SmartRV will also be on hand to answer any questions,” a spokesperson said.
As New Zealand’s largest importer of German motorhomes, this annual flagship event for SmartRV is said to be a celebration of all things German. Returning for its fifth year, it will be held from Saturday 13 October to Sunday 14 October at its Auckland centre.
SmartRV’s Oktoberfest Motorhome Expo will be held rain or shine from 9 am to 3pm on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 October at 11 Pavilion Drive, Airport Oaks in Auckland. Registration for tickets is free and can be made here (smartrv.co.nz/of).
The two-day motorhome showcase offers a chance to browse SmartRV’s full range of new and used motorhomes while enjoying complimentary tea, coffee and nibbles – and even the sounds of an authentic Oompah band.
A VIP Happy Hour for SmartRV HYMER, Bürstner and Carado owners will also be held following the Expo on Saturday 13 October from 3-5pm. For more information call SmartRV on 0800 891 305 or visit smartrv.co.nz
Your dream is within reach Great brands? Definitely. Exceptional service? You bet. Prices to suit? Absolutely. At SmartRV we have an extensive range of used German motorhomes for sale, meaning the best of European safety and design can be yours. We are the exclusive New Zealand distributor of popular Bürstner, value brand Carado and premium HYMER motorhomes. Don’t wait to start living the life you dream of.
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Exclusively distributed in New Zealand by 11 Pavilion Drive, Airport Oaks, Auckland | 3 Export Ave, Harewood, Christchurch | 0800 005 312 (NZ) | imotorhome@smartrv.co.nz | smartrv.co.nz
18 | News
GUINNESS WORLD RV RECORD ATTEMPT
I
n May 2019 the Australian Motorhoming Lions Club (AMLC), in partnership with the Barcaldine Regional Council (BRC), will lead efforts to break two world records, with proceeds from the five-day event going to regional charities. “RVers from all over Australia and beyond are invited to take part. We welcome Motorhomes, Caravans, Campervans and Fifth Wheelers, as per the guidelines set by Guinness World Records. There is no requirement for membership in any club and this a child and pet friendly event. All we ask is that you keep your fur babies under control at all times during the event,” said the AMLC.
The main record attempt will be for, “The largest parade of camping vehicles (RVs)”. The current World Record was set on 22nd June 2003 when 672 camping vehicles (RVs) took part in a parade in Canelli, Italy. “In May 2019, the AMLC plan to smash this record. Our goal is to achieve a parade of at least 1000 RVs. Won’t that be a sight to behold? The parade of moving RVs will occur along the Aramac-Barcaldine Road, which is a long and almost straight country road.” Registration cost is $20 per vehicle and camping in Barcaldine is available from $10 per night. To find out the full details and also sign up click here.
News | 19
APOLLO RENTALS IN EUROPE along with one of its rentals vehicles – a Fiat Ducato van conversion from German manufacturer Weinsberg.
A
pollo Rentals is opening its doors in Europe in April 2019, in the Northern German city of Hamburg. The company had a small display announcing its intentions at last week’s Dusseldorf Caravan Salon,
Hamburg is the first city in an ambitious plan that will eventually see offices open across Europe. It was chosen for its popularity as a motorhome rental location for people heading north into Scandinavia, according to Apollo’s on-stand representative. Apparently, motorhome rental in Scandinavian countries is considerably more expensive, due to its short summer touring season and generally higher costs. Expect pricing and availability details to be announced closer to launch time.
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20 | News
CCIA TO TAKE OVER CANBERRA SHOW October next year. The expo will be staged at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), a facility with plenty of indoor and outdoor exhibition space and on-site camping accommodation.
he Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW (CCIA) has concluded negotiations that will see it take over the operation of the Canberra Home and Leisure Show from October 2019.
CCIA President Theo Whitmont said, “This is a fantastic strategic opportunity to reinvigorate an existing event and turn it into an outstanding showcase for our industry. It’s all about continuing to drive consumer demand for the products and experiences our industry offers and delivering new business opportunities for our members”.
CCIA will re-brand the event to become the Caravan Camping Outdoor Lifestyle Expo Canberra and the inaugural ACT expo will take place from Friday 25 to Sunday 27
More information about the 2019 event will be released in the coming months. For now, the existing show organisers will operate the Canberra Home and Leisure Show in 2018.
T
SADDLEWORTH SA NOW RV FRIENDLY “Joining the RV Friendly Town network will deliver direct benefits to the local business community. With the self-contained RV tourism market estimated to be worth more than $2.5 billion annually, Saddleworth is now well-positioned to access this lucrative tourism market,” he said.
S
addleworth in South Australia is looking forward to an increase in visitors after it was declared an RV Friendly Town. Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council Mayor, Allan Aughey, says he is pleased the CMCA has bestowed the status on the Gilbert River community.
The Saddleworth Recreation Grounds Caravan Park offers unpowered parking for $10 a night, with power available for an additional fee. It offers toilets, showers, a dump point and potable water, while the length of stay can be negotiated.
www.motorhometours.com.au
22 | News
NSW ROAD RELATED DEVELOPMENTS trial drivers will still need to carry their physical driver licence card. The new digital licence will sit within the Service NSW mobile app and will be optional once it is available statewide in 2019 (drivers can keep using their physical card). To take part in the trial sign up to a MyServiceNSW Account. Click here for further information. In other developments, the NSW Government is reviewing parking rules to make sure fines are fair and reasonable, and improve estrial of the NSW digital driver licence otherwise confusing parking signs. Have your has just been announced for November say on this important issue by answering in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. The a short six question survey or by sharing digital driver licence is free for all licence pictures of confusing parking signs in your holders (including Ls and Ps) who live in the community. Click here. Failure to comply can trial area. Participants will be able to test the result in a $448 fine and the loss of 3 demerit new licence and give feedback. During the points.
R
AL-KO’S OWN HONOURED
O
ne of AL-KO International’s key staff has been honoured with a top award. Technical and manufacturing manager Rob Funder has been inducted into the Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Victoria’s Hall of Fame. It recognises his 44 years of service to AL-KO and his contribution towards advancing the Australian RV industry. Mr Funder was a member of an AL-KO team that designed the first electric braking system for caravans in Australia, which is now fitted to many caravans rolling off production lines.
24 | News
MPS WATER SAVING PLEA
A
South Australian MP has pleaded with RVers to conserve water during their Outback travels. MP for Grey and Government Whip, Rowan Ramsey, said, “I’d like all travellers to consider where they access water from when in outback areas of the state.” His request follows alarm by locals at the lack of understanding by some Grey Nomads at just how precious water is in the Outback as they hook their hoses up to their only drinking supply. Some thoughtless travellers even use it to wash their vehicles.
“More times than often, water supply access to wash in outback areas is the same supply people rely on for drinking and cooking,” Ramsey said. “None of Outback Australia is connected to the water network. A few have desalinated bore water, but many completely rely on meagre water supplies for cooking and drinking. I’d like RVers to consider this when making decisions about how much water they use whilst travelling.”
continued..
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
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28 | iMotorhome Marketplace
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Roberts RV World
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An official Avida motorhome dealer, with more than 50 new motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the Southern Hemisphere. Our service department is here for all your needs too.
Australia’s leading fifth wheelers, designed here in Australia and built to suit our demanding conditions. Fifth wheelers from 24’ to 36’ available. Call 02 4953 7141 for information!
T: 1800 273 136 W: robertsrv.com.au
T: (02) 4953 7141 W: summerliferv.com.au
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An Authorised Repco Service Centre just off the Hume Highway at Mittagong. Auto electrical and mechanical service specialists happy to look after your motorhome or campervan! Call Mark or Sharon and tell them iMotorhome sent you!
T: (02) 4872 2822 E: mwauto@hinet.net.au
Over 11 years cover manufacturing experience Australia wide.Free Measure & Quote Call in Factory 1:354 Mons Road Forest Glen : Sunshine Coast Queensland PH-‐1300 304 332/0754564818 www.caravancovers.com.au info@caravancovers.com.au
iMotorhome Marketplace | 29
Airbag Man
Battery Traders Super Store
Taronga Western Plains Zoo
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes. Easy to install they let you ‘level up’ for stability and safety.
Batteries, solar panels, inverters, alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome! We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V power specialists.
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary, home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth. Explore by foot, bike, electric cart or in your motorhome!
T: 1800 AIRBAG W: airbagman.com.au
T: (07) 3209 3144 W: batterytraders.com.au
T: (02) 6881 1400 W: taronga.org.au
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T: (07) 3398 5500 W: solarscreen.com.au
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To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email mje240@adam.com.au www.e-twow.com 1
30 | Tested: Avida Birdsville C7444SL
Birdsville Trek
Australians have been trekking to Avida dealers for years to buy this popular mid-size motorhome Story by Richard Robertson | Images by Malcolm Street
Tested | 31
This second generation C-class Birdsville has a more rounded Luton peak for its over-cab bed. Size-wise the model sits in the sweet spot of being big enough for long term living but small enough to remain economical and easily manoeuvrable.
