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NSW’s Shoalhaven Heads was the picturesque setting that hosted a diverse range of some of the country’s best motorhomes at our inaugural ‘Motorhome Legends’ event. PICS ANNA PASTUKHOVA
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Motorhome Legends A look at some of the country’s best
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WORDS KIRSTIE BEDFORD
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Above: The inaugural Motorhome Legends event was a huge success, showcasing some of the country’s best motorhomes in the stunning location of NSW’s Shoalhaven Heads.
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he inaugural ‘Motorhome Legends’ event kicked off in August, showcasing some of the country’s best motorhomes in the pretty NSW locale of Shoalhaven Heads. Three motorhomes, an entry-level, mid to high-range, and luxury motorhome, were put through their paces in an event designed to take the hard work out for you when deciding on your next RV purchase. Reviewed by industry stalwarts including Malcolm Street, who has assessed and driven literally hundreds of motorhomes and caravans over the past two decades, and CMCA CEO Richard Barwick – the KEA, Wirraway and Paradise were crawled under and over, and driven on and offroad so we could give you our verdict of how they perform. The manufacturers and content crew created quite a presence in the small regional village – often seen frequenting Hedy’s Restaurant at the Shoalhaven Heads Hotel for a well earned glass of wine and quality pub tucker by the
fireplace after hours spent out on various locations around town. But don’t think it was all wining and dining; days were jam packed assessing every inch of the motorhomes around the region. We covered everywhere from the Shoalhaven River to Two Figs winery perched at the top of one of Mount Coolangatta’s foothills, to get the best perspective of these motorhomes for you, and it wasn’t all plain sailing either – our drone used for panoramic and elevated scenic shots was blown off course several times, once landing in a nearby paddock leaving videographer Anna scrambling amongst bush to find it. You’ll be relieved to hear she did, going on to produce incredible shots for Caravan World. Malcolm spent most of his time with his head in the engine, or under the motorhome, ensuring the technical aspects were in check, while Richard was looking at how they fit in the industry and how they would best suit members. I stepped up to the challenge of reviewing the aesthetics – looking
Motorhome Legends A look at some of the country’s best
The Location Shoalhaven Heads is a small town in Shoalhaven in southern NSW. It’s a short drive south-east of the quaint village of Berry, and two hours from Sydney. The town sits at the foot of Mount Coolangatta, and is situated on both Seven Mile Beach and the mouth of the Shoalhaven River. STAY Shoalhaven Heads Holiday Park shoalhavenheads.holidayhaven.com.au
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at how the motorhome functions, and what it has to offer from a comfort perspective. You’ll get our full verdicts in the individual reviews, but we were most impressed by what we saw and what the event holds for the future. As Richard Barwick states, “we see this as just the beginning of something big. It puts a diverse range of vehicles on offer, which are appealing to all price ranges and lifestyles and is a great way to recognise partnerships and supporters of CMCA, and they all offer freedom of choice.” Malcolm Street says looking at motorhomes at somewhat diverse ends of the financial spectrum was certainly interesting. “Whilst the more expensive motorhomes were a good look at frontline RV technology in all its forms, the KEA Beach was a great demonstration of what is available for those keen to embrace the motorhome lifestyle, yet on a limited budget. Of particular interest was the retro fit rear bed kit that turned the rental motorhome into something much more practical for the retail market.” From an aesthetic point of view, I found the KEA to be the perfect entry-level for a family. It's durable and I was particularly impressed with the cab bed, or as I liked to call it the ‘mezzanine’, the perfect hideaway for the kids, while the Wirraway and Paradise provide more than a touch of luxury, with home comforts many people wouldn’t even have in their own homes, including soft closing cabinetry, liquor cabinets, and in the Paradise, heated massage chairs in the cab.
“You’ll get our full verdicts in the reviews, but we were most impressed by what we saw and what the event holds for the future”
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Motorhome Legends A look at some of the country’s best
The Reviewers
RICHARD BARWICK Richard is CEO of CMCA, an avid RV camper and has been in the self-drive tourism industry for more than 25 years.
