iMotorhome eMagazine Issue 15 - Dec 1 2012

iMotorhome

15: December 1 2012

.com.au

Issue

because getting there is half the fun...

ROAD TRIP IN TRANSIT Cross-country in Suncamper’s Sovereign Prestige...

KEA Inspiration

Malcolm discovers a surprise across the Tasman

Sun Seeker!

Set up that perfect campsite...

Trakkaway 700

On my mind...

I

mentioned a US website in my previous editorial that specialises in consignment RV sales. It highlights just how cheap RVs of all types are in America and the other night I posted on Facebook about a 1999 28-ft A-Class motorhome with 59,000 miles on the clock for just $7495.

The first comment that came through was, predictably, about how expensive things are in Australia and how we’re always being ‘ripped off.’

This populist view, of course, completely ignores the realities of economies of scale and the disparate population size between our two markets, not to mention wage levels

3

and conditions for average workers, plus social service support like Medicare.

over there low, but at the end of the day it’s all a question of supply and demand.

Still, in raw dollar terms it makes a stark contrast to what a similar vehicle would be worth here. On the plus side, the fact that motorhomes (and RVs in general) hold their value well in Australia is a real bonus when it comes time to move your beloved vehicle on.

Imagine spending $250,000 on a new A-Class in the USA, to find it’s only worth $100,000 just 2 or 3 years later?

I mention all this because just this week my eldest sister bought a 1995 C-Class Winnebago Freeway on an Isuzu cab-chassis, with about 185,000 km on the clock, for around 5 times the cost of the afore-mentioned American A-Class. A big step up from a ‘mature’ Nissan Urvan pop-top camper she first toured in a couple of years back, her new machine – already christened Winnie – is like a palace on wheels to her. The good thing about buying something in that price range in the Australian market is that the price really

No doubt the depressed US economy and rising fuel prices, coupled to the use of big V8 and V10 petrol engines in many rigs, is keeping prices

Continued...

• Campervans • Motorhomes • Caravans • Hobby Haulers

• Campervans • Motorhomes • 4x4 Campers • Caravans

• Camper Trailers • Off-Road Caravans • Pop-top Caravans • Hard-top Caravans • Campervans • Motorhomes

5 Melrose Dr, Wodonga 3690 • Ph: 02 6024 4222 • awrvworld.com.au

Onmy mymind... mind...

On ...Continued

doesn’t have far to fall, should she eventually decide to move it on.

I also mention it because I’d like to hear from any readers with experience in buying and touring in a used motorhome in the USA. I know many Australians and New Zealanders have done it, but what’s involved as far registration and insurance

are concerned, plus any other considerations and/or hidden traps? It would make interesting reading, I’m sure.

Next April, Mrs iMotorhome and I have signed up to deliver a new 31 ft C-Class motorhome from its birthplace in Decatur, Indiana, to its new home at a rental depot in Los Angeles. We have 14 nights to complete the

journey and a 3000 mile allowance, which will allow for some extra sightseeing.

We’re thinking Route 66 with a dash of the Rockies and a side order of Vegas.

Any suggestions?

d r a h c Ri

The iMotorhome Team

Richard Robertson

Malcolm Street

Allan Whiting

Publisher & Managing Editor

Consulting Editor

Technical Editor

A long-time freelance RV, motoring and travel writer, Richard is a dedicated, longterm motorhome enthusiast.

Unquestionably Australia and New Zealand’s best known RV journalist, Malcolm is a fixture at CMCA rallies and RV shows and is now in his second decade as a specialist RV writer.

An experienced motoring writer when Japanese cars were a novelty, Allan’s career read’s like Australian motor writing royalty.

richard@imotorhome.com.au

He has held senior editorial positions with some of the best know recreational vehicle magazines in Australia. Richard also has a passion for lifestyleenhancing technology, which is why he is the driving force behind the new iMotorhome eMagazine.

malcolm@imotorhome.com.au

If it’s available on either side of the Tasman, Malcolm has probably driven it, slept in it, reported on it, knows how it’s made and can tell you just how good it really is.

allan@imotorhome.com.au

Highly experienced in or on everything from motorcycles to B-doubles, Allan also runs www.outbacktravelaustralia. com – an invaluable free resource for anyone into four-wheel driving or touring remote corners of Australia.

©2012 iMotorhome. All rights reserved. Published by iMotorhome. ABN 34 142 547 719.

PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW. 2576. Contact us on 0414 604 368 or Email: info@imotorhome.com.au

5 LOVE YOUR FREEDOM. LOVE YOUR HORIZON.

Embrace your freedom in luxury and style with Horizon Motorhomes.

Established in 1995, our motorhomes are built in, not bolted on, and use Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen Crafter and Fiat Ducato as base vehicles with the option of two or four wheel drive. A choice of five models with a huge selection of tailorable features allows you to personalise your motorhome to your travelling needs. Our quality interiors offer clever layouts to maximize storage and convenience, and our entire range is easy to drive and simple to park. Experience the difference.

Test drive a Horizon Motorhome today.

p. 02 6681 1555 • 299 River St, Ballina NSW 2478

www.ballinacampers.com.au

INSIDE EDISNI

3 ON MY MIND The price is right...

8 NEWS

Happenings across the motorhome world and beyond!

14 TESTED

Royal Road Trip – Richard spends time with Suncamper’s Sovereign Prestige

30 SHOW FEATURE Show & Tell – Bendigo’s Leisurefest proves popular as ever...

34 TESTED

A Touch of Inspiration – Malcolm reviews Kea’s familiar looking Inspiration

17 47 TECHNICAL

A Clear and Present Danger – Collyn Rivers looks at new LPG standards

21 54 ROADSIDE EATS Peas of the Action – Harry’s Cafe de Wheels!

23 60 MOBILE TECH

Follow the Sun – Position your campsite with this handy app...

64 NEXT ISSUE What’s coming up, plus our show calendar

Paradise Motor Homes have Moved Paradise Motor Homes is excited to announce we have moved to the former Swagman premises located at 245 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Queensland.

Our new headquarters houses a state-of-the-art production facility specially designed to meet the high demand for our new price-competitive Integrity Series. The exciting news for those wanting to trade will be the new 15,000sqm Paradise RV Sales & Service Division which will offer:

• Paradise New & Used Sales • Consignment Listings • Annual Motorhome Body Servicing • Solar & GenSet Supply & Fitment • Tilta Car Trailers & A Frames

• Trade-ins • Repairs to all makes & models • Insurance Repairs • Upgrades & modifications • RV Shop

This exciting move into such a high profile and well-known location will delight you with its easy accessibility, improved parking and extended services. We look forward to seeing you at the new home of Paradise.

Enjoy the prestige of owning Australia’s best quality motorhome Paradise Motor Homes www.paradisemotorhomes.com.au 245 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Queensland, 4216 , Australia ph (07) 5597 4400 - fax (07) 5597 5500 - email info@paradisemotorhomes.com.au

Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs, patents and copyrights ™ © 2012

News...

EARLY XMAS PRESENTS FROM WINNEBAGO

You've only got a week left to grab an $8000 factory rebate on all Winnebago dealers' new vehicle stock.

J

ust after we went to press last issue, Winnebago announced a factory rebate clearance sale of dealer stock throughout Australia and New Zealand.

According to a press release, “As Christmas fast approaches, prospective purchasers of an RV now have the opportunity to take home a quality Winnebago motorhome by the end of January and to add to the smile, those customers who sign a contract of sale for a new Winnebago motorhome or campervan from existing dealer stocks, between November 23 December 6, 2012, will receive a massive factory rebate of $8000 off the deal.”

At the Bendigo Leisurefest, we noticed Robert’s Winnebago

offering a new 34 ft Winnebago Nullarbor A-Class, powered by a 6.6 L, 330 HP Chevy V8 turbo-diesel with an Allison Auto transmission, reduced from $425,000 to ‘just’ $389,998 drive away – including a free Suzuki 4WD on an A-frame.

There’s basically only a week to run on this factory rebate deal, so if you’re interested best nip down to your local Winnebago dealer or visit www.winnebago.com.au.

News...

CIA Victoria supports Salvos and Bendigo Men’s Shed

T

he Caravan Industry Association of Victoria (CIA) has donated $5,000 to the Salvation Army Hillskills Workshop, for its Men in Sheds program in Bendigo.

“The caravan industry is very much focused on improving the enjoyment of life, so it is appropriate to support an organisation that helps men to enjoy their later years to the full.”

CIA’s donation coincided with the Bendigo Leisurefest and CIA President Peter May presented the $5,000 giant cheque to Hillskills Workshop coordinator David Reid at the event.