I
t’s not difficult to see why the Birdsville is one of the most popular models Avida makes. It sits in that sweet spot where size, price, features and style combine to deliver what is for many the perfect motorhome.
everything!) and SL means slide-out. It’s also strictly a four-seat, four-berth motorhome and for most people that’s fine. Got all that? Good…
Not only does the Birdsville sit in a sweet The Birdsville range comprises four models, but spot, I think it’s a sweet looking motorhome. in reality there are just two floorplans – each Earlier C-class Birdsvilles had a kind of angular, offered with the option of an over-cab bed. So faceted Luton Peak (the bulbous bit above in motorhomes speak this means there are two the cab where the extra bed goes). However, C-class Birdsvilles (with an over-cab bed) and when the model was face lifted the Luton was two B-class (sans over-cab bed). All models restyled and is now much more rounded. Trivia seat and sleep a minimum of four, with one of time: The Luton Peak takes its name from the each type seating and sleeping six. town of Luton in the UK, where in the 1920s or 30s the Bedford factory first produced The subject of this review is the Birdsville trucks with an over-cab section added to their C7444 SL. This C in the name indicates it’s originally square cargo bodies. a C class; 74 means it’s (almost) 7.4 m long; 44 means something I’m sure (I can’t know
32 | Tested The Birdsville features Avida’s traditional body construction that comprises a steel floor with an aluminium body frame on top, which in turn is packed with foam installation between an outer fibreglass skin and inner lining panel. The nosecone and rear wall are fibreglass mouldings and there’s a one-piece roof (literally) capping it all off. While not as cutting edge as some manufacturers’ systems it’s proven and durable. The C7444SL’s party piece is its almost full length slide-out on the driver’s side, which starts behind the cab and runs to within a metre or so of the back wall. Inside, it holds the cafe-style dinette, wardrobe and main bed, and
the only reason it stops short of the rear wall is that in all Birdsvilles the bathroom runs full width across the back. The slide-out also has small hatches that provide external access to the storage beneath each of the dinette seats. That’s in addition to the other lockers around the lower part of the body, which provide numerous if not large/bulky storage options. One note on the exterior is the use of louvered glass windows rather than the more modern, double glazed acrylic units that are largely the norm these days. While they might look a bit old-fashioned the louvers are good because they provide a lot of fresh air without sticking out too far, are structurally unaffected by gusty
The big slide-out opens up the interior and houses the dinette up front and bed at the rear. Hatches access underdinette storage, while louvered windows are practical, especially in wet weather.
Tested | 33 winds and can be left open to varying degrees in wet weather. They probably provide better security against break-ins, too. On the subject of ventilation, a roof-top air-conditioner is standard equipment for keeping your cool in summer, while it also has a heating element for winter. Of course it needs mains power or a generator, so for winter travel the optional diesel-fired space heater is a great investment.
Sprinter might be more technically advanced but it looks more delivery van like, while the snub nose Iveco Daily is much heavier duty and tough as nails, but far from ‘pretty’.
Looks aside, the Fiat Ducato is also the topselling motorhome chassis in Australia – and Europe – which I know has a lot to do with price, but it’s still a good piece of kit. From the driver’s perspective it’s far more engaging than the two mentioned above and it’s Underneath interior equally more car like and inviting. Not everybody is a fan of front-wheel drive in a think one of the major contributors to the Birdsville’s good looks is that it rides on a Fiat motorhome, but in all my time behind the wheel of dozens of Ducatos it has never been an Ducato cab-chassis, which in turn blends issue. nicely into the body work. Mercedes-Benz
I
While external under-dinette storage access is good whatever position the slide-out is in, when extended the slide-out makes reaching the lower body locker difficult.
34 | Tested Powering all Bridsvilles is the most powerful version of Fiat’s latest 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that is now Euro 6 exhaust emission compliant. Producing 130 kW of power at 3500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1400 rpm, it drives through a six speed automated manual transmission (AMT) that can be driven in automatic or manual modes. The C7444SL has a 4400 kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) and a tare weight of 3626 kg, leaving a maximum payload of 774 kg. It also has a 2000 kg towing capacity. Being under the magical 4500 kg GVM mark means you can drive it on a standard car licence in any state in Australia.
Flat cupboard doors have no handles, which adds to the clean lines of the interior. Note the TV in a cupboard opposite the bed, which makes viewing tricky from the dinette.
Tested | 35
Above: Clean lines and a glossy finish bring the Birdsville’s interior up to date. Note the high-back dinette seat with good lumbar cushioning, which makes travel for passengers a comfortable proposition. Below: Swivelled cab seats are a bit far from the dinette to really become part of a fully integrated entertaining area.
Like all Fiat Ducatos, on the road the Birdsville is a comfortable, competent and relaxed touring machine, with manoeuvring aided by the standard reversing camera. And thanks to good fuel economy and a 125-litre tank you won’t suffer range anxiety as you travel.
Moving On In
T
he Birdsville’s floor plan has swivelling front seats beneath the over-cab bed; the dinette opposite when you walk in and the kitchen immediately to the right. The main bed is aft of the dinette, with its head in the slide-out, and at the very back is the full width bathroom. On the whole the layout works well, but does have a couple of compromises. Firstly, because the slide-out accommodates the dinette there’s a gap between it and the swivelling cab seats. Also, because the fridge unit is positioned between the entry door and passenger cab seat, it partially blocks that
36 | Tested seat when swivelled. The upshot is the space doesn’t mesh well as an integrated dining and entertaining area. Secondly, to increase bedroom storage Avida has built a low run of cupboards and drawers on the kerbside wall, between the kitchen and bathroom, with a tapering extension of the kitchen benchtop running along the top. It’s great, but when the slide-out is retracted the foot of the bed butts up against it, preventing walk-through access to the bathroom. While the mattress can be tilted up, it’s limited by the drawer and benchtop overhang. So, the only way to get to the loo when travelling is over the bed, if you don’t want to extend the slide-out. In reality it’s no big deal, but a walk-through solution would make a difference. Decor for the Birdsville has moved with the times and is a mix of light timber finishes and shiny white laminates, which brighten the interior and should be easy to keep clean with a quick wipe down. There’s plenty of internal storage and the cupboards are functionally square/rectangular and flat faced, which maximises efficiency. Adding to the smooth, semi-minimalist look is the fact the overhead cupboards are handle free, plus it’s good to see the drawers now have a soft close function. Also moving with the times is the inclusion of two separate double USB charging points – one by the bed and one in the kitchen (the latter with a couple of small shelves above that are ideal for recharging phones and other small devices). It’s nice to see a separate sound system in the living area, too.
Space for Life
W
ith the slide-out extended there’s plenty of living space in the front of the Birdsville and it has a breezy, open plan feel to it. Being a four-seat/fourberth motorhome, all occupants can be accommodated at the dinette. However, if you want to watch TV then the cab seats and aft-
Tested | 37
Above: Dinette is a good size with proper backrest cushioning. Right: Storage between the kitchen and bathroom is excellent, as is the extended benchtop.
facing dinette seats are the go, but the TV is (unusually) positioned in an overhead cupboard opposite the bed, and best watched from there. Might be an excuse for a bed party? It’s good to see properly shaped dinette seat backrests in place of the usual flat slabs. The forward facing seat has a higher backrest and is seat belt equipped for two. The table is sturdy and adjustable, while there’s storage beneath each dinette seat, accessed via hatches in both end panels, and two cupboards overhead. There is plenty of storage space in the main kitchen cabinet, including drawers beneath the The kitchen is opposite the dinette, between cooker and sink plus a cupboard and small the entry door and bedroom. The main unit slide-out pantry. There are also cupboards has a cooktop with grill, plus a single-bowl overhead, with a rangehood underneath. It’s sink with drainer, on top, occupying most of worth noting that the cooker has three gas the bench space. However, there is a large burners and one electric hotplate, meaning you bench extension stored in the side of the tall fridge unit, by the entry door. It sits right across can preserve onboard LPG when hooked up to mains power, provided you’re happy to cook the space between that unit and the cooker, on a single electric hotplate. providing invaluable extra work space, but blocking the doorway (although you can duck under!).
As already mentioned, the fridge – a 190-litre 2-door unit that runs on LPG, 12 and 240-
38 | Tested
The island bed has good walk-around space when the slide-out’s extended. Bathroom access when it’s retracted is problematic. volt power – sits in its own unit between the entry door and passenger cab seat. There’s a microwave above it plus a couple of extra cupboards, while its position makes it handy for someone to step inside and grab cold drinks without disturbing the chef at work…
there are cupboards over the bedhead, above the window. Like all open plan designs you swap spaciousness for privacy as there’s no way to close off the bedroom from the living area, but at least you can use the bathroom for dressing if needs be.