At the end of long days reviewing the motorhomes, and a quick bite to eat, either at Hedy’s, or earlier in the day, the Table Talk Cafe (a friendly little cafe with plenty of variety – and importantly great coffee!), we headed back to the Shoalhaven Heads Holiday Park, bordered by Seven Mile Beach and the Shoalhaven River. With the motorhomes parked on the lawn (where there’s no shortage of space for RVs), we bunkered down in the cabins, which were like mini cottages with a lounge, two bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom. The perfect spot for kids (or grandkids), the park has a swimming pool, jumping pillow, and outdoor cinema, and you can even take your furry friends in the winter months with small dogs welcome from JuneAugust. All in all the event created the perfect opportunity to test out three varying price points in motorhomes and meet the manufacturers – we’re excited to see this event expand to showcase even more motorhomes in 2018.
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Above and left: Offering a beautiful combination of beachside scenery and stunning bushland countryside, Shoalhaven Heads was the perfect location for Motorhome Legends.
MALCOLM STREET Field editor Malcolm Street began travelling in an RV in the early 1970s and became an RV journalist in 1999. Each year he reviews more than 40 motorhomes and caravans in Australia and New Zealand.
KIRSTIE BEDFORD Kirstie started her career as a journalist nearly 25 years ago and has worked heavily in the tourism sector. She loves nothing more than a self-drive trip exploring new places and putting pen to paper to share her experiences. tradervs.com.au
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Motorhome Legends A look at some of the country’s best
THE MOTORHOMES
Kea
Wirraway
Paradise
Entry-level motorhome
Mid-high range motorhome
Luxury motorhome
Manufacturer: KEA Make and Model: KEA Beach RRP: $78,990 Facilities: Kitchenette with fridge, stove and grill, toilet/ shower combo Bedding: Double bed, cab bed Suits: Couple, family Contact: www.keacampers.com
Manufacturer: Wirraway Make and Model: Wirraway 260 SL RRP: $239,000 Facilities: Kitchen with roll-out pantry, cooktop, oven and grill; ensuite with separate shower and washing machine Bedding: Double bed Suits: Singles, couple Contact: www.wirraway.com.au
Manufacturer: Paradise Luxury Motorhomes Make and model: Independence Deluxe 28FT RRP: $525,808 Facilities: Kitchen with pantry, soft closing cabinetry, cooktop, oven and grill; three metre wide ensuite with separate shower and washing machine/dryer Bedding: Double bed and sofa bed Suits: Couple, family Contact: www.paradisemotorhomes.com.au
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e h t n I ZONE If you’re mostly sticking to the roads but want the freedom to venture a bit further now and then, Zone RV have the van for you.
In brief... A wonderfully stylish caravan with external livery The choice of internal colours, upholstery material and quality furniture set this rig apart The available payload is a generous boost for those that like to take a substantial swag
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ZoneRV ZV-20.6
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WORDS AND PICS DAVID GILCHRIST
Measuring up Pros A sizeable available payload Ample water storage Stylish interior design Sturdy chassis and drawbar
Cons Small ensuite No drawbar tap Limited external storage
T
he Zone. Sooner or later, everyone hopes to get there. After all, being in the zone is when we do our best, when we’re having the finest time. So, the chance to collect a new Zone RV caravan meant an expectation of a fine caravanning experience. We took the Zone RV’s ZV-20.6, the first of Zone’s new Venture series for a spin in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Zone RV designed the new series for those keen to tour on the bitumen and to venture onto the gravel from time to time. Managing Director Matt Johns reckons it’s ideal for those who want to try a little remote travel while avoiding the really harsh stuff. With that in mind, we hit the road to see if the ZV-20.6 met its promise. Clockwise from main: The Zone RV ZV-20.6 is a road tourer that allows you to hit the gravel as well; the exterior finish is typically stylish of the brand; there’s the expected external storage; the toolbox is tipped for future improvements.
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AROUND THE OUTSIDE On fi rst glance, the Zone RV ZV-20.6 has a closed cell composite body with Panelock bonding technology that offers a seamless front, roof and rear composite panel construction which helps to form a modern, state-of-the-art appearance. It’s a
construction style that the Zone RV team imported into their manufacturing from their experience in the marine industry and a standard that Zone RV maintains in this range.
