iMotorhome+Caravan - Jun 2020

iMotorhome + caravan Jun 2020

Polly

Locked Unloaded PROJECT POLLY CHUCKS A DRIVEWAY HISSY FIT...

TRAKKA JABIRU J2M AWD I WINDSOR DAINTREE AVIDA SILVERTON C7134SL I STOCKMAN ROVER

DIY

20

ON MY MIND

The Long Goodbye

T

his is the final issue of iMotorhome+Caravan.

After the turmoil of the last six months or so – the bushfires and now Covid-19 – the impact on advertising and the general downturn in business means it’s the end of the line and iMotorhome+Caravan is dead. From July it simply becomes iMotorhome Magazine. Gotcha…

The decision to drop ‘+Caravan’ and return to our motorised roots is one I’m really comfortable with. My heart has never been in the towable segment and truth be told, I largely see it as the Wild West of the local RV industry.

It will come as no surprise to me if the ranks of caravan manufacturers are significantly thinned in the brave new post-Covid world, and consumers will be the winners.

the app, the new iMotorhome website will progressively be added to and improved. Also like building the new app, making the website has been a huge amount of work that’s necessitated much learning and ‘up-skilling’, especially as it has run concurrently with producing the magazine. I hope you like it, so keep an eye out for a very different looking iMotorhome email on July 1st and let me know what you think – of all the changes.

Finally, let me know what you think of our new ‘Tasted’ motorhome review format. Covid-19 induced, they combine years of experience with manufacturer’s imagery and specifications to bring honest and informed reviews from behind the desk, instead of the wheel.

We’ll still do ‘proper’ road tests in future, but this new While reverting to motorhomes and campervans-only format allows us to bring you more vehicles from a wider will restrict potential advertisers, nothing positive actually range of manufacturers and I hope you’ll embrace it. changed in the 12 months since embracing The Dark Side (as I called it at the time) and so there isn’t much to lose. We simply need to work smarter, which brings me June 1st has seen most States ease travel restrictions, to more changes to come. but it’s a fluid situation and there’s little point reporting specifics here when it’s so widely covered in the general From July the new app will be rebranded and I’ll continue to look for useful features to add. If you haven’t media. This progressive opening-up coincides with the beginning of winter and the traditional Australian touring yet downloaded it to your Apple, Android, Windows season and that’s a good thing in two ways: Not only or Blackberry smartphone or tablet, click HERE and can we begin to travel again and perhaps catch-up with follow the instructions. I’m re-running the Appy Days distantly located family and friends; the villages, towns article from last issue for those yet to embrace the app; and regional centres that depend on tourism can start it explains it in more detail, including how to use it and to come back to life – especially those affected by the what to look for. Also, see the NEWS section in this summer’s bushfires. issue for details of the features added since launching in May. The more of you who embrace it and, just as Of course, this is just the beginning of the beginning, importantly, share it with RVing friends, the better it will as Churchill might have put it. We all need to remain be for all of us. Thanks! conscious of social distancing and personal hygiene to help reduce the likelihood of a second or even third From July I’m also moving our target publishing date to wave of infections. I believe the lockdown will bring a the first of the month, to bring iMotorhome Magazine in new appreciation of the freedoms we have so easily line with the industry norm. Watch out for it. taken for granted. Research studies have shown RV and camping holidays high on the list of priorities for The biggest news, however, is the launch of a totally many Australians. Here’s hoping that’s true and that new website. By July 1st the new iMotorhome website it won’t be long before unrestricted national travel is will be online and accompanied by a new style of possible – along with visiting rights to our good friends email notification. It’s a huge move and one partly across the Tasman. necessitated by the closure next March of the platform that hosts the current site. However, I would have As you again take to the road, drive safely and savour ‘moved’ anyway because the hosting solution we’ve every moment. Wave enthusiastically at one another used since inception eight years ago has become and grin like idiots; we’ve largely dodged a bullet so far increasingly clunky, archaic and user-unfriendly, not to and much of the World is still suffering. Here’s to making mention expensive. new friends around campfires and sundowners, and never again taking our collective health or freedoms for The new website means the chance to start afresh. It’s granted. See you in July! smaller and more focused on our core business. Like

Post Pandemic

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CONTENTS

3 10 15 21 31 38

43

ON MY MIND The Long Goodbye

47

NEWS A glimpse at what’s happening in the wide world of RVing

52

TESTED True Blue – Trakka’s medium wheelbase Jabiru J2M AWD

55

TASTED House of Windsor – Windsor’s compact Daintree B-class

59

TASTED Pure Silverton – Avida’s new compact Sprinter-based coachbuilt

69

TASTED Little Wonder – A Euro-styled innovator from Canada

5

TASTED Stockman Rover – a rugged, hitech Australian camper trailer

PROJECT POLLY Locked Unloaded – A driveway hissy fit and story of hot water

TECH Formula for Success – Watts the story with Volts and Amps

DIY Changes on the Horizon – next in a series of simple DIY stories

TRAVEL We Did It! – Our travellers are f inally on the road full time

RV FRIENDLY Three more country towns supporting our great way of life!

iMotorhome+Caravan iMotorhome+Caravan is free, independant and published monthly.

Download issues HERE or read online HERE Publisher/Editor

Richard Robertson (+61) 0414 604 368 richard@imotorhome.com.au

Published by iMotorhome Pty Ltd PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW 2776. Australia.

ABN: 34 142 547 719 T: +614 14 604 368 E: info@imotorhome.com.au W: www.imotorhome.com.au

Technical

© 2020 iMotorhome Pty Ltd.

Allan Whiting (+61) 0410 677 966 allan@imotorhome.com.au

Contributors

Robert ‘Bobby’ Watson Colin Oberin Warren McCullough

All content of iMotorhome+Caravan magazine and website is copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the Publisher.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content, no responsibility is accepted for any inconvenience and/ or loss arising from reading and/or acting upon information contained within iMotorhome+Caravan magazine, in the app or on the website.

RELEASED

Appy Days!

Now with Australia-wide

FUEL FINDER and READER SURVEY!

Our eighth birthday seemed like the perfect time to launch our new app…

Name: iMotorhome+Caravan Cost: Free Platforms: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone Size: 5MB Dowload: HERE

H

enry Ford famously said that if he'd asked his customers what they wanted, they would have asked for a faster horse. Likewise, nobody knew they needed a smartphone until Steve Jobs came along.

Apps are a similar story: who knew what they were before we all got mobile devices, but now, how could we live without them?

information, services and products. However, there’s even more to it than that…

Revolutionary Concept The new iMotorhome+Caravan app is different because it bypasses the app stores. That’s because it’s one of the new breed of Shareable Apps. As the name implies, it’s designed to be shared – by anyone, via email, text message or social media post. Importantly, it works on smartphones and tablets of all sizes and in portrait and landscape modes.

The problem with apps is we are inundated by them.

Think of all the apps on your smart phone or tablet and now think about all the ones you actually use, at least on a semi-regular basis. It seems the key to making a successful app is designing one users will regularly come back to; one that enhances or adds value to the user in their situation.

Best of all, it means you don’t need an account with Apple, Google – or even us. Simply follow the instructions, install the app on your mobile device and you’re good to go. Once installed, you can easily share it with your RVing friends anywhere in the world.

Our new app, therefore, is not just the gateway to all iMotorhome+Caravan magazine issues. It’s designed to enhance your RVing experience and add value by providing one-stop access to a growing range of 7

RELEASED

How It Works

W

A-Frame Towing: The most frequent questions answered by the experts at NorthcoachRV, including suitable vehicle types.

e're starting with a soft launch this month to help you get used to the features and functions, which are primarily built around the magazine. We'll be adding more on an ongoing basis, but the good news is you never need to consciously update the app – it does that when launched and can even update when in use. Just remember, when you see the Update App message, touch the button and it will quickly do the rest.

Caravan Council: Opens the Caravan Council of Australia (CCA) website. The CCA assists RV manufacturers, importers, dealers, owners and potential buyers by providing access to professional, independent and confidential technical services.

Outback Travel: Opens Allan Whiting’s excellent Outback Travel Australia website. Access a wealth of bush travel, vehicle, camping and technical information and reviews, from one of Australia’s most respected motoring journalists.

When opened, the new iMotorhome+Caravan app always takes you to the Welcome page. From there you can find all features through the Menu icon (three bars) in the top left corner. Here's what the main menu items do…

Festivals: A calendar of festivals and events from September onwards for RVers in Australia – and soon New Zealand! Want to add one? Send details to events@imotorhome.com.au.

Our Sponsors: The companies whose support makes iMotorhome+Caravan possible. If you’re after a new or used RV, service, parts, accessories or whatever, please visit them first, and say iMotorhome+Caravan sent you!

Magazine – Read In-App: Downloads the latest issue of iMotorhome+Caravan magazine into the app for reading by vertical scrolling.

Download time depends on your Internet connection speed – the average issue size is around 15 MB – and once downloaded the issue remains in the app as long as you are online. However, depending on your device it can't always be downloaded for off-line viewing from here

Support Us!: Every publishing business is under increasing financial stress due to the onslaught of social media and other online advertising, plus the double whammy of the coronavirus pandemic. Your support via a one-off (or now monthly) donation of any amount is more than just “appreciated” and goes directly to helping us keep the lights on. Thank you…

Magazine – Download: This downloads the latest issue of iMotorhome+Caravan magazine as a complete PDF document, ready for saving to and opening in Books (iPhone/iPad) or the proprietary e-reader on your device.

Where to Next?

Please take the time to explore the new iMotorhome+Caravan app and its launch features – you can download it directly from HERE. Then share it with all your RVing friends and ask them to do the same. The more RVers we reach the more advertisers we can attract and the longer you’ll be able to enjoy iMotorhome+Caravan magazine.

Magazine – Back Issues: Opens the iMotorhome website Back Issues page, allowing you to scroll down and download any or all previous issues.

What Else is on the Menu?

New app features are planned, but if you have a suggestion for a topic/link you’d like to see included please let us know at feedback@imotorhome.com.au.