Speaking of the bathroom, it’s a beauty. While you never spend a lot of time in a motorhome’s he bed is in the rear section of the long bathroom, when you do there’s nothing like the slide-out, separated from the dinette by luxury of space! The entry door is offset to the a three-quarter-height wardrobe that kerbside, to align it with the walk-through space doubles somewhat as a divider. The wardrobe past the foot of the extended bed. Stepping in turn sits on a base unit that doubles as a inside, there’s a good sized vanity to the right, bedside table – the only one – although there with the requisite freestanding porcelain hand are small shelves in the corners above the basin and ‘drooping swan’ tap on top, plus a bedhead, plus a magazine holder/pouch on the large mirror behind. There’s plenty of bench wall for the person on the other side. The bed space and that’s largely because the left hand itself is just over the size of a traditional double side is actually a lid that lifts to reveal either a and when the slide-out’s extended you can tilt dirty washing cupboard or optional 3 kg topit up to access storage underneath. Naturally, loading washing machine.
Space for After Hours
T
Tested | 39 In the driver’s-side corner is a separate shower cubicle, with a sliding door and fan hatch above, while the swivel-head loo sits close by. There’s a fixed window in the rear wall (it’s an emergency exit) plus overhead cupboards right along it, providing plenty of natural light and bathroom storage, respectively.
What I Think
A
vida’s C-class Birdsville C7444SL is a good mix of style, liveability and features that combine to make a motorhome equally suited to short or long-term touring. Fine for a couple, it can also seat and sleep four, adding extra versatility. However, if you don’t need the large over-cab bed for regular travellers you can get the same floorplan, seating and sleeping capacity in the more streamlined and fuel efficient B-class Birdsville B7444SL. The compromise there is the dinette converts to the second bed, but for occasional usage that’s probably fine. Avida has a ton of experience building motorhomes for Australian conditions and a national dealer and support network. Plus, all Avida RVs are covered by a 3 year/1 million km factory warranty, a 5 year structural warranty and 2 years roadside assistance – all good stuff for ownership peace of mind. If you’re after a good looking mid-size motorhome and love the feel of an open and spacious living area, put the Birdsville C744SL on your must-see list. Better still, find your closest Avida dealer and go have a look. It will be worth the trek…
Full width rear bathroom is spacious, well appointed and has the option of a top-loading washing machine in the vanity cupboard.
40 | Tested
Specs GENERAL Make
Avida
Model
Birdsville C7444SL
Type
C-Class
Berths
4
Approved Seating
4
Licence
Car
VEHICLE Make/Model
Fiat Ducato X295 Multijet 180
Engine
2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power
130 kW @ 3500 rpm
Torque
400 Nm @ 1400 rpm
Gearbox
6 speed automated manual (AMT)
Safety
ABS, ESP, Hill Hold, Dual airbags
Fuel
125 L
WEIGHTS Tare Weight
3626 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass
4400 kg
Max Payload
774 kg
Braked Towing Capacity
2000 kg
DIMENSIONS Overall Length
7.39 m (24' 3")
Overall Width
2.32 m (7 ' 7 ")
Overall Height
3.13 m (10' 3")
Internal Height
1.97 m (6’ 5”)
Main Bed
1.90 m x 1.4 m (6' 3" x 4' 7")
Luton Bed
1.90 m x 1.3 m (6" 3" x 4' 3")
Tested | 41
Specs EQUIPMENT Slide-Out
Yes
Awning
Dometic
Entry Steps
Electric
Hob
Dometic 3 x gas 1 x elec burner & grill
Rangehood
Yes
Sink
Stainless steel
Fridge
190 L 2-door Dometic RMDX25 3-way
Microwave
Samsung
Lighting
12 V LED
12 V Sockets/USB Outlets
4 x USB
Air Conditioner
Dometic roof mounted
Space Heater
Optional
Hot Water System
Truma
Toilet
Thetford cassette
Shower
Separate cubicle
Pros… • Open plan living • Big slide-out • Style • Size • Fuel economy • Driving pleasure • Service & support • Resale
CONs… • Some layout compromises • Smallish external storage • Not for extended off-grid living
CAPACITIES Batteries
1 x 100 AH
Solar
Optional
LPG
2 x 4.0 kg
Fresh Water
124 L
Grey Water
124 L
Hot Water
14 L
Toilet
17 L
PRICE ON ROAD NSW
Manufacturer Avida 32 David Road Emu Plains, NSW. 2750. Australia T: (02) 4735 8116 E: info@avida.com.au W: avida.com.au
Click for Google Maps
From
$152,700
As Tested
$157,050
Options fitted
Refined Stone Ultra Leather, tow bar & wiring, washing machine
Dealer Network Contact
Warranty – vehicle and motorhome
3 years/1 million km
Warranty – structural
5 years
Australia: 1300 428 432 New Zealand: 0800 946 643
Roadside Assistance
2 years
42 | Tested
44 | Tested: Bürstner Argos Time A650
Just in
Time
That’s Bürstner’s Argos Time A650… By Malcolm Street
Tested | 45
Despite 155,000 km of rental use the Bürstner was in good condition and ready for a long and useful life in ‘comfortable retirement’. Having the bike was a real bonus, especially for all the times I forgot the bread and milk (as we motorhomers are apparently want to do!).
N
ot so long ago I had a rather last minute job and needed a motorhome for a few days and fortunately, Smart RV was kind enough to lend me one of its ex-rentals. Most of the time in this fine magazine we get to play with new motorhomes, but in this case it’s an older model having served time in the Wilderness rental fleet. With about 155,000 km on the odometer, apart from anything else, I was keen to see how the Bürstner stood up the rigours of rental service. In many ways the Argos Time A650 is well suited to rental service because it is a six berth motorhome. The clue for that is the rather distinctive Luton peak; one curved in a rather appealing way that makes it stand out less than it might otherwise do. It also makes this a C-class motorhome. With an external length of 6.5 m (21’ 4”), the A650 isn’t a long motorhome, which does mean a bit of a challenge in the layout department.
Like just about all the Bürstner fleet, the motive power for the Argos Time is the ubiquitous Fiat Ducato. In this case it’s the Multijet 130, which comes with a 2.3-litre turbo-diesel that has maximum power/torque figures of 96 kW/320 Nm. With a tare mass of 3010 kg this is a relatively lightweight motorhome and has a good load capacity of 990 kg, which I suspect won’t really be used. There is but one external storage locker and it gives access to the rear under-bed area. It’s quite deep and accommodates the spare wheel standing upright. At the kerb-side rear are both the gas cylinder (1 x 9 kg and 1 x 4 kg) and cassette toilet lockers. A feature I quite liked was the Fiamma bike rack – complete with a push bike in this case! In the late afternoons it was handy for pedalling around the local area for some exercise and sightseeing.
46 | Tested
Interior Look
I
t’s definitely interesting what can be achieved in a motorhome by compressing a few features. Like for instance, fitting a French bed in one rear corner allows enough space for a combo bathroom in the other. Having a Luton peak over the cab means an extra double bed can be fitted in, while the café-style dinette allows for a bed as well. About the only feature that isn’t particularly useful in this design are the swivelling cab seats; the passenger one having a dinette seat behind it, while the driver’s has the kitchen bench partly behind it. Large windows are essential in a motorhome like this as are good sized/well placed roof hatches. All windows are double-glazed acrylic awning style, including the kitchen, which did require care in positioning because of the entry door opening.
Top: The older Fiat Ducato was still going strong. Above: Interior space is efficiently used to provide seating and sleeping for six.
Tested | 47
Sleeping Everywhere
A
s mentioned there are three different beds in the A650. In the rear nearside corner – my choice because it required the least effort to use – the French bed measures 2.07 m x 1.3 m - 1.06 m (6’ 9” x 4’ 3” – 3’ 6”). Above the cab the Luton bed measures 1.9 m x 1.4 m (6’ 3” x 4’ 7”) and gets a larger than usual window on the driver’s side. Both beds can be left made up, but the third, the 1.8m x 1.05 m (5’ 11” x 3’ 5”) dinette bed, does of course require setting up every night. All the space above the rear bed is taken up by overhead lockers and a small hanging wardrobe at the foot of the bed, which is quite a good use of space without being in the way of anything. There’s also a full length curtain if privacy is required for the rear bed. In a similar way, the Luton bed has a curtain and the necessary ladder for climbing up and down.
Although it sleeps six this Bürstner would be ideal for a family of four, leaving the dinette free at night. Decor is modern and there were few signs of wear or tear and few extra rattles, if any.
48 | Tested
Compact but Usable
B
y necessity the kitchen bench is quite small. However, fitted into the bench top is a combo three-burner hob and a stainless steel sink. Under the bench a 114-litre 3-way fridge fits in very neatly, alongside a single cutlery drawer and a shelved cupboard. Underneath the overhead lockers, in addition to the rangehood there are a couple of downlights and a single 240 V outlet.