Mr Reid said the CIA donation would buy a much-needed new band saw for the Workshop.

“A band saw is one of the most important power tools in the shop,

“We’re delighted to help Hillskills with its wonderful work for men’s health and wellbeing,” May said.

“The Workshop is much more than just a place to make things and learn craft skills – it is a place where men can talk about things they might not feel comfortable to discuss anywhere else.”

“It does a magnificent job, with more than 80 people attending every week.

Image: © mensshed.org

and our new saw will have all the latest safety features,” he said.

11

News...

Rare Treat for Ford Restorers

F

ord Australia and Rare Spares have announced a landmark partnership to supply a range of officially licensed Ford restoration parts for older model cars.

Under the new program, called

Ford Restoration Parts by Rare Spares, Ford will supply Rare Spares with access to original Ford tooling to manufacture and sell officially licensed restoration parts in Australia, stretching from the company’s first Ford Falcon, the 1960 XK, through to the 1984 XF.

Through the Ford Restoration Parts by Rare Spares program, classic car enthusiasts will now have access to authentic Ford badges, decals, wheel caps and trims, window, door and boot seal rubbers, engine and cooling components, electrical components, lamps and lenses.

Rare Spares is the only official license holder for Ford restoration parts in the Southern Hemisphere and its Ford Restoration Parts will be available in all Rare Spares distributor stores across Australia and New Zealand, and on the Rare Spares online store.

To find out more visit www.rarespares.net.au

News...

RVGO provides servicing, repairs and certified modifications to all types of RVs.

to make your RV and Caravan dream the best years of your life.”

Michael Major and Chris Cathersides are the men behind the business and both are well qualified, with a combined experience in the automotive field exceeding 35 years.

Michael and Chris: the men behind RVGO

I

f you have a motorhome, caravan or other recreational vehicle in need of a little maintenance, repair or renovation, a new facility has recently opened in Sydney’s Terry Hills: RVGO. The Company says, “We offer dependable RV lifestyle

enhancements and solutions Australia wide. After almost a decade in the RV industry RVGO has developed a large range of leading- edge products, services & technical experience that you as our customer require. Combined with exceptional customer care and support we treat your vehicle as if it was our own. Helping

Services include caravan and motorhome chassis servicing, general maintenance and repairs, insurance work and assessment, heating and cooling systems, satellite systems and digital systems, inverters and power systems, solar and energy saving systems Installation of A-frame’s and braking systems, bull-bars and towing systems, engineering and compliance services (VSCCS certificates) and all types of inspections for pre-purchase, travel, selling and storage.

To find out more call 1300 287 679 or visit www.rvgo.com.au

FROM

$11,00 per pe twin s rson hare

0

Royal Road

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige

Spending time with Suncamper’s Sovereign Prestige....

Review and images by Richard Robertson

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige

15

Bridging the gap: Ford’s Transit helps keep the Sovereign Prestige more affordable.

T

he trip came together quickly and quite out of the blue: Suncamper needed its Sovereign Prestige at the Bendigo Leisurefest and I had the time to oblige. Mrs iMotorhome was also available and the plan was a few days on the road to and from the show to really get to know Suncamper’s most luxurious motorhome.

In the end time constraints put paid to the leisurely ramble across the late spring countryside, replacing it with a mad dash in both directions that wasn’t ideal but still allowed time to get to know this capable and comfortable machine.

The Sovereign Prestige is a B-Class motorhome built for two, but can sleep four if required. Built on Ford’s ubiquitous Transit cabchassis, it’s also available on the Fiat Ducato, Iveco Daily, VW Crafter or Mercedes Benz Sprinter, at a price premium.

Name Calling n case you aren’t aware, all Suncamper model names start with the letter “S” and are named after Australian towns or cities. The Sovereign gets the Prestige moniker added because its Suncamper’s range-topping model, with an interior designed in consultation with an interior designer and

I

incorporating the highest quality cabinetry, fabrics, fixtures and fittings.

Standard Prestige fittings include reverse cycle airconditioning, diesel-fired central heating, rich cherry timer finish, a reversing camera, slide-out barbecue, electric awning, outdoor shower, electric entry step and a flat screen HD TV with DVD/ AM/FM/MP3 sound system with iPod connectivity.

All Suncampers are quite compact and the Sovereign Prestige is no exception, measuring just 6.89 m (22 ft 7 in) long. The body has two large electric roof hatches/

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige

The door can’t be held open when the kitchen window is open.