Coronavirus Updates: Takes you straight to the Australian Government Department of Health Coronavirus health alert website. There you will find the very latest updates and advice to help navigate these difficult times.

8

READER DIY

71 9

NEWS

iM+C App’s New Features

dedicated to Australian film – it’s home to international actor Jason Clarke and iconic films including Goldstone, Mystery Road and The Proposition,” he says.

The iMotorhome+Caravan App has two new features: a national fuel finder and a reader survey.

Renowned actor Steve Le Marquand who was The fuel finder uses the Petrol Spy website and honoured with a star at Winton’s Walk of Fame in works right across Australia – especially handy for 2019, says the festival is the perfect opportunity to finding the best prices in towns and regional centres. It celebrate Australia on and off screen. allows searching by brand and/or fuel type, as well as providing an overall view of fuel locations and prices.

“There is no better time to support local and plan an Also, you can search by place name or post code or adventure in our own backyard. The festival not only simply drag the map around and zoom in and out over showcases the amazing Australian spirit on screen, any area. you also get to experience the beauty of the outback landscape and hospitality,” he said. “My daughter The reader survey has three multiple choice questions Charlie and I had a great time in Winton last year – and then asks what you’d like to see more or less of Charlie even helped direct one of the short films a part in future magazine issues. Taking just a minute or two of the student program.” to complete, it’s already providing useful insights into readers’ activities and desires.

To find out more information or secure tickets for this unique experience, visit www.visionsplendidfilmfest.

With the rebranding to iMotorhome in July, watch com Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival is funded the app for another addition: An online shop that under the Year of Outback Tourism Events Program specialises in parts and accessories specifically for during the Year of Outback Tourism 2020. motorhomes and campervans, from locally made

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insect screens to European pop-top campervan roofs and vehicle fit-outs, it’s an exciting development we’ll report on in detail next month.

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www.northcoach.com.au 16 | Phone: 0409 581 471 10

NEWS

Suburban HWS Update The recall of Suburban hot water systems announced in October 2019, following the suspension of Certificate AGA4624, has still to be implemented. The delay is due to the inability of the relevant State and Territory bodies to agree a recall process; a situation now exacerbated by Covid-19 restrictions. However, the ACCC is now pushing for a national agreement and solution, following a request for submissions from all parties involved.

Owners should have been contacted at the time and would have been advised to immediately stop using the units. The action covers the following models – SW6DEA, SW4DEA, SW4DECA, SW6PA,SW6DECA (Dual Fuel) SW6DA & SW4DA – manufactured between 4 April 2018 and 1 August 2019, with serial numbers 181315552 to 193002648. not be sealed correctly and this might allow gas burner fumes and CO to leak into the cabin area.

It’s reported these units are producing excessively high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and there is a high possibility it will leak into the cabin of the vehicle it’s installed in. Due to another fault, the combustion area where the burner is located may

Consumers seeking further information should contact the recall hotline on (02) 9645–7685 or email recalls@coastrv.com.au

Caltex Rebranding To Ampol

While the new Ampol logo has old-fashioned cues, the company said the slanting ‘A’ is an attempt to symbolise forward momentum and be a beacon for customers on the road. The first Ampol sites will appear in Sydney and Melbourne in the second half of 2020, with roll-out nationally in 2021. The transition from to Ampol will be completed by the end of 2022.

Caltex has officially unveiled its Ampol logo as the fuel retailer commences plans to bring back the iconic brand, 25 years after disappearing from the Australian market. The rebranding was revealed in December 2019 and after US-based Chevron terminated the licensing agreement for the Caltex brand with the Australian operation.

The new logo takes its cues from key elements of the more than 80-year old heritage Ampol brand, including the original red and blue bands, and is designed to capitalise on the organisation’s local history. In announcing the new-look logo to the market, Caltex Australia interim CEO, Matthew Halliday, said it was the right time to operate under the Ampol name as an independent and growing company.

“Our fresh new symbol will connect Ampol with a new generation of customers and underpins our commitment to again make it Australia’s most loved and admired fuel brand.”

11

NEWS

Scam Alert Aladdin’s Cave

RV buyers have been warned about a possible scam, which costuncovered one man $18,000.

It comes Police has havealready allegedly an Aladdin's cave of after buyer said lost the money while attempting stolenthe property at a he caravan park on the Gold Coast. to buy a caravan online.

It happened after officers from Mudgeeraba identified The Caravan Industry Association of Australia said a vehicle of interest that was thought to have been itinvolved had been made aware of offences a WA business called in recent property in Robina and Seven Stars Caravans, is offering Broadbeach.

That led towhich a search warrantsecond-hand being caravans and RVs for sale on the internet at temptingly executed at the Mudgeeraba caravan park, where low prices. tools and construction site equipment were numerous found. Police also allegedly located two syringes and a "We believe Seven Stars Caravans is a scam and plastic waterthat pipe. we have reported this business to the ACCC," it said.

The association gave following reasons: A 45-year-old man andthe 23-year-old woman, both • They claim to be a General Member of the Caravan from Mudgeeraba, were charged with two counts of Industry Association WA, but they are not.

We entering with intent, one count of stealing, one count have writtentainted to them asking that this of possessing property, one they countremove of receiving statement tainted property, one count of wilful damage and three • They thepossession.

Caravan Industry Association WA logo counts ofuse drug on their website despite not being a member of our association. We have written to them asking that they remove our logo • The photos of the caravans and RVs they are

selling appear to have been sourced off the STOP PRESS!

Internet from various caravan dealers in the United Kingdom, New Zealand Australia Just as we were going to and press, the following update • was They claim toregarding have a showroom in Karratha but they received the legal battle as outlined in do not Sorry State in our Letters section: • Their website does not state where the vehicles they are sellingtoare “Good morning all located our friends and supporters. Your • donations They do not a well dealers licence in WA. arehold being spent.

The association ‒ the peak body for Australia's “Excellent news: Following further hearings, caravan industry ‒ said it believed the business provisional orders have been handed down until such encouraged people to pay a deposit a RV time as a full hearing is held, whichfor could bewhich, some it alleges, theytowill receive. time, due thenever current circumstances.

"We encourage consumers gets to betheir buyer aware," it said.

“The Orders: Everybody land and buildings "Ifback you have had dealings with this business and all areany to be given quiet enjoyment of please their report Consumer Affairs in your state and to sites,this no to more threats or bullying or blocking friends Scam ACCC." from Watch visiting.atTo keep good faith, we will be paying appropriate fees, which will be determined by an Seven Stars Caravans an you uncanny independent expert. I shows will keep posted when we resemblance get details. to a scam operated last year by a "familyowned" company calling itself EM Caravans. Efforts toBye contact Seven Stars were met with a recorded for now, message Rich”. saying the number had been disconnected.

12 19

NEWS

iNDUS App-Controlled Toilet Thetford has announced the launch of its iNDUS system which it claims will completely revolutionise RV waste water infrastructure and indeed RV construction.

The Company claims that iNDUS is not just a new product but a complete smart sanitation system, offering RV users more convenience, more hygiene and more freedom. It says that with iNDUS RV users can be off-grid for an average of seven days.

The iNDUS system supports one-stop discharging in a hygienic and flexible way as additives are dosed automatically in exactly the amount needed. It says a great amount of fresh water is saved by an efficient toilet flush and by re-using grey water to flush the toilet. And all actions are supported by an app, giving RV users a complete real time overview.

Users discharge their tanks on average five times a week. Every two to three days the waste-holding tank is discharged and every two to four days the grey water tank. Thetford clams iNDUS brings discharging from five times a week down to an average of once, allowing off-grid use of at least one week. Furthermore the app informs when tanks are getting full, and powered by Campercontact, it will show over 25, 000 possible discharge locations (in Europe, at least!).

One-step discharging of both grey water and black water is via the hygienic and flexible iNDUS discharge device. This can be done at most grey water discharge spots, as long as they are connected to the general sewage infrastructure.

While RV users dose their additives manually on an average of every two to three days, iNDUS provides a full automatic additive dosing module. It will add exactly what is needed based on the use of the system and based on the temperature. After about four weeks the empty cartridges have to be replaced, and all products used are septic-safe and biodegradable. iNDUS uses a new macerator toilet with a soft close seat and cover, and a ‘well-considered’ bowl design.

Importantly, the system reuses grey water to flush the toilet. By using a low noise macerator pump with a twostep macerating process, the amount of flush water used is brought to a lower level, which is comparable to the Thetford cassette toilet. This indicates a low flush water use of 200 ml for a small flush or 500ml for a big flush (in residential buildings, 3 and 10 litres are used for small and big flushes, respectively).

Just released in Europe, there is no word yet on if or when Thetford’s iNDUS System will become available in Australia and New Zealand. Watch for its inclusion in 2021 model-year European motorhomes first.

13

RELEASED TESTED

AKUNA Get away from it all in style

12 14

TESTED: TRAKKA JABIRU J2M

Blue

True

Trakka’s medium-wheelbase AWD Jabiru J2M is truly off-road capable _ even in blue.. …

I

n April’s issue we brought you a report on the Jabiru J2 AWD, the off-road version of Trakka’s ‘road-going’ Jabiru, built on the latest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

Traditionally only available in long wheelbase, Mercedes-Benz Australia now offers the AWD Sprinter in medium wheel-base and it’s this version that off-road guru Allan Whiting has been itching to get his hands on.

Trakka calls the shorter Jabiru the J2M – M for Medium – and it’s built around the 3665 mm wheelbase Sprinter. By comparison, the normal J2 version uses the 4325 mm wheelbase Sprinter. Overall length is obviously shorter as well: 5932 mm (plus the length of the optional spare wheel carrier), compared with 7125 mm. However, gross vehicle mass (GVM) remains

15

TESTED the same at 4.1-tonnes, giving the J2M more payload capacity: 1232kg, compared with 847kg.

Incidentally, the ‘2’ in J2 is the number of people it can legally carry. Trakka also makes a Jabiru J4 on the long wheelbase Sprinter which, you guessed it, can legally transport four. However, it’s only available in two-wheel drive.