Combo Bathroom
N
o surprises there’s a combo bathroom fitted, complete with flexible hose shower, bench style cassette toilet and a small wash basin that swings out from the wall when required. Above the sink a good sized shaving cabinet is fitted. For keeping water off the toilet, a couple of clear plastic panel doors can be swung out, but because of where the bathroom door is it’s a wet bathroom, not a dry one – i.e. the floor has to be dried after use. In a previous Bürstner
Top: The kitchen is small but workable, although the fridge is a bit small for six people without regular shopping stops. Above: Plastic screens keep water off the loo, but it’s still a ‘wet’ bathroom as you need to dry off the floor after showering. Considering the size limitations it’s not a bad compromise
Tested | 49
motorhome I looked at the bathroom light switch was tucked away under a hanging cupboard, but this one was a little more obvious on the wall.
Wilderness Camping
O
ne thing Wilderness does well is set up its rental motorhomes for remote travel. So although there isn’t a solar panel, 2 x 90 AH deep-cycle batteries should provide enough 12 V power for stays or a day or two. I made use of the 600 W inverter the night I was free camping on the road north of Miranda Springs, overlooking the Firth of Thames. No problem with it, but I did have one problem that particular night: The motorhome was well equipped but lacked a box of matches or any method of firing up the gas hob! Fortunately some nearby campers were able to help me out. Funny when you forget some of the basics‌
What I Think
O
kay, so there were some obvious clues that this Argos Time motorhome had done a bit of service, but even with that in mind, I thought it was well presented and the Smart RV team had done a nice job on the refurbishment. Driving along there were a few rattles and squeaks, but not as many as I was expecting and less than in some new motorhomes I have come across. This motorhome will certainly suit a couple with its bed and sleeping arrangements, but will be even better for a family that desires the motorhome lifestyle.
50 | Tested
Specs GENERAL Make
Bürstner
Model
Argos Time A650
Type
C-class
Berths
6
Approved Seating
6
Licence
Car
VEHICLE Make/Model
Fiat Ducato Multijet 130
Engine
2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power
109 kW @ 3600 rpm
Torque
350 Nm @ 1500rpm
Gearbox
6 speed automated manual (AMT)
Safety
ABS, ESP, Hill Hold, Dual airbags
Fuel
90 L
WEIGHTS Tare Weight
3010 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass
4000 kg
Max Payload
990 kg
Braked Towing Capacity
2000 kg
DIMENSIONS Overall Length
6.50 m (21' 4")
Overall Width
2.40 m (7' 10")
Overall Height
3.20 m (10' 6")
Internal Height
2.09 m (6' 10")
Main Bed
2.07 m x 1.3 m - 1.06 m (6' 9" x 4' 3" - 3' 6")
Luton Bed
1.9 m x 1. 4 m (6' 3" x 4' 7 " )
Dinette Bed
1.8 m x 1.05 m (5' 11" x 3' 5")
Tested | 51
Specs EQUIPMENT Slide-Out
No
Awning
No
Entry Steps
Electric
Hob
Dometic 3-burner combo
Rangehood
Yes
Sink
Stainless steel combo with hob
Fridge
114 L Dometic 3-way
Microwave
No
Lighting
12V LED
12 V Sockets/USB Outlets
TBA
Air Conditioner
No
Space Heater
Truma Combi 4E LPG/Electric
Hot Water System
Truma Combi 4E LPG/Electric
Toilet
Thetford cassette
Shower
Flex hose combo
Pros… • Compact but practical layout • Good looking motorhome • Spacious interior • Well priced for family • Freedom camping ability • Bike rack • Reversing camera included
CONs… • Limited external storage • Small kitchen • ‘Wet’ bathroom • Six might be a problem at the dinette
CAPACITIES Batteries
2 x 90 AH
Solar
No
LPG
1 x 9.0 kg, 1 x 4.5 kg
Fresh Water
120 L
Grey Water
90 L
Hot Water
10 L
Toilet
17 L
CONTACT:
Click for Google Maps
North Island SmartRV Auckland 11 Pavilion Drive Airport Oaks, Auckland. 2022 T: 0800 007 627 E: sales@smartrv.co.nz W: smartmotorhomes.co.nz
PRICE ON-ROAD NEW ZEALAND Used – as tested
$79,900
Click for South Island Google Maps SmartRV Christchurch 3 Export Ave Harewood. ChCh. 8051. T: 0800 007 628 E: ccsales@smartrv.co.nz W: smartmotorhomes.co.nz
52 | Tested
“In the late afternoons (the bike) was handy for pedalling around the local area for some exercise and sightseeing.�
Go wherever the road takes you. Literally.
Lake Pukaki, South Island
No road restrictions, modern self-contained motorhomes and outstanding customer service. Experience New Zealand your way in a premium rental motorhome from Wilderness. Find out more at wilderness.co.nz
54 | Tested: CI Riviera 66P
Italian Riviera A look at the stylish Riviera 66P from CI motorhomes in Italy‌ by Malcolm Street
Tested | 55
I
n New Zealand, quite a few of the imported motorhome brands are German. However – and buon giarno – there are a small number from Italy. Caravans International (CI) is one of them and the range is imported by Aucklandbased Walkabout Motorhome Sales.
Body Style
S
ome motorhomes I have seen look a bit like rectangular boxes, which they are in many ways. However, the Riviera has a classy look about it and that includes the two tone paint job, which enhances no end the rather snappy looking low profile deign. CI makes about 25 motorhomes per day and Built using VTR/styrofoam composite walls is part of the giant Trigano group from France. and mouldings, this B-class motorhome has This gives the brand access to considerable resources despite its vehicles being built in Italy, a considerable amount of style. It’s a Euro motorhome, so the entry door is on the driver’s and I’m pleased to say they do have a certain side, directly behind the cab, and in use that’s Romanic flair about them. no problem. That includes the rather exotically named Riviera 66P. Not sure about the 66P, but External Storage the Riviera nomenclature gets the attention ndoubtedly one of the more noticeable straightaway! With an external length of features of the Riviera is the large 7.43 m (24’ 4”), the 66P offers that happy garage at the rear, something that combination of a manoeuvrable length and seems to be a very Euro thing. To say the a considerable amount of interior space. Not least it is huge, and has the additional feature unexpectedly, it rides on a Fiat Ducato Multijet of being able to raise or lower the island bed 130 cab-chassis. above, depending on what is being stored. One
U
European B-class motorhomes usually look pretty stylish and the Riviera 66P is no exception. CI is Italian, but part of the giant French Trigano group and therefore well resourced to build good quality vehicles.
56 | Tested
The Riviera looks streamlined and a bit sporty, which must be the Italian influence! It’s good to see it retains a big ‘garage’ at the rear, while a height adjustable bed above it adds storage flexibility. requirement I reckon of this storage area is that tie downs are needed for keeping items secure. Both the gas cylinder locker and the battery compartment are located almost directly behind the passenger door and are easily accessible. Standard on the Riviera is a Fiamma bike rack, a handy feature on any motorhome. It’s set fairly low, which is good, so the bikes do not have to be lifted too high when loading.
Inside
T
he front half of the Riviera definitely has a familiar look about it, with a lounge/dining area directly behind the cab and a mid area kitchen complete with an L-shaped bench. At the rear is an
Tested | 57
An Italian take of the typical L-shaped Euro kitchen. Space usage is good, while curved, glossy cupboards add a touch of Italian style‌ island bed, leaving the space between the kitchen and bedroom for a split bathroom. The overall dÊcor is the rather contrasting white of the upper areas and leather seating against the much darker hues of the lower cabinetry. Like many motorhomes these days, concealed and not-so-concealed lighting is used to great effect. Once inside, one of the more noticeable features is the partition/divider at the foot of the bed, which also happens to be where the vanity cabinet is for the bathroom. There are mixed opinions from the jury about this: Some like the privacy it gives the bedroom, while others prefer a more open arrangement. One advantage it does provide is the spacious vanity, which otherwise might be a bit tricky to fit in.
58 | Tested Split Bathroom
H
aving this style of split bathroom, which allows both the toilet and shower cubicle space to be used as part walkways when not in use, is a very effective use of space – a bit like having your cake and eating it too. Doors on both sides mean the bathroom can be close off if needed and multifold blinds/panels allow the individual areas to be closed off as well. It is all very flexible. Mirrors on several walls and extra cupboard space as well are added bonuses.
Rear Bedroom
O
ne result of the garage underneath is that the 1.85 m x 1.34 m (6’ 1” x 4’ 5”) bed has extra long bedside shelves. Other than that, the overhead locker and wardrobe space is quite normal. In the low position, the bed is quite easy to climb into, but at the high point it might be more of a stretch. Fortunately, there are steps on either side. In Recessed LED strip lights plus contrasting gloss white and dark wood finishes add flair to the interior in a way only the Italians could pull off without looking over the top.
Tested | 59 addition to the integrated blinds and screens, the bedroom windows, like the front ones, get translucent Roman blinds (of course! - Ed), which are quite effective.