UPSIDE DOWNUNDER Underneath, the 150x50mm chassis appears well made with RHS Duragal Steel Chassis, laser cut CNC folded members and Epoxy Chassis Shield protection to ward off corrosion. What’s more, the Vehicle Components CRS-Coil Dual Axle 3300kg suspension is ideal for the type of touring this rig is designed for. The suspension includes internal polyurethane bump stops that provide a much higher secondary rate of suspension before the coil spring becomes coil bound making this suspension ideal for outback roads. On the downside, Zone RV don’t offer airbag suspension upgrades for this range. That’s bad news for anyone who otherwise likes the range but wants
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ZoneRV ZV-20.6
high end all-terrain suspension. Nonetheless, this suspension is quite reasonable for soft 4WD touring. Up the front, the drop-on DO35 hitch is a popular and successful hitch with the versatility to accommodate off-roading adventures. Considering the rig also boasts tandem axles and Dexter Electronic Stability Control, it’s a versatile and easily towable caravan.
EXTERNAL FEATURES The downside of taking an early look at a van that’s an early release of a new range is that, more often than not, its presentation is a little under done. While the fi rst impressions were on par with expectations that are synonymous with Zone RV’s growing reputation for quality, the front side opening toolbox presentation was disappointing. It featured no compartments or in-built shelving. However, Matt Johns said the box on the rig we tested was still a work in progress and the box would soon feature a gen set slide-on on one side, and gear tray on a slide-
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on the other side of the box. Storage-wise, the exterior featured a front tunnel boot and, other than the toolbox, no other external gear storage. On the upside, the exterior boasts a drop-down table access to entertainment plugs, twin gas bottles and plenty of water storage. Water storage includes 100L of fresh water storage and a 100L grey water holding tank. Those worried about a large stick or rock perforating one of the tanks shouldn’t fret as checkerplate protects the tanks. A small note on the plumbing, although this van is a stripped down all-terrain rig, it’s a pity that Zone RV haven’t included a water tap on the drawbar. It’s rather nice fi lling up the billy for an outdoor cuppa.
STEPPING INSIDE These days it’s not unusual to come across an attractive looking caravan interior. Nonetheless, Zone RV’s penchant for producing products whose livery embraces both style and comfort is present in this new Venture series caravan. A comfy dinette with cloth-upholstered seating that compliments the cloth-upholstered bedhead is just part of a kit that draws an audible sigh out of you as you enter. Just the same, it’s important to look for those things that make life on the road easy and comfortable. First up – at the entry, the steps are electronic meaning there’s no need for awkward twisting and tugging to set up the steps just to get inside. Of course, when it comes to feeling comfortable, a good air-conditioner is key. The Zone RV rig comes with a reverse cycle Truma Aventa airconditioner. It’s a good unit that caravanners typically say is a more efficient cooler than heater. Nonetheless, with 1700W of heating power, the energy saving heat pump function ensures a pleasant on-board temperature while dehumidifying and cleaning the air.
Ratings Value for money “A quality build and stylish layout offer the opportunity for many outback adventures”
Towability “Relatively low weight, twin axles and electronic sway control help make this rig very easy to tow”
Liveability “A small ensuite mars an otherwise comfortable living area and a quality layout”
Suitability for intended touring “This van is ideal for short, offgrid camping and blacktop touring, although it would benefit from an external shower”
Layout “A quality layout with a cramped ensuite”
Quality of finish “Zone RV have attended to details inside and out providing an overall quality finish”
Build quality “Quality workmanship produces a first-class rig”
Creature comforts “The Zone RV features a standard set of creature comforts but lacks items like a diesel heater or exterior kitchen”
Innovation “Few items are particularly innovative but small details like a magazine holder that doubles as an electronic tablet holder are noteworthy”
X-Factor “A high quality, stylish finish boosts its X-factor in a van with an otherwise paired back specification list”
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Tested
ZoneRV ZV-20.6
GOOD COOKING
Clockwise from main: Style and comfort are key inside this fresh looking caravan; the quality stove will please gourmet travellers; the inviting dinette is perfect to relax at; there’s more than enough storage inside as well.