Like the larger four-seater, the J2M comes with an across-van double bed. By contrast, the J2 has longitudinal single beds that can convert into a larger king. Because the Sprinter isn’t the widest van available (that distinction goes to the Fiat Ducato) the J2M and J4 models are enhanced by a custom ‘pod’ window on the right hand side of the van that provides enhanced bed length.

The J2M’s perceived customer base is the travelling couple with more adventurous destinations in mind.

Although its minimum ground clearance of 210 mm,

with standard tyres, is the same as the larger Jabirus, the effective ground clearance is better. That’s thanks to a superior ramp-over angle (the clearance beneath the belly of the machine when traversing obstacles, thanks to the shorter wheelbase). Also, it’s better payload figure allows for increased fuel and supplycarrying capacity, and heavier trailer ball weights.

Trakka fitted our test vehicle up with the expected onand-off-road options such adventurers might want: Alfresco Pack ($3000); non-metallic special colour ($950); electric sliding door ($1550); adaptive cruise control ($1200); 2000-watt inverter ($1370); 17-inch aluminium wheels and MT tyre upgrade ($5100); underbody protection pack ($2450); rear door spare wheel carrier ($3820) and fuel container and mount ($950). That list took the total RRP to $215,390 including on road costs in NSW, from a J2M base price of $195,000.

16

TESTED

Although the J2M version gains no mechanical or electronic traction improvement over the larger vans, its appearance and dimensions encourage more off-road use. That’s frustrating in a way, because of MercedesBenz’ stubborn refusal to fit a centre diff lock – a feature that every other 4WD in the world has – or across-axle locks that are available on Sprinters in Europe and Africa, means that the Sprinter’s potential cannot be realised by Australian buyers.

We’ve even gone to the length of trying to import M-B-factorysanctioned parts from Oberaigner – the M-B Partner that produces Sprinter 4WD components – but they refuse to export them to Australia.

17

TESTED

On and Off-Road

T

he shorter wheelbase of the J2M Jabiru doesn’t affect the ride quality compared with longer wheelbase models. It is one of the best riding and handling vans we’ve ever tested, with excellent performance, almost imperceptible gear changes, powerful braking and great all-around vision.

The Jabiru handled corrugations and potholes with ease; only saucepan-sized holes causing bottoming at the front end.

On our off-road test course the Jabiru J2M went where the J2 wouldn’t, thanks to being more manoeuvrable and with better belly clearance. However, slippery sections had the traction control working overtime, doing work that simple mechanical traction aids would render unnecessary.

Nonetheless, we reckon most Jabiru J2M buyers will be satisfied with its ability to handle fire trails, outback roads and tricky campsite access tracks.

As for the Jabiru’s fit, finish and functionality: they’re legendary Trakka features that we love. Check out our video test below.

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SPECS GENERAL Make

Trakka

Model

Jabiru J2M

Type

Van conversion

Berths

2

Approved Seating

2

Licence

Car

VEHICLE Make/Model

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MWB

Engine

3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel

Power

140 kW @ 3500

Torque

440 Nm @ 1500 rpm

Transmission

7-speed Auto/all-wheel drive

Safety

ABS, ESP, 6 air bags & more

Fuel

93 L

Pros...

WEIGHTS Tare Weight

2785 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

4100 kg

Braked Towing Capacity

2000 kg

DIMENSIONS Overall Length

6.09 m (20' ")

Overall Width

2.06 m (6' 9")

Overall Height

2.85 m (9' 4”)/3.0 m (9’ 10”) with aircon

Internal Height

1.92 m (6’ 4”)

Bed

1.86 m x 1.45 m (6' 1" x 4' 9”)

Cons...

EQUIPMENT Slide-Out

No

Awning

Electric

Entry Steps

Electric

Cooker

Webasto Diesel

Rangehood Sink Fridge Microwave Lighting 12 V Sockets/USB Outlets Air Conditioner Space Heater Hot Water System Toilet Shower CAPACITIES Batteries Solar LPG Fresh Water Grey Water Hot Water Toilet PRICE - drive-away From As Tested

No Round stainless steel w folding tap 12V Compressor Yes 12 V LED Yes/Yes Opt Webasto Diesel Webasto Diesel Retractable Cassette Wet/Switch Mode Bathroom

Warranty

3 years/ Unlimited km

Off-road ability Ride quality Features M-B Safety Quality build Payload Towing ability

Expensive No diff-lock Contact Trakka Pty Ltd 9 Beaumont Rd Mt Kuring-gai NSW 2080 T: (02) 8294-8590 E: sales@trakka.com.au W: www.trakka.com.au

1 x 200 Ah Lithium 200 W No LPG fitted to vehicle 140 L 80 L 10 L 16 L (cassette) A$195,000 A$215,390

19

TRAVEL

JABIRU AWD Off the Beaten Track

20

TASTED: WINDSOR DAINTREE

House of

W*I*N*D*S*O*R Is the Windsor Daintree a house-on-wheels fit for bargain conscious royalty, asks Richard Robertson...

21

TASTED

W

indsor Caravans is a name many will be familiar with. The company, which was part of the troubled Fleetwood Corporation in Perth and also makers of Coromal Caravans, sold both brands to Brisbane’s Apollo RV for $1M in 2019.

Apollo is primarily a motorhome and campervan manufacturer and at February’s 2020 Victorian Caravan Camping and Touring Supershow I came across a curios sight: a Windsor Daintree motorhome sitting alone is a sea of Windsor caravans. Clearly, investigation was required…

Talking to the Man from Windsor, it transpired that Apollo has spied a market niche not filled by its near-invisible locally-made Winnebagos nor its under-rated and under-marketed Adria range, imported from Slovenia. Enter the first motorhome in the Windsor brand’s history.

22

TASTED

Cheap and Cheery?

L

et’s cut to the chase: The Daintree is a shot across the bow of Jayco’s Conquest; a torpedo towards UniCampa and a broadside – well, you get the picture.

So the question is, is it okay?

Firstly, let's define what the Daintree is: an entry-level 6.58 m (21’7”) 2-berth B-class motorhome. Featuring an electric roof bed, generous lounge/dinette, decent kitchen and a full-width rear bathroom, it packs a lot into its compact dimensions. And priced at the Melbourne show at $103,990 drive away – it now lists for $105,990 on the Windsor website – it also appears to be a compelling value proposition. So what’s the catch?

When you look at the brands of chassis that motorhome manufacturers in Australia build on, you usually see Fiat, Iveco and Mercedes-Benz. In the past you also saw Ford, but the Transit fell from favour and despite the current Transit being very good manufacturers haven’t embraced it, which is a

great disappointment. Then occasionally you come across Renault – the Master to be specific – and it's always at the budget end of the market. Despite being reasonably popular in Europe, the Renault Master has never made real inroads in Australia, and that's despite it having a smoother and more driver-friendly automated manual transmission (AMT) than the Fiat Ducato.

That the Daintree rides on a Renault Master is no surprise – and no bad thing. Masters sold in Australia to date have been the run-out model now superseded in Europe and are definitely last-generation in terms of interior style and design. However, the engine is strong, the transmission proven and there are a surprising number of Master delivery vehicles running around suburban Australia that prove the model’s durability. Its biggest limitation is a limited dealer and service network, but if you’re buying new you’re covered by a three year warranty and if something goes wrong, getting you to a service centre is their problem.

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TASTED

While the Master’s cab interior is grey and plasticky, the ergonomics are okay and the driving experience entirely reasonable.

Standard equipment includes remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, cab air-conditioning, dual front airbags, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, reversing camera, sound system, internally adjustable headlights and decent storage.

Power comes from a 2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel that produces an unremarkable 110 kW and 350 Nm, but it feels stronger than that. As mentioned it drives through an AMT, which has six speeds and sends power to the front wheels.

Fuel capacity is a generous 100-litres and with a tare weight of 3085 kg and a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of just 3800 kg, it not only provides a decent payload but should have a 1000-km or thereabouts driving range at touring speeds.

When Renault finally exhausts its stocks of right-hand drive Master cab-chassis and the much improved new version lands here (pictured below at the Dusseldorf, Show in2019), it will be interesting to see if it retains its price advantage and entry-level status in the motorhome world.

24

TASTED

Body Matters

I

have to say I think Apollo has done a good job packaging the Daintree. Whilst thoroughly conventional, it's a good-looking little motorhome and the perfect size for a solo traveller or well organised couple. It's also worth remembering Apollo cut its teeth building campervans and motorhomes for the rental market, which means they know how to build things to last (our Project Polly is an example).

Standard equipment is impressive and includes a 3.2 kW reverse-cycle rooftop air-conditioner, 20-litre gas/electric hot water system, 188-litre three-way 2-door fridge-freezer, 25-litre microwave, cooker with 3 gas/1 electric burners, range hood,150-watt solar panel, 100 amp-hour deep-cycle house battery, LED lighting, Bluetooth sound system, 4-metre wind-out awning, barbecue gas bayonet fitting, security screen door, 110-litres of fresh water and 55-litres of grey, an external hot and cold shower, town water connection, 60-cm (24”) LED TV/DVD and more.

Body construction is of single-piece structural composite-panel walls, roof and floor, with gel coated interior and exterior panelling. Euro-style double glazed acrylic windows are used all ‘round and the designers There are manufacturers of more expensive vehicles have managed to incorporate a couple of external who could learn a thing or two from this equipment list storage lockers for things like chairs, table, hoses, etc. about how to provide buyer value – at any price point…

25

TASTED

Inside Story

S

tepping inside through the mid-positioned entry door reveals a pleasing story: You turn left to walk past the pair of inwards-facing lounges and dinette table, and into the cab with its swivelling seats, or right, to pass through the kitchen and into the full-width rear bathroom. There’s storage above the cab, while the electric drop-down bed runs east-west, above the lounges, and headroom when retracted is quite reasonable.

Decor is plain but simple, with a combination of cream/ white walls and cabinetry plus dark grey upholstery and drawer fronts. The floor has a light woodgrain finish and overall the Daintree looks and feels modern. There’s also a surprising amount of space in the lounge/dinette, which I think could probably accommodate six people plus another couple in the swivelled cab seats.