There’s extra storage in this bin just behind the driver’s door.

skylight and a fan hatch over the bathroom, plus Dometic Seitz double-glazed singlehopper windows with in-built flyscreens and privacy blinds all ‘round.The entry door is a Herr unit with separate (nonsecurity) flyscreen and there is an illuminating grab handle alongside, plus an awning light and a blue step light by the first step, inside. It’s a pity, however, that neither the awning or step light can be operated while standing outside: Their switches are with all the other light switches, in a black plastic panel (along with all the other electrical controls) above the door.

Outdoor storage is limited to a decent-sized rear boot only accessible through a large hatch on the kerb side, plus a small compartment above the slide-out gas barbecue and a small storage locker on the driver’s side, just behind the cab. A mixture of LED and traditional external and clearance lighting is used, but while the rear light clusters are housed in a nice looking moldings the lights themselves don’t quite live up to the Prestige title, with the interior wiring connectors easily visible. Surely the rangetopping model deserves LEDs all-round?

Construction-wise, the Sovereign Prestige follows Suncamper’s proven construction method of a

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige

17

Compact and maneuverable, the Sovereign Prestige benefits from the Transit’s new smaller but more powerful and efficient engine. sturdy welded aluminium frame on a steel floor frame, with a single-piece roof that helps reduce the possibility of water leaks. Fully insulated, with smooth outer composite wall panels and interior plywood paneling, all fittings are screwed to the aluminium framework, while cabinetry is vinyl-faced ply of gluedand-screwed (not stapled) construction. It’s a system developed over more than 30 years and Suncampers are well known within the industry for their durability and longevity.

In Transit ord’s Transit has been with us since Adam was a boy and he and Eve

F

All switches are positioned above the door, but an outdoor light switch lower down would be handy.

probably used one to help move out of The Garden when they unexpectedly had to leave. Driving through dual rear wheels, the current model is tough and durable, with parts and service easy to find across Australia. It’s also a pleasant

drive and although nearing the end of its model life it can hold its own in most situations.

For 2012 the Transit received a motor transplant, replacing the long-serving 2.4-litre engine with a smaller-yet-more-

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige

Manual-only Transit is a good drive, with comfy seats and easy through-cab access.

powerful 2.2-litre ‘Duratorq’ common-rail turbo-diesel.

Ford slid the change in at the beginning of the year with little fanfare, but the smaller engine picked up 11 kW and 10 Nm over the larger model.

The ‘little’ engine now puts out 114 kW @ 3500 rpm and 385 Nm at 1600-2300 rpm: highly respectable figures for such a small displacement engine.

Fuel consumption has also been improved and for the record, I recorded an average figure of 14.4 L/100 km while pushing the Sovereign Prestige along at whatever the posted maximum legal speed was.

The biggest thorn in the Transit’s side is the lack of an automatic transmission.

The dash-mounted six-speed manual is light and easy to use, with a handy hill-holder for hill starts that keeps the brakes on for a few seconds when you take your foot off the brake pedal and move it to the accelerator. Word is an allnew Transit is due in 2014 and an auto shifter is high on the priority list, and for motorhome manufacturers it can’t arrive soon enough.

On the road the new engine is silky smooth with plenty of grunt, while the stubby dash-

mounted gear lever shifts easily between ratios. The lack of steering wheel reach/rake adjustment is one concession to the Transit’s age and the side mirrors are starting to look a little small alongside the competition, but this is still a comfortable and enjoyable vehicle to drive in any situation.

And even after two, ten-hour drives neither me nor my good wife had any vehicle-induced aches or pains – and you can’t ask for better than that.

I also have to note the Transit has excellent headlights, with a strong low beam and a penetrating high-beam, aided by internal height adjustment.

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige Cab airconditioning and dual front airbags are included, as is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise control, plus radio controls on a columnmounted stalk just below. For 2013, Transits will pick-up front fog lights and Bluetooth as standard, which are both welcome and worthwhile equipment additions.

Inside Story tep inside and you’ll find the working heart of the kitchen to your left, with the dinette (which makes up into a double bed) opposite it, immediately behind the cab.

To your right you’ll find a halfheight wardrobe with extra bench space and a mirror on top, plus the main bed in the rear kerb-side corner. Directly opposite the entry door and aft of the dinette is the pantry, fridge/freezer and microwave, while in the driver’s-side rear corner is the bathroom, alongside the bed.