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The kitchen is a reasonably standard arrangement, found in many contemporary caravans currently on the market. However, a quality stove, cooktop and microwave combo combined with adequate benchtop is enough to keep a wayfaring gourmet satisfied. What’s more, well-built drawers and cupboards mean you’re not likely to pick up a splinter while searching for the can opener. Better still, the drawers are self-closing. It’s worth remembering that Zone have populated the kitchen with cupboards with shelving rather than drawers to keep weight to a minimum. It’s a reasonable compromise for those happy to organise their kit in something like wellsealed plastic containers. Not all storage options are stripped bare. There is a very handy slide out pantry by a sizeable fridge freezer. tradervs.com.au
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ZoneRV ZV-20.6
ZoneRV ZV-20.6 Weights and measures Overall length 8.1m (26ft 6in) External body length 6.24m (20ft 5in) External body width 2.5m (8ft 3in) Travel height 2.95m (9ft 8in) Internal height 1.98m (6ft 6in) Tare 2250kg ATM 3300kg Payload 1050kg Ball weight 165kg
External
ROBE SEAT
TABLE
SEAT
PANTRY
Clockwise from main: The bedroom is tastefully decorated; there’s plenty of bathroom storage; there’s room for all your hanging items in the bedroom.
TOILET FRIDGE
Frame No Cladding Seamless front, roof and rear composite panel with laser cut alloy and fibreglass fairings and corner protection Chassis 150x50x3mm lightweight RHS Duragal Steel with lazer cut CNC folded members coated with hard wearing EPOXY Coating Suspension Vehicle Components CRSCoil Dual Axle 3300kg Coupling DO35 Brakes Electric Drum 10in Dexter Wheels 17x7.5in alloy Water Fresh Water Storage 100L, food grade poly water tank Grey Water Storage 100L holding tank Battery Single 120AH AGM battery package, 20A 240V C=charger, 30A DC-DC charger and solar management Solar 100W Flexible Lightweight Solar System Air-conditioner Truma Aventa Air Conditioning (Reverse Cycle) Gas 2x9kg Sway control Dexter Electronic Stability Control and Brakesafe Break-Away System
Internal QUEEN BED
SHOWER ROBE
Cooking Swift gas oven and grill, 3 x gas burner and one electric cooktop Fridge Waeco 190L AES (3-Way) fridge/ freezer Microwave NCE 23L Bathroom Internal Shower and extracting 12V roof fan Washing Machine No Hot water Gas/240V Truma
Options fitted
BATHROOM BLUES AND BEDROOM BLISS There’s nothing more likely to put a damper on a road trip than a frustratingly small shower. Although the ensuite includes plenty of storage, a reasonable-sized vanity, a quality toilet, it skips what is arguably the most important part of what makes for a worthwhile ensuite – the size of the shower. For an over-sized chap like me, a shower
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that fits properly around me is essential. Unfortunately, this shower is small enough to make picking up the soap akin to a sardine reaching for the tin key. It’s tight. At the other end of the caravan, the bed is bliss. Laying here, surrounded by the tasteful bedroom livery is sensational. It’s as welcoming and comforting as a spring breeze on the last day of winter.
None
Price as shown $ 88,900 2017 (drive away Qld)
More information To enquire about this caravan, please visit www.zonerv.com.au or phone (07) 5471 6410
WHO IS AURA?
Aura Caravans, will at all times strive to manufacture a range of products to suit the diversity of the ever evolving market place. We will do this in accordance with all regulatory bodies and achieve a result that will be well accepted and respected amongst our peers, our dealers and our customers.
www.auracaravans.com.au OUR DEALERS Cameron Caravans www.cameroncaravans.com.au Kratzmann Caravans www.kratzmann.com.au RC Cravans www.roncartercaravans.com.au
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ZoneRV ZV-20.6
Above: The Vehicle Components CRSCoil Dual Axle 3300kg suspension is ideal for the type of touring this rig is designed for. Above right: Stylish and capable, Zone RV will take you everywhere in style.
OFF-ROAD
POWER UP Power-wise, the electrical kit in this caravan is worthwhile. While, the power system includes a single 120AH AGM battery package, 240V charger, 30A DC-DC charger and solar management together with a 100W flexible lightweight solar system, the real impressive thing here is the fact that unlike other brands, electrical wiring is not a
SEMI OFF-ROAD
4 YEAR NATIONWIDE WARRANTY
haphazard web but a sophisticated, insulated loom like a motor-vehicle wiring loom.
THE BOTTOM LINE This is a chic, stylish rig that, while cut back by comparison to other Zone RV luxury vans, is a capable, comfortable van that should spark the interest of anyone with the fi nancial wherewithal to cater for its price tag.