26

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The kitchen is a real surprise, with excellent bench space that includes a hinged lid over the cooker that's actually a part of the benchtop. The main kitchen unit starts opposite the entry door and runs along the driver’s-side wall to the bathroom. The two-door fridge-freezer sits across the aisle in a tall cabinet, with storage above, in the corner against the bathroom wall.

Between it and the entry door is another tall unit, with a hanging wardrobe up-top and three drawers below.

The TV is nestled high up on the wardrobe end panel and easily viewable from the lounge seats, cab or when in bed.

The bathroom is another surprise in such a small vehicle.

Being full width it has room for a separate shower plus plenty of bench and storage space, a big mirror and an easily accessible cassette toilet. There’s also room and privacy enough to do what you need to do‌

27

TASTED

Drop-down beds are always a compromise, lacking as they do the niceties of privacy, bedside tables, drawers and reading lights. However, as they go the Daintree’s is pretty reasonable and lowers considerably for easy access. It’s key operated via a switch by the entry door and can be left made-up when raised if desired (and you don’t have a million pillows – I know, it’s a girl thing).

“There are manufacturers of more expensive vehicles who could learn a thing or two from this equipment list about how to provide buyer value – at any price point…”

There’s good ventilation thanks to windows at both ends, but you’d need to be careful sitting up for a cuppa or when reading that you don’t lean on the one behind you. As I said, it’s a compromise…

28

TASTED

What I Think Since February the Daintree has been joined by two new Windsor motorhomes: the Fiat Ducato-based Simpson (centre, above) and Flinders – each well priced and equipped.

Getting back to the Daintree, however, if you think I was impressed by it, you're right. In a 6.5 m motorhome it provides almost Tardis-like living space, a high level of equipment and a truly practical floor plan at a price that is near unbeatable. It also looks good inside and out, so really, what isn't there to like?

I can hear some howling at the fact it's on a relatively unknown cab-chassis that you wouldn't touch with a barge pole, but this is the 21st century and there is

no such thing as a bad motorhome base vehicle. The Renault Master is backed by a 3-year/200,000 km warranty and comes with 3 years roadside assistance.

Windsor/Apollo backs the Daintree with a five-year structural warranty and three-year interior warranty, and has sixteen hundred-plus service centres Australia-wide.

Anyone looking at a new compact motorhome should check out the Daintree – especially those looking at a van conversion motorhome. It appears to be well built, comes from one of the most experienced manufacturers in the country and I think provides almost outrageous value. Indeed in these economically challenging post-Covid days it could be just the thing for value conscious royalty – like you…

29

SPECS GENERAL Make

Windsor

Model

Daintree

Type

B-class

Berths

2

Approved Seating

2

Licence

Car

VEHICLE Make/Model

Renault Master

Engine

2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

110 kW @ 3500

Torque

350 Nm @ 1500 rpm

Transmission

6-speed AMT/front-wheel drive

Safety

ABS, ESP, 2 air bags & more

Fuel

100 L

Pros...

Compact Great value Well equipped Spacious Roomy bathroom Big kitchen Warranty

WEIGHTS Tare Weight

3085 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

3800 kg

Braked Towing Capacity

N/A

DIMENSIONS Overall Length

6.58 m (21' 7")

Overall Width

2.31 m (6' 7")

Overall Height

3.10 m (10' 2”)

Internal Height

2.07 m (6’ 9”)

Main Bed

1.90 m x 1.34 m (6' 4" x 4' 5”)

EQUIPMENT Slide-Out

No

Awning

Wind-out

Entry Steps

Electric

Cooker

Dometic 3 x LPG/1 x Electric

Rangehood Sink Fridge Microwave Lighting 12 V Sockets/USB Outlets Air Conditioner Space Heater Hot Water System Toilet Shower CAPACITIES Batteries Solar LPG Fresh Water Grey Water Hot Water Toilet PRICE - drive-away From Warranty

Yes Round stainless steel w fixed tap 188 L 2-Door 12/240V/LPG Yes 12 V LED Yes/Yes 2.3 kW Reverse-cycle Opt Swift LPG/Electric Cassette Separate Cubicle

Cons...

Renault network Not much else!

Manufacturer

Apollo RV T: 1800 777-779 E: info@apollocamper.com W: windsorcaravans.com.au Find a Dealer HERE

1 x 100 Ah 150 W 1 x 9 kg 110 L 55 L 20 L 17 L (cassette) A$105,99 Click for Details

30

TASTED: AVIDA SILVERTON C7134SL

PURE

by Richard Robertson

SILVERTON The Silverton is pure Avida and brings Mercedes-Benz prestige back to the model line up…

t the 2020 Victorian Caravan Camping and Touring Supershow, in February, Avida released the allnew Silverton. Little did we know it was to be the only major city RV show for the year, and so Avida’s timing was especially fortunate.

A

any Sprinter: It rides on a uniquely motorhome-specific Sprinter 418 cab-chassis, which not only doesn’t exist on the Mercedes-Benz website, it's configured unlike any other Sprinter we’ve encountered. But first, a little background refresher…

Slotting in between the 7.01 m Ceduna and 7.39 m Birdsville, the Silverton measures a trim 7.135 m long, has a single slide-out and can be driven on standard car licence. It's available as a C-class (with over-cab bed) or a B-class (sans over-cab bed), but each shares the same, open floorplan.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model designations might seem confusing, but there is Teutonic logic in the apparent madness. Sprinters have a three number designator that works like this: The first number indicates the gross vehicle mass (GVM) while the second two indicate the engine output in horsepower. So for example, a Sprinter 316 has a GVM of 3.55-tonnes and 160 hp (120 kW) engine.

The Silverton is Avida’s first model for a while on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cab-chassis, but it's not just

31

TASTED

Where the all-new Sprinter does have it all over the ageing Ducato is in terms of safety and technology. It fairly bristles with electronic assistance including Active Brake Assist, Adaptive Electronic Stability Control, Attention (Achtung?) Assist, Crosswind Assist and Anyway, the Sprinter 418 beneath the Silverton Start-Off Assist. That’s in addition to Anti-Lock Brakes appears to be a hybrid and must have its origins in the European motorhome market. It has a GVM of plus front, side and head airbags for both occupants.

4.2-tonnes and a 2.3-litre engine output of 180 hp (177 This particular model also comes with the upgraded to be precise), which equates to 130 kW, and produces 10.25 inch high resolution MBUX multimedia system that includes Apple Car play and Android Auto as well 400 Nm of torque. On top of that it has a nine speed automatic transmission which, to the dismay of diehard as ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control capabilities. All-in-all Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fans, drives the front wheels. it’s pretty impressive.

Heresy!

Not having driven a new Sprinter with front-wheel drive These specs are identical to the new Fiat Ducato, which nor the nine-speed auto I can’t comment on its ride, also has a 2.3-litre, 130 kW/400 Nm engine that drives handling or responsiveness, but I’d expect them to be the front wheels through a 9 speed automatic, although class leading. Mercedes-Benz has put a lot of effort it has a 200 kg higher GVM and thus better payload. into the ergonomics of the new Sprinter’s cab and from Given the Ducato accounts for 75% of European experience in rear-wheel drive versions I can tell you motorhomes, perhaps Mercedes-Benz has thought that it’s a refined and relaxing place to pass the miles. if you can’t beat ‘em you might as well join ‘em?

Why horsepower? Probably because it's all Americans understand, while 316 sounds more impressive than 312 – but I'm speculating.

32

TASTED

Body & Soul

T

he Silverton is a thoroughly conventional looking motorhome, although the body does look a little dated alongside the sleek lines of the new Sprinter.

Inside, of course, is where you'll find it's soul…

Stepping through the entry door, which is immediately aft of the cab, you find swivelling cab seats to the left plus a forward-facing two-seat dinette opposite. The kitchen is to the right, the bedroom sits across the middle and the bathroom is full-width across the rear.

Construction-wise the Silverton follows Avida's proven path of a steel floor with waterproof protection underneath; sandwich-panel walls with an aluminium frame and insulation in between, and one-piece rubber-covered roof. It also uses Avida’s trademark louvred side windows, which while not looking as sexy as more contemporary units have the advantage of being able to be opened in the rain, while also providing better security against break-ins.

The Silverton's small slide-out – Avida calls it ‘compact’ – is on the driver’s side and provides space to extend the east-west mounted main bed. It sits directly above the rear axle, which should provide added stability when extended.

External standard equipment includes a roof-mounted air conditioner, 12/240-volt/LPG hot water system, entry door with four-point lock and security screen, electric step and three smallish, external storage lockers. Fresh and grey-water capacities are a bit lighton at just 100-litres each, while hot water is 14-litres and the toilet cassette the usual 17-litres. Also a bit light-on is a single house battery of 100 amp-hours capacity, especially given that solar is an option.

Internally, the Silverton comes with an LCD control panel for energy management and operating various systems, soft-close drawers and handle-free overhead cupboards, plus 12 V LED lighting throughout, a smart TV and a USB charging station.

33

TASTED

Decor and More

T

he Silverton's interior is open and has a contemporary look and feel. It features flat-fronted overhead cupboards that don’t intrude and the overall finish is a mixture of gloss white and grey. I remember it being quite striking and perhaps even a little overpowering – there’s a lot of white – but you can't accuse it of being dark and gloomy, and it should be easy to wipe over and keep clean.

The most unusual interior feature is the unit immediately to the left of the entry door, which runs from the floor to the base of the over-cab bed. On the plus side it provides a sturdy grab handle and an open storage area for thongs and the like right by the door. Up top, it has a handle you pull down to reveal a couple of shelves and a hinged bench extension that mates with the end of the kitchen bench top. On the minus side, the bench extension blocks the doorway when in use and the whole unit limits the swivelling of the passenger’s cab-seat/occupant legroom. It's a curious arrangement that doesn't appear to have any particular advantage, but a number of disadvantages, and I can't help thinking the Silverton would be better off without it. Of course, that's just my opinion…

34

TASTED

As previously mentioned, the Silverton has an open plan layout and it certainly provides a spacious feel.