Cuchina
I
n a slightly elongated variation on the more usual L-shape, the kitchen, with its Fenix stone bench top, comes with a three burner hob and stainless steel sink, sans drainer, above bench level. Below bench level is a grill/ oven along with a selection of cupboards. Facing the kitchen across the aisle, a tall cabinet not only contains the 140-litre 3-way Thetford fridge, but also a slide-out wire basket pantry and a few more cupboards, the upper one being shelved.
Rilassante
B
eing a Fiat, both cab seats swivel around of course, and with the twin forward facing seat and the single
The interior is bright and breezy, but sharp corners on the dining table are a poor idea in such a compact space.
60 | Tested
The dining table is hinged in the middle and can be used ‘half’ size’ or fully open, freeing up space in the compact dining area as desired. sideways lounge, form up a nice lounge area. A 19” flat screen TV is built into the fridge cabinet and so can easily be seen from the cab seats, but less so from the others. Fitted onto a height adjustable single pole mount, the dining table can be moved sideway and is also hinged, so that it can be easily extended. It has the dual feature of being versatile yet sturdy as well. Above the front seats, the big Skyview hatch ensures plenty of natural light, plus fresh air as required. Overhead lockers fitted to both sides offer plenty of storage and there is the added bonus a shelf around the cab front, handy when travelling and when parked up. If an extra bed is required the dinette can be folded down into a 2.12 m x 1.0 m – 0.69 m (6’ 1” x 3’ 3” – 2’ 3”) bed.
Off the Grid
F
or travelling in remote locations, the 100 litre water tank and 115 litre grey water tank should be good for a few days. Running the fridge on LP gas should ensure the 120 watt solar panel keeps the 100 amp-hour battery up to charge.
On the Road
L
ike many a Euro motorhome, this Ducato comes with the lowest powered of the Fiat diesels, the 2.3 litre 96 kW/320 Nm engine. However, for those who might want a little more grunt going up hills, the the 109 kW Multijet is available as an option. Assorted noises and rattles are often a feature of motorhome driving, but this one didn’t score too badly.
What I think Having seen several Italian motorhomes in New Zealand and just one model in Australia, it does seem to me that they do have a bit of class and style about them. Certainly this Riviera 66P does. Being a Fiat-based motorhome it is easy driving and has a layout that is quite practical, most certainly offering a comfortable lifestyle for two.
Tested | 61
Detail finish is good and there are plenty of nice touches in the CI Riviera 66P that mark it as a quality motorhome. Buyers are unlikely to be disappointed.
62 | Tested
Specs GENERAL Make
CI
Model
Riviera 66P
Type
B-class
Berths
4
Approved Seating
5
Licence
Car
VEHICLE Make/Model
Fiat Ducato Mulijet 130
Engine
2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power
96 kW @ 3600 rpm
Torque
320 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Gearbox
6 speed automated manual (AMT)
Safety
ABS, ESP, Hill Hold, Dual airbags
Fuel
90 L
WEIGHTS Tare Weight
3040 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass
3500 kg
Max Payload
460 kg
Braked Towing Capacity
1500 kg
DIMENSIONS Overall Length
7.43 m (24' 4")
Overall Width
2.35 m (7' 9")
Overall Height
3.20 m (10' 6")
Internal Height
2.08 m (6’ 9”)
Main bed
1.85 m x 1.34 m (6' 1" x 4' 5")
Dinette Bed
2.12 m x 1.0 m x 0.69 m (6' 1" x 3' 3" x 2' 3")
Tested | 63
Specs
Pros…
EQUIPMENT Slide-Out
No
Awning
Fiamma
Entry Steps
Moulded
Hob
Thetford 3 burner & Duplex grill/oven
Rangehood
No
Sink
Stainless steel
Fridge
140 L 2-door Thetford N3141 3-way
Microwave
No
Lighting
12 V LED
12 V Sockets/USB Outlets
Yes
Air Conditioner
No
Space Heater
Truma Combi 6E lpg/electric
Hot Water System
Truma Combi 6E lpg/electric
Toilet
Thetford cassette
Shower
Separate cubicle
• Stylish looks • External storage • Fiamma bike rack • LED lighting • Bathroom layout • Stable table
CONs… • Limited TV viewing positions • Lowest powered Ducato engine • Not available in Australia
CAPACITIES Batteries
1 x 100 AH
Solar
1 x 120 W
LPG
1 x 9 kg (room for second 9 kg)
Fresh Water
100 L
Grey Water
115 L
Hot Water
10 L
Toilet
17 L
PRICE ON-ROAD NEW ZEALAND As Tested
NZ$ 144,000.00
Warranty – Fiat
2 years
Warranty - Motorhome body
2 years
Warranty – Water ingress
5 years
CONTACT: Walkabout Motorhome Sales 51 Ash Rd, Wiri, Auckland, 2104 T: (09) 810-8999 E: sales@campervansnz.com W: cimotorhomes.co.nz Click for Google Maps
64 | Feature: Düsseldorf
Show Time! Some highlights from Düsseldorf and the World’s biggest RV show… by Richard Robertson
Feature | 65
For 10 days the crowds are relentless and this year’s visitor numbers of 248,000 set a new record, up from 232,000 last year. Here, visitors gather for a presentation that always attracts an extra big audience.
T
he RV industry thrives on consumer and trade shows, and in every country with an established RV industry you’ll find a seemingly endless list of them running throughout the year. One show, however, stands head and shoulders above the rest and it’s simply known as Düsseldorf. Scheduled for the last week of August, the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf showcases the latest and greatest RV products from across Europe, a market of some 745 million people – more than twice that of the USA and Canada combined.
display areas. This year more than 600 exhibitors representing 130-plus RV brands displayed over 2100 vehicles, not including the myriad accessory, lifestyle and tourism stands.
There are 50 nations that form the place we collectively call Europe, of which 28 are currently members of the European Union (EU). Each has its own culture and history, and many are fierce rivals, both politically and economically. This becomes obvious when you see the sheer number of RV manufacturers and models available at the Düsseldorf show, and it’s an absolute eye opener. The show itself covers an area of 214,000 m² (53 acres) and comprises 13 halls plus numerous outdoor
On the following pages you’ll find a look at some of the latest products and concepts from Europe’s major motor vehicle manufacturers. These are the companies that supply the base vehicles the RV industry rides on and it’s interesting to see what they’re doing and where they think the automotive side of things is headed. Next issue I’ll bring you some of the interesting, fun, innovative and just plain quirky RVs on display, all vying for their own part of the European RV pie. Enjoy!
Most importantly, Düsseldorf is the trend barometer of the global RV industry: If you want to see where designs and innovations are headed, this is the place you’ll see it first. Consequently, it has become a mecca for RV industry people from across the globe and is truly an international event.
66 | Feature
Fiat
Top: Sporting an orange-chrome paint job, body kit and massive Brembo disc brakes, this ‘hot’ Ducato van by German manufacturer Weinsberg was a show highlight. Above: Fiat displayed its push-me-pull-you Ducato cabs, both destined to have aftermarket AL-KO chassis attached. Interestingly, the cutaway cab is the basis for an A-class motorhome.
Feature | 67
Citroen
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of its Type-H van, Citroen displayed this retro-body-kitted Jumper van. It attracted a lot of attention, but it was a shame the motorhome interior didn’t have any retro touches. Seventy are planned for production and will likely be snapped up.
68 | Feature
FORD
There’s a growing slide-on movement in Europe and Ford had its new Ranger on display, complete with this Tischer unit with side door, which allows for a bike rack. New Transit is also making inroads and these small Westfalia van conversions had beds in their unusual looking roofs.
Feature | 69
MAN
Truck manufacturer MAN is owned by Volkswagen, so it’s no surprise its TGE van is the basis for VW’s latest Crafter. This TGE was a concept conversion by Knaus and looked stunning, but we weren’t allowed to peer inside. Pity…
70 | Feature
Peugeot
Peugeot had this quirky Rifter 4x4 concept on display. Part campervan part people mover, it’s a crossover vehicle for city people with weekend camping dreams.
Feature | 71
Renault
Renault’s bright green Trafic campervan was hard to miss, while its Alaskan 4x4 ute, with tray-top tent, was another variation on the dual purpose vehicle theme.
72 | Feature
MERCEDES
Above: Mercedes-Benz had plenty of new Sprinters on display, with this Hymer B-class motorhome using fuel cell technology and hydrogen fuel as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to an emissions-free future. Right: It seems everyone’s getting in on the 4x4 ute camper craze, including MB with its new X Class.
Feature | 73
MERCEDES
Above: This Marco Polo campervan (a regular Mercedes production vehicle) was doing double duty as a demonstrator of the company’s new Connect technology. Not only does it use an app to remotely control camper and vehicle functions, it also accepts voice commands for things like raising or lowering the roof. Right: Another view of the X Class tent camper.
74 | Feature
VW
VW’s factory produced California camper line-up now includes two versions of the new Crafter. Called the Grand California, one has a high roof and sleeps four, while the other is strictly for two. All models are beautifully built but it’s unlikely we’ll see them Down Under.