QUALITY WORKMANSHIP
RVMAP ACCREDITED
www.grandsalute.com.au
LUXURY FEATURES
PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE
EXCLUSIVE DEALER Melbourne City Caravans PH 03 9303 7200 EMAIL info@melbournecitycaravans.com.au w w w. m e l b o u r n e c i t y c a r a v a n s . c o m . a u
T R AV E L H A P P Y We shine the spotlight on caravanners, their rigs and their travel tales.
Russell and Petra Brewer sent in this image with their dogs at the lookout on the Gwydir Highway as they were heading north for warmer weather. “This is our go-anywhere rig of a Disco 3 and a Goldstream Offroad. It’s a great combination that has enabled us to visit some great locations.”
Grant and Julie Clifton recently sent in a an update of their recent travels from Canberra to Port Douglas and back again, in their MY17 PX2 Ranger with a 21” Kokoda Salute Platinum. “It was a long trip from Canberra to Lightning Ridge along some of the worst roads we’d ever travelled, but we still had a great time,” they write. They sent in an image of the spot where they spent the night in the rainforest at Paranella Park (about 20km outside of Ipswich in Qld). “The sites are very tight, especially for those vans around 20” and over, but the ruins at the park, with a day and night tour thrown in for the $90 fee, was worth every cent,” they said.
Chris and Robyn recently snapped this sunset shot of their travelling combination. “This is our Captiva and Coromal at Mundrabilla earlier this year,” they write.
Graham and Lyn Creed are fairly new to caravanning but are really enjoying comforts provided by their Lagoon Woodland and Pajero Sport rig. This picture was taken in front of the Old Railway Station at Tailem Bend in South Australia. “It’s a great spot to take a break before heading into Adelaide,” they write.
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“Hi Caravan World,” write Glen and Marion Wessling. “We hope you like our photo as much as we love reading the magazine every month. “During a recent trip to Victoria in our Regent Weekender towed by our trusty Toyota Prado, we stopped at Mt Hope and the nearby rocky outcrop, near Leitchville. Mt Hope Station Homestead was a stopover camp for Burke and Wills in 1860. The nearby township of Leitchville has a great free camp for a few RVs and has very good facilities and an excellent pub, take-away, hardware and bakery. “This is our van at the rocky outcrop, with the Trekking with Burke and Wills signpost located there.”
This month’s winner will receive a Purple Line Saracen Ultra hitch lock, valued at $149. Saracen Ultra is a highly visible, simple to use, compact, high security lock which works both hitched and unhitched to keep would-be caravan thieves at bay. It fits to most standard 50mm ball hitches on caravans, camper trailers, boat and car trailers, and even work trailers. For more information about this and a host of other vanning accessories, visit www.purpleline.com.au
Readers’ Rigs
“We recently completed a 16,000km, three and a half month trip from Wingham in NSW through Victoria, South Australia, and across the Nullarbor to explore the south western area of Western Australia,” write Barbara and Alex Wilson. “An area which impressed us on the way east from Perth was the Elachbutting Rock located in the northern wheat belt of Western Australia. The colours and wave formation in this rock were brilliant in the early morning light. This photo was taken in the camping ground located at the base of the Rock. “We had a wonderful, trouble free journey travelling in our 2004, 15ft Jayco Freedom towed by our 2015 Subaru Diesel Forester.”
“After a two month trip with our whippet Billie, following the Murray River starting at Albury, Echuca, Mildura, Codbogal, then returning to Swan Hill, Lake Hume and Colac, it was time to return home to Canberra,” Tom and Fiona McDonnell write. “We came across this 1968 Layland bus at Lake Hume in Victoria. The owner told us he normal tows his car with a tinnie on top. The only problem is with the power steering, and it spends most of the year up northern WA.”
Tony and Pam Stoffels are self-confessed “grey nomads in training”. “We generally get away for several weeks a year, ticking off items on our bucket list,” they write. “This year we spent several weeks touring the West MacDonald Ranges. “This is our Mitsubishi Pajero and Elite Eildon S8 and the silos at Sheep Hills. Our Pajero and Elite travelled the 7200km faultlessly, and we are already planning next year’s trip.”
HOW TO WIN
Just email your most travel-inspiring picture (2-3MB) of yourself, family and friends with your rig, along with a brief description to submissions@adventuresgroup. com.au with ‘Readers’ Rigs’ in the subject line, or send a print to Caravan World Readers’ Rigs, 125 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, Vic 3161. All entries must include your full postal address (not for publication). Photo submissions may also appear on www.caravanworld.com.au
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