The dinette and kitchen are practical and usable, with the former having a table with a swing-out extension leaf tucked neatly underneath, should extra dining space be required. The kitchen bench actually continues into the bedroom where it tapers, eventually terminating against the end of the wardrobe, which forms the boundary between the bedroom and bathroom.

The main bed lies east-west and has its head in the small slide-out, also as mentioned early. When extended there’s easy walk-through access to the bathroom, but when retracted the bed snugs-up against the drawers and storage space beneath the extended kitchen bench, preventing bathroom access.

Although the bed lifts on struts, providing storage space underneath, it can't be lifted when the bid is fully retracted.

lightweight things like jackets. At night it’s accessed by a centrally-mounted aluminium ladder. The bed also hinges up for easier cab access.

At the very back of the Silverton is the full-width bathroom. There's a vanity unit with freestanding ceramic sink and wall mirror to the right as you enter; a separate shower cubicle in the left-hand corner and a cassette toilet slightly offset from the doorway so as not to put you on show when in use! Privacy is fully achieved thanks to a sliding door.

From bed it would be easy to watch the smart TV, mounted high on the wall opposite. Unfortunately, it appears this is the only practical place to watch TV, except perhaps from the swivelled driver’s seat.

In the C-class model shown, the secondary bed above the cab also provides useful additional storage for 35

TASTED

What I Think

T

here appears to be a lot to like about the new Avida Silverton, starting with its unique MercedesBenz Sprinter chassis. Providing class leading safety and comfort, it's also powerful and should prove economical.

The open plan living area is a favourite with many people and works well in warmer climates, even though it does compromise privacy, especially if one person wants to go to bed early. Other than that the floorplan works well, apart from the unusual unit that compromises space for anyone sitting in the swivelled passenger cab seat.

The Silverton's compact dimensions should ensure easy driving and ease of access to places larger motorhomes can't reach, especially for the more streamlined B-class version. And of course it's backed by a national service and dealer network as well as an extensive warranty. If you're in the market for a modern motorhome with that little bit of extra space only a slide-out can provide, be sure to check it out.

36

SPECS GENERAL Make

Avida

Model

Silverton C7134SL

Type

C-class

Berths

4

Approved Seating

4

Licence

Car

Pros...

Make/Model

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 418CDI

Engine

2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

130 kW @ 3800

Torque

400 Nm @ 1400-2400 rpm

Transmission

9-speed automatic/front-wheel drive

Safety

ABS, ESP, 6 air bags & more

Fuel

93 L

Mercedes Sprinter Compact size Open plan living Slide-out bed 2 or 4 berth Dealer network

VEHICLE

WEIGHTS Tare Weight

3500 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

4200 kg

Braked Towing Capacity

2000 kg

DIMENSIONS Overall Length

7.14 m (23' 5")

Overall Width

2.32 m (6' 7")

Overall Height

3.32 m (10' 11”)

Internal Height

2.14 m (7’ 0”)

Main Bed

1.97 m x 1.4 m (6' 6" x 4' 7”)

Cab Bed

TBA

Cons...

Odd front cabinet Limited fresh water Single house battery Solar optional

EQUIPMENT Slide-Out

1

Awning

Dometic Roll Out

Entry Steps

Electric

Cooker

Dometic 3 x LPG/1 x Electric

Rangehood Sink Fridge Microwave Lighting 12 V Sockets/USB Outlets Air Conditioner Space Heater Hot Water System Toilet Shower CAPACITIES Batteries Solar LPG Fresh Water Grey Water Hot Water Toilet PRICE - drive-away From Warranty

Yes Square stainless steel w folding tap 2-Door 12/240V/LPG Yes 12 V LED Yes/Yes Yes Opt Truma LPG/Electric Cassette Separate Cubicle

Manufacturer

Avida RV 32 David Rd Emu Plains NSW 2750 T: (02) 4734-8116 W: avidarv.com.au Find a Dealer HERE

1 x 100 Ah Opt 2 x 4 kg 100 L 100 L 14 L 17 L (cassette) A$156,500 Click for Details

37

TASTED: TRAVEL TASTED LEISURE VANS WONDER

Little

by Richard Robertson

Wonder!

I

t's interesting scouring the world to see how RV designers innovate. While there is an old adage about there being only so many ways you can arrange things inside a box, I'm regularly surprised and occasionally delighted by how innovative some designs are.

Canadian manufacturer Leisure Travel Vans is a well-known and highly respected quality operation that specialises in compact motorhomes. Specifically, the company builds smaller, upmarket C-class motorhomes primarily on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cab-chassis. However, it’s entry-level range – the Wonder – is Ford Transit-based and now available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option.

38

Leisure Travel Vans’ Wonder AWD is a little motorhome with big ideas…

TASTED

T

he 2020 Ford Transit brings a range of new features, with top billing undoubtedly going to a new 10 speed automatic transmission. Power comes from a 3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 petrol engine that produces 228 kW (310 hp) and 540 Nm (400 ftlb). Unfortunately, Ford appears to have dropped the diesel option from the U.S. Transit range, but the ‘gas’ engine should have more than enough grunt, even if it’s a little thirsty.

The AWD system operates on-demand, balancing torque between the front and rear axles. It makes a lot of sense in a vehicle destined to operate in a land regularly covered by snow and ice and would come in extra handy in mud and when exploring dirt and gravel roads.

Interestingly, Ford Australia – which does offer diesel powered Transits – says it has no interest in offering the AWD option. Go figure…

39

TASTED

Murphy’s Law

N

orth American motorhome designers of vanconversion and smaller Euro-based motorhomes seem obsessed with including sofa beds rather than permanent beds. This is probably an effort to maximise daytime floorspace in an effort to lure traditionally space-hungry customers out of their huge RVs. Whatever the reason, having to make-up a bed every night is really a pain in the you-know-where, hence the popularity Down Under of retractable roof beds that can be left made-up when stowed away.

Another solution, however, is the famous Murphy Bed, which simply folds down out of a wall. In the 2021 version of the Wonder Rear Lounge model, Leisure Travel Vans have incorporated one into the back wall of the rear lounge area, thus providing two practical living areas in the vehicle and an acceptable bedtime solution. Called a Flex Bedroom, during the day it features a three-seat sofa across the back wall with an L-shaped return on the driver’s side. Cleverly, the middle and passenger-side lounge seats have extendable footrests and reclining backs, making them a side-by-side pair of comfy recliners that disappear under the bed when it folds out of the back wall. Neat!

40

TASTED

Wonder in Unity

L

ast year, Leisure Travel Vans launched a Sprinterbased version of its popular Unity model featuring a rear lounge with Murphy Bed. This appears to have been incorporated, with some changes, into the Wonder, but being Transit-based the price has dropped by some US$13,000. Still, this is far from a bargain basement motorhome: Priced from US$130,000, Ford’s ‘Intelligent All-Wheel Drive’ option adds US$6500 and if you tick all the option boxes – generator, 400-watts of solar and so on – you can ‘drive’ the price north of US$150,000. Ouch!

Back to the rear lounge; an interesting design point is a near floor-to-ceiling double window arrangement on the passenger side. They’re next to the pair of ‘recliner’ lounge seats, which just happened to be the ideal place to watch TV from. Come evening, the Murphy Bed folds out of the back wall to provide a 1.88 cm x 1.47 cm ( 4’9" x 6’2”) north-south sleeping space. The beauty of the Murphy Bed is it provides full headroom and overhead cupboard space in the rear lounge area during the day.

This separate living area is great in a smaller vehicle and it’s a concept we first saw in Europe.

Not only does it provide a high degree of privacy, it's also hugely practical when entertaining or even when trying to operate a mobile office. The rear lounge/bedroom is separated from the front lounge/ dinette/kitchen by a split bathroom, with the toilet cubicle on the driver’s side and the shower across the aisle. There is also a hanging wardrobe and stack of shelves between the rear lounge and toilet, while the shower adjoins the rear of the cabinet housing the fridge and microwave.

Moving forward, the living/dinette/kitchen area would feel totally familiar to anyone who's stepped inside a European motorhome. It features swivelling cab seats and a pair of inwards facing seats, a removable pole-mounted table and a compact, L-shaped kitchen.

The entry door is opposite the kitchen, leaving the bathroom and rear lounge totally private.

41

TASTED

Take a Virtual Tour

Under Construction

E

lectrically, the Wonder is well set up, with a pair of AGM house batteries and 2000 Watt pure sine wave inverter, although solar is optional (hey, it’s Canada!). There's also a 7 inch touchscreen for monitoring and controlling the vehicle’s House systems, including lighting, water pump, heating, etc, with readouts available via an app for the technically enthralled.

Construction wise, the Wonder, like all Leisure Travel Vans, feature aluminium-framed vacuum-bonded walls with an outer layer of gel coated fibreglass and a similar construction method for the roof and floor.

Naturally, there's plenty of insulation.

What makes the 7.54 m Wonder Rear Lounge particularly interesting is its heavy European design influence in a North American manufactured – and targeted – motorhome. Not totally European but far from typically American, it’s a thoughtfully designed and seemingly well built motorhome that’s a sure sign change is in the air in the continent of the brave and the home of the free. Little Wonder it’s so appealing…

42

TASTED: STOCKMAN TESTED ROVER

STOCKMAN

Rover

S

tockman has been producing well-engineered, Australian-designed compact Pod campers for more than 15 years. The company’s latest product offers rapid set-up and pack-away.

Stockman’s Rover is a rugged camper trailer well worth a look, reports Allan Whiting of OutbackTravelAustralia.com.au...

Camper trailers that rely on tent erection pose a problem for those wanting quick set-up. Tent-type, soft-floor camper trailers are fine for long-stay camping, but don’t work for travellers who want to stop late in the day, camp overnight and move off next day.

Stockman’s new Rover addresses the overnightstop market segment. The bodywork combines an insulated central section with a moulded front ‘cone’ storage box and moulded rear panel. It mounts on a galvanised steel chassis and features independent, four-shock coil suspension.

43

TASTED

C

laimed tare weight of the base model is 1080 kg, with a 1500 kg ATM and 140 kg ball weight. Overall length is 5 m; width is 2.15 m and height 2.05 m.