13,500
$
13,000
$
AUD per person twin share
13,000
$
AUD per person twin share
www.motorhometours.com.au
AUD per person twin share
76 | Reader Report: Benimar Tessoro
SPANISH INQUISITION! My thoughts on our 2017 Benimar Tessoro… by Royce Johnson NZMCA No 12627
Reader Report | 77
The look: Beauty mate! It dose stand out against other motorhomes in regards the shape and style
The good bits: • The new Transit cab-chassis! My last motorhome was a 1997 ex-Maui Rentals motorhome on the old Ford Transit and it served us great for 17 years, but the rust was a coming so it was time to move on. • Very powerful, great auto with very smooth shifts. I personally didn’t want front wheel drive or auto, but have got used to it and wouldn’t go back • Great garage with plenty of room, takes fold up kayaks, table and chairs, 9 kg spare gas bottle, scooters and still more room! • Nice and light interior with more than enough space for my lady to do art work on the table • Good vision when driving and when stopped for that cuppa, and of course when stopped for the night
78 | Reader Report • Made-up double bed – push the button and down she drops, only pillows to place on it. Great!
The not so good bits: Note – these are my personal observations! • The system for the bed tracks behind the driver and passenger are, in my opinion, too light/small and the new Tessoros coming out have tracks twice the size. I fixed mine by tightening up the adjusters and wiping some dry glide on the tracks. • Plenty of rattles to sort for those who hate rattles! The bump stops on the doors and draws were made of hard plastic and I’ve changed ours to soft foam 4 mm dots. • If you spin the driver’s seat around be aware of the aluminum corner on the sideways lounge. It is very sharp and could rip the seat, but the other side has a nice rounded moulding! • The sun shades block vision for tall drivers. Because of the front blind frame it wont let the shades fold closer to the windscreen. • The water tank is under the seat inside, this makes it good to get at the pump and connections, etc, but I feel it makes the centre of gravity higher also you can hear it slop around. I would prefer an under-floor tank (I think you’ll find it’s inside to prevent freezing. Access is a bonus, while the relatively small amount
Reader Report | 79 of weight won’t noticeably affect handling or the centre of gravity – Ed) • No grey tank gauge! • The triangle shaped gas rings might look good but are not practical in use, specially with a boaty-type fry pan • Also, the sink is too far back and means you have to stretch to do the dishes! • The TV bracket is a total crock. We have two large pieces of foam behind the TV when travelling, otherwise it rattles that much you think it’s going to fall off • The shower floor! Instead of drilling two holes of a larger size for the two waste pipes they have cut out a large square area, so when you stand in the shower the floor moves quite a lot. TrailLite has taken note of this in case of later damage. • The shower wall, the one beside the wash bowl, moves and rattles when driving. I’ve fitted a small stainless steel bracket to stop it. • The bases of the wardrobes are made from 4 mm ply and will not take any weight. I have since fitted timber rails inside the garage, up under the wardrobe floors, and also drilled holes in these rails and strung them to use as an internal washing line!
My overall impression: We are very happy with this unit and are getting on top of the rattles. But, when I mentioned my concerns I was told, these are production motorhomes and that is how it is. We spend a lot of hard earned money on these and I think there needs to be more effort on the finished product and test driving on some secondary roads.
80 | Product Test
Black Wolf In The Family We prefer upright directorstyle camping chairs and we’ve finally found replacements for our aged OzTrail chairs… by Allan Whiting of outbacktravelaustralia.com.au
L
ED light bars continue to grow in popularity, and for good reasons. More compact and less visually and physically intrusive than traditional driving lights, they are also more streamlined. The 155 Nitro Maxx from Ultra Vision Lighting is one of a range of LED light bars that offer 6 different lengths and outputs. We’ve had enough experience with camping chairs
Product Test | 81 locked into place with a push down of your foot. We’ve seen complaints from some owners who reckon the table doesn’t level when the chair is locked upright, but that means the locking mechanism hasn’t gone fully over-centre. When locked fully, the table is horizontal. Each seat back folds over the folded frame and has a handy carry handled sewn into it. It’s very simple to carry one in each hand, to and from the campfire.
to know what works for us. We won’t have chairs with angled legs, culminating in two or three piece junctions at their feet. Inevitably these joints fail, either breaking the junction piece or pulling out the attaching rivets. Also, there’s no point having chairs with a lightweight rating, because inevitably some fat bugger sits in your chair one night and breaks it! Black Wolf compact chairs are strong, fold up easily and have a lifetime warranty. We also want chairs that have integrate tables and cup holders, because there’s nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your last nip of scotch tip over on uneven ground, or ants invading your dinner plate. The Black Wolf compact directors chairs seem to tick all the boxes and after a couple of trial trips away we’re very happy with them. Fit and finish is good, apart from a couple of paint blisters where the undercoat didn’t stick. The chairs arrived packed, naturally, and were a little stubborn to become erect. However, after a few trial efforts we were soon used to the procedure. The seat back is raised an the legs pulled apart, before being
On the side opposite the table is a fabric bag with zip closure, phone pocket and an open-top mesh pocket. We drop the phone in its pocket, a head torch in the mesh bag, a beanie in the zip pocket, a quiet little drink in the cup holder, some nuts on the table and we’re set for the evening!
82 | Technical
What A Gas! The CSIRO sees a bright commercial future for its unique ammonia to hydrogen conversion technology…
L
ast month, Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) gave a public demonstration of its newly developed ammonia-to-hydrogen fuelling technology. Interesting, I hear you say, but what are the ramifications of this technology? As the world looks for renewable and noncarbon-content fuels, hydrogen – the most abundant natural element in the universe – is by far the most likely candidate to supplement electric vehicles. Already, Toyota and Hyundai have many years of hydrogenfuel experimentation behind them and both Japan and South Korea are committed to a
by Allan Whiting of outbacktravelaustralia.com.au hydrogen-fuel future.
Where ammonia fits in
H
ydrogen (H2) produces only water when combined with oxygen (O2) in a fuel cell, thus eliminating the NOx, HC and CO2 emissions that come from internal combustion engines. The problems with hydrogen as a substitute for today’s liquid hydrocarbon fuels, however, are its volatility and low density. Moving and storing gaseous hydrogen is a difficult and space consuming process.
Scientists and engineers agree that transporting and storing hydrogen is best done with the gas in a liquid or solid form and investigations include liquifying it or storing it in a recoverable compound. It’s even suggested
Technical | 83
that tiny hydrogen atoms could be stored inside solid structures. Liquifying hydrogen for transport fuel purposes is unlikely ever to be viable, because enormous pressure vessels are required to liquify it and store it at temperatures around -253C. The most likely ‘vehicle’ for hydrogen transport and storage is in the form of ammonia (NH3). Ammonia is a gas that can itself be used as a fuel, but currently needs very high combustion temperature conditions and can still produce NOx emissions. A much cleaner, more futuristic approach is to use ammonia as the source of hydrogen as a fuel. The idea is to produce ammonia cleanly, move it to where it’s needed and then convert
the NH3 to N2 and H2. Transporting ammonia globally is easy using current technology. The tricky bit comes at the end of the transport process – converting the ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen, and that’s where the new CSIRO process comes into the picture. Ammonia vapour from a storage tank is delivered to the conversion module, where one set of tubes ‘cracks’ the ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen in a reaction aided by a ruthenium catalyst. A second set of tubes, with vanadium membranes, performs the separation of hydrogen from nitrogen. Fuel cells can be ‘poisoned’ by contaminants and, in the case of hydrogen sourced from ammonia, there’s an almost unbelievable purity
84 | Technical
requirement. The International Standards Organisation specifies hydrogen fuel quality for polymer electrolyte/proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells in mobile applications. Under its standard, any residual ammonia is restricted to an allowable limit of just 0.1 parts per million! The August demonstration was a moment of truth for the CSIRO technology and the trial was a success, with a Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo performing publicly on the CSIRO-derived hydrogen fuel.
Double Jeopardy
T
he principal aim of the hydrogen fuel cell is to provide an alternative propulsion unit, while eliminating traditional vehicle engine emissions., there’s little point if the
exercise of producing ammonia as a hydrogen ‘carrier’ causes emissions. Ammonia is used extensively around the world for various purposes, including fertilisers, with annual global production in excess of 800,000 tonnes. Its chief attraction is its ease of liquefaction, transport and storage, using established technology. However, the century-old Haber-Bosch process for producing ammonia from hydrocarbon sources is responsible for two-percent of global CO2 emissions. Fortunately, alternative ‘green’ ways of producing ammonia are being implemented around the globe. In Australia, Yara, the world’s biggest producer of ammonia, has announced it intends to build a demonstration plant to produce ammonia using solar power, near its
Technical | 85 existing world-scale plant in the Pilbara, in Western Australia, and hopes to begin production of carbon-free ammonia in 2019. Hyundai launched its FCV program in 2000 and released the Tucson FCV in 2014. The company’s fifth-generation product, the Nexo, was released in South Korea in March 2018 and is on sale in Europe and the USA. Australia sees South Korea’s commitment to hydrogen fuel as an important trigger for ammonia exports. Last year, South Australia issued a report on green hydrogen that included possible supply for South Korea’s future fleet of fuel cell transit buses.