The central section has two large glazed, gas-strutassisted, midge-meshed doors that open into a sleeping area with a coil-spring, queen-sized mattress.

The rear moulding opens upwards to form a roof over the external kitchen.

Three specification levels are available: Explorer ($35,000), Intrepid ($45,000) and Ultra ($55,000), and all levels can have an optional 12 V cabin heater ($200).

44

TASTED

T

he Explorer grade comes with leather side and back cushions; radio/CD player; two-way roof vent with fan; stainless steel bench top and sink; portable butane stove and hotplate; electric water pump and tap; 120-litre water tank; 12 V system charging and monitoring; 6 x USBs and 4 x 12 V sockets; electric trailer brakes; aluminium wheels with 265/65R17 A/T tyres; four stabilising legs; Ark XO500 jockey wheel and 2 x 100 Ah AGM batteries.

The Intrepid scores all that plus roof racks; 200 W solar panels on the roof; DO35 towing hitch; plumbedin LPG gas system with two-burner stove; lidded gas BBQ on swing-out tray; 12 V, 107-litre front-opening fridge; 270ยบ swing-out awning; external shower with tent, and a fold-out table.

45

TASTED

On top of all that, the Ultra gets 240 V wiring and sockets; 200 Ah lithium battery with 20-amp charger; stone guard; awning walls and poles; fixed side ladder; storage nets; reverse-cycle 240V aircon unit; draft skirts and a ceiling-mounted TV. Look for a bush review of the Stockman, courtesy of Camperact, Pod’s Canberra (ACT) and Narellan (NSW) dealer, on the OutbackTravelAustralia.com.au website in the near future.

46

PROJECT TESTED POLLY

Locked Unloaded Project Polly’s driveway hissy fit and a quest for hot water...

G

iven the ongoing disruptions caused by Covid-19, I haven’t pursued Project Polly’s sale. In fact I’m building a case to keep her another year or so, finish off some things, do some travelling and again feature her in each magazine issue. What do you think?

One of the issues we’ve had with Polly since new has been a grumpy 20-litre Suburban hot water system (HWS). Given it did five years service in the rental

market before becoming ours, this isn’t surprising.

Despite several ‘fixes’ to get it to reliably light – and stay lit – and then produce water hot enough to washup or shower in, it’s still temperamental. While a replacement Suburban system is the obvious choice, the ongoing issue with the unit’s non-compliance with local LPG regulations (see News) has put that – dare I say – on the back burner...

47

PROJECT POLLY

However, recently I received a press release about an Australian designed (and presumably Chinese manufactured) 10-litre HWS. It runs on 12 or 240-volts and is designed for RVs as well as 4WDs, boats, etc. Called the Duoetto Mk2, it retails for $380 (a replacement LPG-only Suburban is about double that) and when I asked for more details, they sent one for evaluation! Interestingly, on 240 volts you can select temperatures between 35ºC and 75ºC, but on 12 volts it’s set at 70ºC.

In a perfect world, replacing the Suburban would be as simple as swap-and-go, but obviously that’s not the situation here. In fact, I’m not even sure if it’s at all practical. But a quick look at the dimensions shows it’s able to fit into the Suburban’s mounting ‘box’ in the side of Polly, even though access to the controls would only be from outside, if at all possible. Anyway, thinking about all that led to the ‘situation’…

48

PROJECT POLLY

Hissy Fit

P

olly hasn’t been used for quite a while and winter on the Southern Highlands takes its toll on batteries. I try to take her for a run one or twice a month, and a few weeks back decided to attach a trickle charger to help keep the batteries happy.

Transits have two batteries just for the vehicle, while Polly’s house battery for the 12-volt system is looked after by solar. Both vehicle batteries, which live under the driver’s seat, were replaced not long after purchase and so are approaching five years of age. Not good.

Incidentally, because the batteries are inside the vehicle, there’s a specific electrical ‘post’ under the bonnet to attach charging/jump-starting cables to.

Anyway, when the Duoetto HWS arrived I wanted to check something inside Polly and so grabbed the keys, pressed the door-open button and…. nothing. I tried again. Still nothing. So I tried the key in the only lock (it’s in the driver’s door). No good. Bugger. Next, I got the two spare sets of remotes and keys and tried them all. Nothing. While there was absolutely no response from the remotes or central locking system, the keys did turn in the lock and I could hear mechanisms moving, but the door wouldn’t unlock.

Searching Google brought no real insights, although I did find one post that said of the two vehicle batteries, one is for engine cranking and it’s the one that’s charged when leads are attached. The other is isolated from the first to protect from accidental total discharge, and it runs the central locking and other systems. It’s also ‘protected’ from an external battery charger. While I don’t necessarily believe that, it was the only thing that made even the vaguest sense. As to why the physical key didn’t work, that really had me stumped.

Posting on the iM+C Facebook page brought a range of well-meaning suggestions, but no solution, and so it was time to call Ken Tame Roadside Assistance.

This was my first call-out in the five years and just 12 days before the policy expires (after which they won’t reinsure Polly because she’s a business vehicle, but that’s another story).

49

PROJECT POLLY

Break and Enter?

T

he roadside assistance call went easily enough: I explained the situation and was assured help should be with my in about an hour, although perhaps a little longer due to being off the beaten track in High Range, on the Southern Highlands of NSW. Within about 30 mins I received a call from Andre from the local towing service, who wanted to check my address and know if I wanted him to bring a new battery to replace the flat one. Hmm. When I clarified the problem he said, “No worries, I’ll pack the break-in kit”. And 15 minutes later he arrived.

Obviously well versed in opening locked cars and reuniting anxious motorists with their keys, Andre set

to work. In just a few minutes he’d wedged the door slightly open, inserted a long metal thingy, hooked it around the driver’s door handle and pulled, but to no avail. He then tried the passenger door, the driver’s door again and inspected the side and rear doors just in case, but in the end had to admit defeat.

“This is really unusual,” he said, apologetically. “I’ve never seen anything like this”. After a valiant 30-minute effort he said, “All I can suggest is calling the guys from Keybay, who specialise in automotive locks and systems. They’re from Sydney but also do a lot of work on the Highlands. Sorry!” And with that, Andre packedup his break-in kit and was gone.

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PROJECT POLLY

Surprisingly, Justin from Keybay was with me within the hour. In no time he was doing exactly what Andre had done and soon said, “This is really unusual.

I’ve never seen anything like it” (although I might be paraphrasing). Still, he kept at it…

handle with the long rod beforehand, and so perhaps it was a combination of things. Anyway, Polly was open and that was all that mattered.

After he left, I discovered the sliding side door wouldn’t open – the handle didn’t feel like it was engaging – but I decided to leave that battle for another day. I actually With the driver’s door wedged slightly ajar at the top hoped a drive might loosen it up and sure enough, thanks to a pair of small, inflatable rubber pillows that looked like blood pressure cuffs, Justin wrestled with the the following morning it was fine after a run down the key in the lock until finally – after maybe 15 minutes – it freeway. Technology… clicked and he opened the door. Hopping inside, he tried the central locking and it worked perfectly – of course – The moral of the story, I believe, is Use It or Lose It. Subsequent inspection of Polly’s pair of vehicle after which he started the engine. batteries show one is fine – it’s still green in the inspection ‘eye’ – while the other shows black. That “The battery sounds a little lazy, but other than that it now seems fine,” he said, as Polly idled happily and he basically means it’s dead, a diagnosis backed-up by the readout from Polly’s RedArc Manager30 battery swiped my MasterCard for $150. management systems, which is showing around 10.5 volts. Given that 12.0 volts is considered dead, this one Prior to his success, Justin had checked the battery with a meter via the under-bonnet charging post and it has long since departed. Of the two batteries under the showed 13.2 volts. However, in diagnosing the problem seat it’s the most difficult one to get at and will entail removal of the good one for access. Of course. the only conclusion he could draw was that somehow the trickle charging had in some way overloaded/ Next issue I’ll update the Duoetto HWS story and let tripped something, causing the lock-out. Interestingly, you know if any progress has been made. The man he said he’d applied “Extra pressure” to the key and thought it was that that finally did the trick with the lock. behind it – Jay King from Aus J Hot Water Solutions He’d also put a fair bit of effort into jiggling the internal in Sydney – is keen to help. Stay tuned...

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TECH

It’s not your Volt if you don’t know Watt Amps are draining your battery...

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’m a bit like Blackadder when it comes to understanding some things: Happy to know of them, but have no idea how they work. That’s especially true of volts, watts, amps and the rest of the guys in the electrical band…

In particular, I’ve had no real idea how to work out how much power a device will use when attached to Polly’s 12-volt system. For example, ages back I installed a 15-watt LED interior light in place of an original and knew it used less power, but how much? And how long could Polly’s 100 amp-hour deep-cycle house battery run the new light for? All I knew for more-or-less certain was you’re only supposed to use about 20-25% of a conventional deep-cycle house battery’s capacity before recharging, to ensure long life. So, how to make sense of watts and amp-hours? It sounded like apples and oranges but then I saw the light (groan).

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TECH

In Its Element

W

hen I posted on Facebook about the arrival of the Duoetto hot water system, one reader asked how many amps it drew. I looked on the box and it said 25 amps at 12 volts for the 300 watt element, and 4.2 amps at 240 volts for the 1000 watt element. How could that be, I wondered in innocent ignorance? Surely 240 volts must mean more amps, because the number is bigger and like it’s more heavy duty, and stuff…

Duoetto’s element by the 240 volts needed to power it produces an answer of 4.2 amps (okay, it’s 4.16666, but let’s not split hairs).

If those figures were correct, just one hour of hot water usage would drain 25% of Polly’s 12-volt house battery! Could this be correct? And so I investigated – and it turns out there’s a simple formula that has turned me into a nauseating electrical know-it-all: W/V=A or Watts divided by Volts equal Amps!

In case you’re wondering, the formula works other ways too: Say you find a 12 volts appliance that draws 6 amps, but has no other information. To work out wattage, multiply 12 (V) x 6 (A) and you get 72 watts.

Or if it said 72 watts and 6 amps, you could work out the required voltage by dividing the former by the latter: 72 (W) / 6 (A) = 12 volts. Easy!

Dividing the 300-watt rating of the Duoetto’s element by the 12 volts that powers it produces an answer of 25 amps. Similarly, dividing the 1000 watt rating of the

Therefore, dividing the 15 watts of the LED light I installed by 12 volts equals 1.25 amps, or 20 hours running time to consume 25 amps (25%) of Polly’s 100 amp-hour house battery. How easy is that?

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There be Dragons

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kay, but what about running a 240 volt appliance through an inverter? I’ve heard horror stories about the damage done to batteries and how many dragons there be. The truth is it’s pretty simple to work out, too: Use the same formula to get amps, then add 10%.

For example, my Apple laptop has an 80 watt charger that only runs on 240 volts. Plugging-in a portable inverter to Polly’s 12 volt auxiliary socket produces the following result: 80 divided by 12 equals 6.6 amps.

Multiply by 1.1 (which adds 10%) and the answer is 7.37 amps. That’s 3 hours and 24 minutes before running Polly’s house battery down 25%.

While not a lot more than if the laptop’s charger ran on 12 volts in the first place, it does make a difference.

Crank up the wattage – like running a 1500 watt microwave (1500/12 = 125 +10% = 137.5 amps per hour) and you see how quickly it would drain a battery system: Run for 10 minutes it would use 23 amps, or basically the entire recommended ‘safe’ capacity from a 100 amp-hour house battery.

Okay, so I don’t know it all, but it’s a start. At least when looking at all those must-have accessories in the 12-Volt Shop I can do some quick calculations and know what’s practical – and now, so can you!

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DIY

changes on the

HORIZON

The fourth in a series by Colin Oberin of DIY project ideas for any RVer… 55

DIY

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here is an old joke about a man tearing up pieces of paper and throwing them out of the train window every few minutes. When asked what he was doing he explained that the torn up pieces of paper were a form of repellent to keep pink elephants at bay. When met with the obvious comment that his fellow passengers didn’t see any pink elephants his reply was immediate, “Effective, isn’t it?”

Fortunately I have never seen a pink elephant, hit a kangaroo or been rear ended when driving my van, but others might say that is because of the pink elephant repellents I have installed front and rear. Read on…

Pink Elephant Repellent #1?

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n my last three vehicles I have installed Sonic Animal Guards, which are marketed as emitting a high frequency sound wave to warn animals away from moving vehicles. The sound is said to be generated by air forced into the unit as the vehicle moves along.

Hence, the units need to be attached at the front of a vehicle in a forward facing position where the air is free to enter as the vehicle travels. These little units come two to a packet and have self-adhesive tape attached at the foot. It is a simple matter to clean and dry the place you intend to mount each guard, tear off the protective strip and press down firmly for a few seconds. I have had these units on one of my vehicles for over ten years and they haven’t fallen off yet.

Of course there is always a possibility that others may claim that because they can’t hear the high frequency sound these units are as effective as Pink Elephant Repellent. However, based on my own experience, the units do appear to work as claimed on the packaging and, even though I can’t hear the high frequency sound as I drive along, I don’t consider them to be Pink Elephant Repellent. In fact, I have never hit an animal or even had a close call while driving a vehicle carrying a pair of these units and have on several occasions seen animals move away as I approached. Such guards have always given me peace of mind as I drive around this great country and I was quick to install them on my new van. Despite the peace of mind these units give me and my conviction that they work, I still keep a watchful eye out for animals and try not to drive at dawn or dusk.

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DIY

Pink Elephant Repellent #2?

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y new van has quite a wide step that protrudes out from the rear doors. The towbar is nestled under the step, so if anyone happened to run into the step they would hit the very solid towbar. While the greater width of the step compared with my last van is very useful when I want to stand on it, because it is quite low down it may not be so obvious to a car travelling behind. To warn drivers behind, and also to just add a bit of personalisation, I have stuck some reflectors onto the towbar below the step.

As with the Sonic Animal Guards, the reflectors come with a self-adhesive backing so it is a simple matter to clean and dry the intended location, peel off the

protective strip and press the reflectors into position.

I have never been rear ended in this van, or in my previous one for that matter, so perhaps these reflectors are as effective as Pink Elephant Repellent.

In any event I have never seen a pink elephant following my van. The reflectors do however give me some peace of mind and importantly help locate my van in a car park when approaching from the rear.

Perhaps more honestly and whether Pink Elephant Repellent or not, I just thought the reflectors might be a fun addition to the towbar.

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DIY

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#STOUTLIFE TRAVEL

WE DID IT! LivingAStoutLife.com

WE HAVE OFFICIALLY MOVED INTO OUR RV AND ARE NOW LIVING THE RV LIFE! We are Ken and April Pishna, forty-somethings with two adult sons, a mortgage, bills to pay and no trust funds or wealthy relatives to take care of us. We are what you would call typical middle-aged parents. Some might think we are going through a midlife crisis, but if this is a crisis, it’s the best damn crisis we’ve ever had.

How did we create this crisis, and how do you create your own?

Each person will have a different story. We’re sharing ours hopefully to inspire you to start yours.

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TRAVEL #STOUTLIFE

REWIND – 2008 Zakk, our oldest son, had just graduated high school. Owen, our youngest, was 10. I had just started on my teaching degree. Ken, our constant, reliable rock had been working as an online editor for six years.

And all of us had a dream of moving from Denver to the mountains.

Did we make it to the mountains? Nope! Life got in the way. We did put our house on the market and even found a couple of places we were considering, if only our house would sell.

It didn’t sell. We didn’t try harder.

Zakk moved out on his own after high school, Owen moved on to high school and both created lives of their own, in Denver. We remained in our house. Life happened and we continued to dream of the day.

Over the years, the call of the mountains kept getting louder until finally we couldn’t ignore it, so I started looking for a job. I couldn’t find the right fit, the right money, the right location or the right anything for that matter...

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TRAVEL

#STOUTLIFE

FAST FORWARD – OCTOBER 2017 Zakk, now 27, rented our basement. Owen, turning 19, started his first year of college. I had been teaching fifth grade for the past five years, but now started my sixth year as a teacher, moving on to middle-school-aged kids at a new school. Ken, still our constant, reliable rock, had now been working as an online editor for 15 years. We were both working too much.

I was getting frustrated with life and work while Ken was getting frustrated with me. We were in limbo – no job for me, no move to the mountains.

Then, we had a turning point. It pissed me off that we had to rely on somebody else to give me a job to dictate where we lived. That was it! We both knew the only for sure thing we had always wanted to do was travel, so we decided to travel. It all started with a decision. Honestly, neither of us quite remembers where the RV idea came from. We’d had a pop-up camper in the past that we rarely used – we were tent campers – and we knew nothing about RVs. In fact we’d never even thought about owning one.

Regardless, the thought came from somewhere and we fell for it – hook, line and sinker.

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TRAVEL #STOUTLIFE

After listening to a few podcasts (huge shout out to Heath and Alyssa Padgett from the RV Entrepreneur and Jason Moore from Zero to Travel) and Googling anything that even closely related RV life, our unrealistic dream began to transition to something real. Within a couple of weeks we came up with a plan (if you can call it that) that went something like this: •

Refinance house

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Pay off bills: credit card, school loan, car loan

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Have some money in savings

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Buy RV

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Rent/Sell house?

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Ken continues working

•

I teach online (I did not want to do this, but what else could I do?)

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Set a date to leave – 1 year, October 2018

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What about our kids?

The only dollar amount we pre-determined was how much money to get back from the refinance to allow us to pay off bills, have some savings, and buy an RV. After doing some half-assed figuring, thankfully we had enough equity in our house to get back $70,000.

•

$35,000 to pay off my school loans

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$10,000 to buy an RV

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$10,000 to pay off car

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$10,000 to keep in savings

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$5,000 to pay off credit cards

We never looked into the actual costs of RVing full time, we just knew we wanted to do it. So we set the plan in action, imperfections and all.

We had no idea about: •

Health insurance

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What exactly are we doing with the house

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Where will our kids live

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Internet connectivity on the road

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How to compensate for my loss of income

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How to maintain an RV

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RVs!

But at the same time we had no big fears, no huge doubts, no voices yelling not to do it. We had encouraging words from our kids and contrary to what you might hear, nobody thought we were crazy. Maybe they knew this about us long before we did.

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#STOUTLIFE TRAVEL

By the end of October, we signed papers to refinance our house. By the end of November we bought RAIF, our RV. We searched on Craigslist, RV stores and we talked to everyone we knew. We were talking to family about our plans when lo and behold, “Hey, I have a friend who is looking to sell their RV. You should come check it out.”

And so began our imperfect search for the perfect RV. We visualized ourselves in each RV cooking dinner, writing blog posts, hiking off into the distance with the camper receding from our view, and it welcoming us back from a chilly hike. Which one welcomed us home? Which one called our names? It was most definitely RAIF.

A quick aside on the name: The previous owner’s name is Ralph, which is phonetically pronounced Raif when you’re from Scotland. Raif was the first of his generation to be born in the U.S. and has lived in Sheridan (where we’ve lived for over 25 years) most of his life. He and his wife traveled during the summer in their camper (now ours) and took great care of it. Their love for it was evident in the way they spoke of it. So, Raif stuck, but also became our Real Adventures in Freedom – RAIF!

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#STOUTLIFE

TRAVEL

We had the RV and we had the money (sort of). All we had to figure out was how to maintain the money.

Ken kept his job, but we both had dreams of being entrepreneurs. So, in December we did a lot more thinking – more so than when we decided to move into an RV. We brainstormed all kinds of ideas: teaching, videos, martial arts, beer, RV life, people, beer, website names, products, food, people, beer, beer, people, until Ken finally hit on an idea that felt true to us and our personalities: We planned on highlighting people living full lives. We have found that many great conversations occur while having a great beer. So we decided to combine the topics and eventually create gear, podcasts, videos and more around our love for interesting people and our passion for good beer.

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#STOUTLIFE TRAVEL

LIVING A STOUT LIFE WAS BORN. DONE? NOT YET! We then purchased this name for every social media aspect you can think of: Facebook, Instagram, a website, Pinterest, Youtube, everything! Then, we created business cards. The process is still ongoing...