Moving Forward
T
he CSIRO plans to install at least two next-generation ammonia to hydrogen fuelling systems, one in Australia and one at an international location. At a local level, hydrogen powered fuel-cell vehicles have the capacity to remove range anxiety for electric vehicle owners and operators. In an RV application it could help ease the transition to heavy electric vehicles as the ammonia conversion units, transport and storage infrastructure can be relatively easily incorporated into our national network of petrol stations. As battery technology improves the combination of significant onboard electrical storage plus the ability to top it up via an economical fuel cell could be just the thing to turn all our travels green.
86 | Wanda
The Long Road East Time to head for the Red Centre before it gets too hot‌
By Sharon Hollamby
Wanda | 87
I
’m pleased to say we have covered nearly 1000 km this month with no mechanical problems and no flat tyres! Wanda has been an absolute pleasure to drive and a steep bumpy track at Miaree Pool, just 20 mins from Karratha, didn’t phase her at all. I was terrified we were going to topple over, but we made it down and found a lovely secluded spot to set up camp. There were some great walking tracks and the scenery was absolutely stunning. Fortunately, I discovered one of the tracks led straight out to the entrance and was much easier than the track we had taken in. We went in to Karratha to do some shopping, but I got a bad feeling and every fibre of my body was screaming at me to get out of there. It was a bit weird as there were no obvious problems, but I followed my instincts and left as
soon as I could. It took ages to shake the bad feeling. We pulled in to Whim Creek Hotel just after lunch and as it was such a hot day a nice cold shandy in the garden was very welcome. It was certainly an entertaining place to pull up for the night and I watched with interest as a helicopter dropped off mine workers at the end of the day. He flew so low over Wanda that I thought he was going to land on her roof! Two enormous trucks pulled in for the night and I counted 88 wheels just on the trailer. Imagine having to change them! Our next stop was at Herbert Parker on the Yule River. It’s not signposted and you have to go through a gate to get in, but it is a beautiful spot with plenty of shade. Once again, the
I watched with interest as a helicopter dropped off mine workers at the end of the day. He flew so low over Wanda that I thought he was going to land on her roof.
88 | Wanda river was dry and cows came wandering through the camp in their search for water. One curious calf poked her head in my door, but Mum soon came over to round her up and they wandered off. It was such a peaceful, pleasant camp and I would like to have stayed longer, but the push is on to get to Alice Springs before it gets too hot, so the next morning we took off for Port Hedland. There is a great 72-hour RV stop at the Turf Club in Port Hedland, but you must be selfcontained. The camp is only a short walk to the shops, but there is little else there and to be honest I felt a little disappointed. However, they were having their annual Spinifex Spree Carnival that weekend. With rides, sideshow alley, market stalls and live music on offer we could hear the delighted squeals of children and see the colourful lights of the rides all from camp. After a 9 km walk around town I was exhausted, so I decided to relax and watch television for a while. Suddenly, I heard a loud bang that rocked Wanda sideways. Thinking someone had hit us, I raced outside to see the sky ablaze with fireworks. Relieved we hadn’t been hit I happily watched the amazing spectacular, which continued for about 20 minutes. It was much better than television!
Onward…
W
e hit the road early the next morning and although Wanda could have kept going I felt the need to stop, so we pulled into a roadside stop for the night. It was there that I found some interesting termite mounds, with one in particular that looked pleased to see me (see pic!). I also met a young man who was so open and outgoing I couldn’t help liking him. Andrew is in his early 30s, with long blonde dreadlocks and was wearing shorts, boots and a poncho. He had been travelling with a mate who had drunkenly fallen into their
Wanda | 89 campfire and burnt his backside. Of course, they didn’t treat the burn and it got infected, so he was airlifted to the Perth hospital and Andrew was left to travel alone. He was good company and we both decided to stop at the famous Sandfire Roadhouse the next night. When we arrived at the roadhouse there was hardly anyone else there, but it soon packed out and I don’t think they could have fitted any more in! Everyone was respectful of each other’s space and they were all willing to have a yarn, so I had a great night. Andrew found some young female company, which put a smile on his face and he was still there when I left… At $10 for a single person in a unpowered site it was well worth the stop: The toilets were clean, the washing machine was only $2 and the showers were hot. I had thought I was getting a rather nice tan until I had a shower and the red dirt washed off! Oh well, I’ll keep working on it.
Celebrating Broome
N
ext stop was Broome. I hadn’t planned on driving straight through, but it was a cruising kind of day. I checked out one caravan park, but it looked like a slum refugee camp, with tents and junk everywhere. The park next door was much better and at $25 a night it was only $7 more than the ‘slum’. We had a great view of the ocean and there was live music for happy hour. I had a quick but interesting chat with an Aboriginal elder who was celebrating his birthday. He told me that every year he celebrates by catching a turtle and teaching the young ones about what it means to their culture. Then they all release the turtle back into the ocean. It was heart-warming to see him surrounded by children of many different races and I hope he celebrates many more birthdays.
90 | Wanda Broome had a pleasant, relaxed feel and I wish we could have stayed longer. Wanda even got prettied up with some curtains from an op shop I found on the way out of town, so we both left Broome very happy. Unfortunately, the road out of Broome is horrendous! By the time we reached Nillibubbica rest stop – halfway to Derby – I think we had both had enough. We only did 50 km/h most of the way, yet we still bounced, rattled and shook, and I’m sure some of Wanda’s bog fell out! Nillibubbica was a great camp as there was plenty of room and the other campers were friendly. One couple came in with what appeared to be an upside-down boat and I was urged by the group to go over and ask them about it. The 750 kg Trailer Sailor 5 was designed and built by owners Bruce and Lesley Atkinson
Wanda | 91
and it is surprising how well they have fitted everything inside. It boasts a full-size bed, table and chairs, shower/toilet, kitchen and even a hand basin. They used the chassis from a magna station wagon and the framework is light ply and fibreglass. No space is wasted. The gas bottle occupies the front pointed section, along with an air compressor for levelling out the camper when on uneven ground. It even has a cute little blue and red solar light on top, kind of like a boat. I was able to report back favourably to the curious group, who were all envious of the hand basin! When we left in the morning Wanda tried to tell me we were doing 80 mph. You wish Wanda! It settled down after a little while, so I hope it was just due to the big shake-up she endured. Fingers crossed‌
92 | Travel Events: 32nd Illawarra Folk Festival
CMCA
RV Friendly Towns
T
he RV Friendly program is a Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Limited (CMCA) initiative aimed at assisting RV travellers as they journey throughout this wonderful country. An RV Friendly Town™ (RVFT) is one that provides a certain number of amenities and a certain level of services for these travellers. When
RV tourists enter a town displaying the RVFT sign they know they will be welcome. Certain services will be provided for them that may not be available in other centres, and they will have access to a safe place to stay overnight and possibly for a longer period. This month’s featured RV Friendly Towns are:
Travel | 93
Molong, NSW
O
riginally established as a police and military outpost by Charles Sturt in 1828, Molong is a charming little town approximately 36 km north of Orange. Known for its strong agricultural production, this small town specialises in grazing and farming grain. The wine industry in this region is also highly productive, with numerous cellar doors to attract visitors. With many other highlights in town, such as poet Banjo Paterson’s childhood home and the ancient caves of Borenore Kast Conservation Area, there is certainly plenty to see and do.
Molong has everything you could need during your stay. Short term parking is available at the Rotary Park RTA Rest Area No.8, just off the Mitchell Highway. Available for self-contained vehicles only, RVs are permitted to park in the area for up to 24 hours. There is access to bins, toilets and covered seating, available at no cost. For those wishing to stay in the area a little longer, Kingsley Fairbridge Memorial Reserve Rest Area offers parking for up to 48 hours. There, visitors have access to bins and covered seating at no cost, plus pets on leads are permitted.
Tourist/Visitor Information Centre
Molong Yarn Craft Cottage 79 Bank Street, Molong Phone: 0459 481 495 www.yarnmarketcoachhouse.com
Casual Parking (near retail centre)
Gidley Street adjacent to the Village Green & Molong Railway Station
Short Term Parking
Rotary Park RTA Rest Area No.8, off Mitchell Highway Molong; selfcontained vehicles only, 24 hours, pets on lead, mobile coverage, bins, toilets, covered seating, nil charge.