It was about the only two tickets remaining to something called an RV Entrepreneur Summit, in Texas in late February. Intrigued, I clicked the link and was hooked. Are you kidding me? A group of entrepreneurs who live in their RVs get together to help others do the same? It was like the biggest sign ever! When the hubby’s away, the wife will spend money and so I bought the tickets, told Ken we were taking RAIF on his first trip to Texas, used all of my vacation time, and counted down the days to February. We found our tribe!

While we knew we were doing this and our family knew we were doing this, my boss did not. And that is what made it real for me; when I told him in January that I wasn’t coming back the next school year. I do love teaching, but the stress of it, especially this past year, has taken so much from my life. Now, knowing that I can now create anything has changed everything.

Ken was away last January for a week in the mountains, and fate had a reason for that. I was sitting at a brewery after hiking with my dog and just wasting some time on my phone, when I came across an email from my favorite podcaster, Heath Padgett.

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#STOUTLIFE TRAVEL

In April we asked ourselves a very important question.

Why are we waiting until next October? So, we upped our launch date to June 5th. Throughout the summer we would stay in Colorado to not only make sure we were all set, but to also make sure our kids were set. In August, we will be heading towards Maine and then down the East Coast, but from there, only the future knows.

Before and after the RV Entrepreneur Summit in February, we took RAIF on mini trips in the mountains near Denver.

We stayed overnight at trailheads and in a brewery parking lot, and we cooked dinner for friends after a cold wintery midnight hike. We got to know RAIF like going on dates, even though we were already committed. We tried out the heater, the water tank, the stove, the steering, the black tank, and more. We found leaks to be fixed, heaters that wouldn’t keep heating, and valves that kept leaking.

In fact we still haven’t figured out everything (welcome to RV ownership! - Ed).

In the meantime, we only had 60 days. We really had to get moving, and we took this as our chance to not only get serious about downsizing, but also to get subscribers to our website. We decided to do a 30-day launch campaign and get people to sign up for a daily email about how to move into your RV with 30 days to go. While hard to maintain with both of us still working full time, writing and sending out an email every day kept us motivated to really get things done.

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#STOUTLIFE

As our launch date neared we decided there was a lot of wasted space above the cab, so we tore out the entire frame and left it empty until we figured out what to do with this new space. In May this became a priority. What Ken did with this space is nothing short of a miracle. We now call it our spare room, as it can sleep an extra person or store whatever stuff needs storing.

Did we make our launch date of June 5th? Yes, barely! At 9:30 that night we left our house of 26 years to our boys and two of their friends. We arrived at our first destination, a mere 80 miles southwest of Denver, just before midnight and stayed for 5 nights. We used this time to turn RAIF into an actual home and figuring out internet access, cooking breakfast outside, working throughout the day, mountain biking in the early evening, enjoying a good beer after dinner, and breathing in the fresh mountain air; all with no idea where we’re heading next.

Do we know everything yet? Only everything that mattered! What will your story be?

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#STOUTLIFE

TRAVEL

RAIF’S STATISTICS (DON’T QUOTE ME ON THESE):

FIRST NINE DAYS/NIGHTS RV LIVING COSTS:

• 2003 GULF STREAM BR TOURING CRUISER

• GAS - $80 FILL-UP

• LENGTH - 23’ 9”

• BOONDOCKING FOR SIX NIGHTS FREE

• PROPANE - $35 FILL-UP

• FRESH WATER - 38 GALLONS • GRAY WATER - 30 GALLONS

• RV PARK IN FAIRPLAY FOR 3 NIGHTS $120

• BLACK WATER - 30 GALLONS

• FOOD - $120 AT THE GROCERY STORE (AND COULD HAVE LASTED US MOST OF THE NINE DAYS, BUT WE LIKE TO EAT OUT)

• HOT WATER - 6 GALLONS • 1PROPANE - 11 GALLONS • FUEL - 55 GALLONS

• ENTERTAINMENT - $200 INCLUDING EATING OUT, VISITING SITES AND DRINKS (WE’VE SPLURGED A LOT ON EATING OUT AND DRINKING SINCE THIS WAS OUR FIRST WEEK – IT ALMOST FELT LIKE A VACATION!)

• GVW - 11,500 POUNDS • FULL BATHROOM AT REAR • SLEEPS FIVE • COST – $10,000

ONGOING COSTS: • ANNUAL INCOME - $43,000 (HALF OF WHAT WE ARE USED TO, SO THIS NUMBER IS STILL A BIT SCARY) • AUTO INSURANCE - NOT SURE EXACTLY WHAT THIS WILL BE YET • HEALTH SAVINGS OF SOME SORT - AGAIN, NOT SURE YET WHAT THIS WILL BE, BUT IT HAS TO BE LESS THAN THE $900 MONTH I WAS PAYING WHILE WORKING • CAMPGROUNDS, RV PARKS AND VARIOUS LODGING - WE PLAN ON BOONDOCKING 20-25 DAYS A MONTH AND WE WILL SEE HOW THAT GOES • GAS AND PROPANE - THIS ALL DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH DRIVING AND COOKING WE DO (WE ONLY PLAN ON DRIVING ABOUT FIVE HOURS A DAY WHEN TRAVELING) • CELL PHONE AND INTERNET - $300 (OUR KIDS WILL CONTINUE TO BE ON THIS PLAN) • ENTERTAINMENT - VARIES • FOOD - VARIES, BUT OBVIOUSLY WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO SHOP AT GROCERY STORES AND COOK IN (BUT WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THAT IN OUR STICKS AND BRICKS HOUSE BECAUSE WE LOVE GOING OUT!)

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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS

CMCA

RV Friendly Towns image: Joey Csunyo

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.

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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.

An RV Friendly Town (RVFT) is one that provides a certain number of amenities and a certain level of services for these travellers.

On the following pages are this issue’s featured RV Friendly towns. If possible please include them in your travels and support the communities going out of their way to welcome those of us fortunate enough to be travelling. Enjoy!

When RV travellers enter a town displaying the RVFT sign they know they will be welcome. Certain services

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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS

Manilla, NSW

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anilla is a town in the centre of a rich wheatgrowing, wool, mixed farming and livestock district, at the junction of the Namoi and Manilla Rivers.

It is situated 44 kilometres north of Tamworth on the Fossickers Way and 456 kilometres north of Sydney.

RV travellers are encouraged to visit this welcoming town and make the most of its services and facilities.

For shorter stays of up to 72 hours, Manilla RV Stop and Shop offers parking at no cost. Alternatively, Split Rock Dam offers long-term parking at a cost of $10 There is so much to explore in the surrounding per-vehicle per-night unpowered or $18 per-vehicle region including Warrabah National Park, which is per-night powered. A dump point is available for use at approximately 35 kilometres north of the town. The Coronation Park and potable water can be sourced at park is home to pools, rapids and several bush-walking the BP service station. tracks.

Tourist/Visitor Information Centre

Manilla Visitor Information Centre T: (02) 6785-1207 E: visitmanilla@bigpond.com W: visittamworth.com

Casual Parking (near retail centre)

Manilla St & behind the Visitor Centre in Alexander

Short Term Parking

Manilla RV Stop & Shop Namoi St 72 hrs.

Long-Term Parking at Split Rock Dam 15 km north (costs).

Dump Point

Coronation Park near the Charles St entrance

Potable Water

BP Australia Ltd, Manilla Rd

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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS

Jeparit, Vic

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eparit is on the Wimmera River in Western Victoria, 370 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. The town services the surrounding agricultural area with wheat, wool, barley and oats. Jeparit is also the birthplace of Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies.

machinery display and several buildings relating to the Colonial era.

Short-term parking is available at Wimmera-Mallee Pioneer Museum for up to 24 hours. There is no cost to stay and pets are permitted on leads. For longer stays, Four Mile Beach offers suitable parking options.

Wimmera-Mallee Pioneer Museum is one of the best of However, fees do apply and are payable to Hindmarsh its type in Australia, and a visit is strongly encouraged. Shire Council. A dump point and potable water are The museum contains an extensive historical farming accessible on Lower Roy Street

Tourist/Visitor Information Centre

Hindmarsh Shire Council 92 Nelson St Nhill, Vic. 3418 T: (03) 5391-4429

Casual Parking (near retail centre)

Roy & Broadway Streets

Short Term Parking

Wimmera-Mallee Pioneer Museum, Charles St Jeparit (24 hrs). Pets okay, bins, no-charge.

Long-Term Parking at Four Mile Beach, Lake Hindmarsh (charges apply). Pets okay.

Dump Point

Lower Roy St, Jeparit

Potable Water

Lower Roy St, Jeparit

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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS

Tumby Bay, SA

Tumby Bay lies 45 kilometres north of Port Lincoln, on the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula. A favourite holiday and fishing destination, the peaceful lifestyle and temperate climate, along with crystal blue waters, pine tree-lined foreshore, historic buildings, boat ramp, marina, and excellent fishing make it an idyllic relaxing year-round holiday destination.

Perfect for swimming, sailing, diving and all manner of aquatics, Tumby Bay has great shopping, modern

sports facilities, dining and accommodation options, as well as excellent bushwalking, bird watching, trails, lookouts, museums, and galleries.

Look forward to reeling in a great catch from the town jetty, or one of many pristine beaches or rock fishing spots. Tumby Bay’s jetty is also home to a healthy leafy sea dragon colony and one of South Australia’s most famous dive spots.

Tourist/Visitor Information Centre

Rodda’s Roadhouse 1 Bratten Way, Tumby Bay T: (08) 8688-2584 W: www.tumbybay.town

Casual Parking (near retail centre)

Travellers Rest Area, Tumby Terrace

Short Term Parking

Self-contained RV Park. Lipson Rd $7.50 per-vehicle-per-night. Honesty Box on site.

Dump Point

Self-contained RV Park. Lipson Rd

Potable Water

Self-contained RV Park. Lipson Rd

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“The longest journey begins with a single cup of coffee...”

Your driver

Photo by Thom Holmes on Unsplash