Dump Point Potable Water
And; Kingsley Fairbridge Memorial Reserve Rest Area, Mitchell Highway Molong; 48 hours, pets on lead, mobile coverage, bins, covered seating, nil charge Molong Caravan Park, Watson Street Molong Lat: -33.090801 Long: 148.870642 Molong Caravan Park, Watson Street Molong Various water points away from dump point
94 | Travel
Morgan, South Australia
M
organ is located approximately 165 km north-east of Adelaide and sits on the northern bank of the Murray River. Due to its convenient location, this town was the home port of hundreds of paddle steamers back in the 1800s, carrying cargo and passengers up and down the Murray-Darling River system. Morgan Internet and Resource Centre will provide visitors with all the information they need to know to make their visit enjoyable. The town has many exciting festivals and events throughout the year, including the Annual Tourist/Visitor Information Centre
Casual Parking (near retail centre)
Christmas Pageant and Lions Easter Bazaar. Those new to the area will also be pleasantly surprised to find free WiFi is available along the waterfront! Short term parking is at Morgan Conservation Park, along Old Cadell Road. Travellers with self-contained vehicles can stay there for up to five nights at no cost. For long term parking, travellers can request to stay in the park longer and do so with approval. A dump point can be found at Morgan Sporting Complex, with potable water also available on-site.
Morgan Internet & Resource Centre Fourth Street, Morgan SA 5320 Phone: 08 8540 2643 www.morgan.org.au Morgan Lookout, Railway Terrace
Short & Long Term Parking
Morgan Conservation Park, Old Cadel Road Morgan 5 night stay maximum, mobile coverage, pets on lead, nil charge
Dump Point
Morgan Sporting Complex, North East Terrace Lat: -34.0290 Long: 139.6690 No overnight parking is permitted at this site
Potable Water
Morgan Sporting Complex, North East Terrace No overnight parking is permitted at this site
Travel | 95
Fernvale, Queensland
T
he small town of Fernvale is on the Brisbane River, 30 kilometres northwest of Ipswich and an hour’s drive from Brisbane. Originally two towns called Stinking Gully and Harrisborough (love it! – Ed), today Fernvale boasts convenience while also retaining its country charm. One of the great attractions is the Fernvale Markets, held every Sunday morning. People come from far and wide to grab a bargain from one of the interesting stalls. The town also provides fishing, swimming, boating and
camping opportunities along the Brisbane River and Wivenhoe Dam. Fernvale is the perfect spot to stop and get away from the busy city life, without losing any of the conveniences the city can provide. Visitors can park at the Geoff Fisher Bridge for up to 20 hours at no charge. Pets on leads are permitted and access to bins and covered seating is available. A dump point is located on Clive Street, while potable water is available at Fernvale Memorial Park.
Tourist/Visitor Information Centre
Fernvale Visitor Information Centre Fernvale Futures Complex 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale QLD Phone: 07 5427 0200 www.somerset.qld.gov.au
Casual Parking (near retail centre)
Fernvale Futures Complex car park 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale Narembeen Caravan Park & Cabins 11 Currall Street, Narembeen 72 hours, self-contained vehicles only, bins, toilets, covered seating, barbecue, water, pets on lead, mobile coverage, nil charge Clive Street, Fernvale Lat: -27.454363 Long: 152.650127 Fernvale Memorial Park (key available upon request at Fernvale Futures Complex)
Short & Long Term Parking
Dump Point Potable Water
96 | Mobile Tech
Body, Mind & Soul Nourish all of you to create a better balanced life‌ By Emily Barker
Mobile Tech | 97
T
he following apps are designed to nourish the body, mind and soul – creating better balance in our lives as we ‘tend our own gardens’. We all know we should prioritise ourselves, but knowing where to start and even distinguishing our own needs from our social, professional and personal responsibilities can be a challenge in itself. Finding the time and drive to do this in such a busy world can also prove difficult. Ideally, once identified these positive behaviours become habits; habits so routine they become part of our daily lives and require little effort to maintain. The amount of time it takes to develop a new habit is a topic of much debate. Psychologists agree on one point though, and that’s that creating a new healthy habit can be as difficult as breaking a bad old one. It takes time, persistence and a cognitive determination to produce results. It’s also important to realise that sudden or dramatic changes are not necessarily the best approach, either. Starting slowly can be just
as beneficial and any conscious decision to enact change or refocus priorities will be a positive start. Apps can be great motivators and excellent tools when considering developing or honing healthy habits. Guided sessions generally create a cue, routine and reward process in one and it’s this ‘loop’ that’s believed to effectively make an action, process or routine habitual. Headspace: Guided Meditation Size: 131.6 MB Cost: Free (with in-App Purchases) For: iOS & Android Incorporating meditation practices into your daily routine can generate many positive health and wellness benefits. Regular meditation actively reduces stress and regulates moods, improves concentration and encourages a healthy lifestyle. The practice itself increases self-awareness, promotes calmness and has been reported
98 | Mobile Tech
to physiologically benefit cardiovascular and immune health. This app has all the flavour of spiritual meditation, with none of the religious underpinnings. This is not surprising, given one of its founders is an ordained Buddhist monk. His goal was to bring meditation to people who might not have otherwise tried it. It uses the Buddhists methods of meditation – focusing on your breath, mentally scanning your body and noting, or applying, labels to parts of your consciousness – without seeking enlightenment or spiritual association. Headspace offers its Basics course completely free and aims to teach the fundamental techniques of meditation and mindfulness. The full Headspace meditation library is available by subscription and offers an extensive range of specialised guided meditations. The app itself is well designed, has a clean interface, is easy to navigate and
offers a range of optional features. SummFit - Bodyweight Workout Size: 193.5 MB Cost: Free (with in-App Purchases) For: iOS & Android There is a story behind most great apps and generally, the creators have a passion that drives them. In this case it’s a holistic training method, trialled and tested on military personnel. Bodyweight training is not a new concept, it’s an often highintensity resistance-based form of exercise that is suitable and adaptable for every age or fitness level. Forget gym memberships, giveaway the complicated personal fitness machines and bin the horrifying DVDs: Anyone can achieve a full body workout efficiently and at no cost, with just a little space and time. Perfect for travellers, bodyweight exercises do not require any equipment or even much
Mobile Tech | 99 Like our muscles, our mind atrophies when not used. In addition to good nutrition, exercise can promote vascular health to help protect brain tissue, but it’s regular use that will provide the best conditioning. Extensive research indicates there is significant benefit in performing regular, targeted brain exercises. Of course, you don’t need an app to do this – real-world exercises include recalling listed items, solving math problems in your mind, identifying ingredients within a meal by taste alone, learning a new skill or language, or completing complex fine motor activities. Variety is essential, proficiently completing the same task repeatedly will lessen the effects and this is perhaps why this app’s automated system of randomising tasks is so effective.
space. Indoors or outdoors, they are a safe and effective way to develop strength, lose weight and improve overall health. The Summfit Bodyweight Workout app is the perfect training partner and a great motivator for developing a lasting relationship with physical exercise. Tailor each session to suit your individual requirements; you choose when, where and what your focus areas are every session. Each workout is described as ‘challenging but manageable’ and this is exactly what you want. Not yet optimised for iPads, the app still manages to deliver an inspired performance that will get you well on your way to sustainably engaging in daily activity. Peak – Brain Training Size 297.2 MB Cost: Free (Offers in-App purchases) For: iOS & Android
There are a multitude of brain training apps available, each offering unique and novel challenges designed to test the limits of our minds and strengthen brain function. Most offer limited free access and encourage the purchase of a monthly subscription to access all content. Peak Brain training is currently number three in Education in the App Store; which makes it a leader in popularity at least, if not effectiveness. It features brightly coloured, fun and challenging games that have specific areas of focus such as mental agility, memory, concentration, language and problem-solving. The sign of a good app is its ability to remain engaging long enough for users to develop a daily habit. Avoiding ruts and boredom is critical for this to occur, and challenging friends can be a great way of avoiding this. Offering a range of features, including personalised daily goals and progress tracking, Peak is an engaging app full of fun and friends – and perfect for maintaining your focus on nourishing the mind.
Next Issue | 100
TAIL CHASING… to the upcoming Sydney Lifestyle Expo. Don’t worry, however, we’ll work something out! From across the Pond, Malcolm reviews a stylish Bürstner Ixeo 1729 A-class that’s sure to impress. We’ll also have more coverage from the Düsseldorf Show plus a look at a smaller luxury Euro A-class just delivered to its proud owners in Australia.
B
etween Richard’s adventures in Germany and Malcolm’s skiing in NZ we’re chasing our tails when it comes to an Australian review for October. We are talking with a couple of manufacturers, but at this stage don’t have any firm arrangements due
September 20-23
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2018 Caravan Camping Outdoor Lifestyle Expo Sydney Showground Sydney Olympic Park. NSW. 2127. • • • •
Open 9:00-4:00 Adults: $22.50 Concession: $18 Kids - U16 free with adult
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Melbourne Leisurefest Sandown Racecourse, Springvale. Vic. 3171 • Open 9:30-5:00 (4pm Sunday) • Adults: $16 • Concession: $13 • Kids - Not advised.
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Brisbane - Pre-Xmas Caravan & Camping Sale Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, Brisbane. Qld. 4006 • • • •
Open 10:00-5:00 Adults: $10 Concession: $8 Kids - School age free with adult • Visit Website
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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.