19

S

Kitchen storage is good, as is internal storage generally.

The interior looks and feels quite upmarket, with its highgloss deep cherry cabinetry finish, dark marble-effect bench-tops, plush upholstery and wood-effect flooring.

There is also a plethora of interior lighting, including concealed LED strips, LED saloon lights and touchoperated white/blue mood lighting. Turn them all on an the Sovereign Prestige lights up inside like a Christmas tree!

Some dimmers would provide the finishing touch, I feel, to

Dark Cherry cabinetry is stylish and very nicely finished.

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige really help set the right mood every time.

Chow Time! oing against the current minimalist equipment trend, the Sovereign Prestige’s kitchen gets a full complement of appliances. Pride of place goes to a stainless steel Thetford Caprice Mk 111 cooktop with 3 gas burners and an electric hotplate on top, plus a gas grill and a full gas oven that would keep any road chef happy (including the good Mrs iMotorhome).

Above it sits a stainless steel rangehood that’s externally vented, while a floor-mounted 2-door 184-litre Dometic AES 3-way fridge/freezer with mirror-finish doors sits across the aisle (between the dinette and bathroom), with an unbranded microwave above it.

G

Slide-out pantry is good, as is the big 3-way fridge with mirrorfinish doors.

Fridge-top bench is useful when using the microwave.

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige

21

Top kitchen drawer has an inbuilt, sliding cutlery tray.

The main kitchen bench unit sits between the entry door and the front cab. The cooker is next to the entry door, while the single-bowl sink is at the other end, by the cab. Both have glass lids that provide valuable extra bench space when not in use. The main kitchen drawers, a set of four, sits between the cooker and sink, while there is a small drawer beneath the cooker and a cupboard beneath the sink. Cleverly, the top kitchen drawer is quite deep and has a smaller, sliding cutlery drawer inside it.

There are four cupboards above the kitchen bench and extra space on either side in the cut-out area above the cab, plus cupboards

On-road cooking doesn’t get any more serious than this...

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige

above the dinette and beside and above the microwave.

Between the fridge and dinette is a slim, slide-out pantry unit with four baskets, which is a welcome inclusion. All have Suncamper’s self-locking catch system that means as soon as they’re closed they’re locked, and while this is simple it’s very effective.

Natural light and ventilation are no problem, thanks to a window above the kitchen bench, an electric roof skylight and the entry door right beside the cooker. However, care must be exercised as you can’t have the entry door secured open if the kitchen window is open. A careless person could fling the door open and crack the window, while a strong gust of wind

The TV is well concealed when not in use.

could wrench from your hand – with the same result.

Dining and Other Things he cafe-style dinette is directly opposite the kitchen and comfortably seats four. It’s large window

T

also adds to the abundance of natural light and fresh air, while beneath the seats is extra storage accessed though hinged seat bases.

Because of the Sovereign Prestige’s design, neither cab

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige Dark laminates and quality fabrics add a genuine quality touch.

seat swivels, so the dinette is the only place to relax, apart from the bed. The cab roof has been cut out slightly to allow easy through-cab access and because there is no over-cab bed, the overcab area has a series of wood paneled doors around its perimeter. The central two open to reveal the flat-screen TV, which is fixed against a backing wall but can be viewed from the dinette or bed and operated by remote control. Ditto the automotivestyle DVD/audio player, which is mounted separately, above the forward dinette seat.

Cleaning Up estled in the driver’sside rear corner of the Sovereign Prestige is the bathroom, which features

N

Bright white or cool blue: the choice is yours.

23

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige

The shower’s pull-out screen door is opaque, while the loo roll holder is neatly concealed inside a vanity cupboard door.

a separate vanity, loo and shower cubicle.

Entering the long-butnarrowish bathroom through the slightly angled door, to your left you’ll find a compact vanity with sink along the outside wall; a large window above it and a mirror at headheight above that. Turning to face the sink, which has a chrome flick-mixer tap, there is a generous medicine cabinet recessed into the wall between the door you just came through and the outside wall.

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige

25

A generous medicine cabinet is recessed into the wall.

Beneath the sink is a cupboard with two doors, the left-hand one of which opens to reveal a stylish chrome toilet roll holder attached to its inside. Very neat.

The toilet is a swivel-headed Thetford cassette unit that sits snugly between the vanity and shower cubicle.

The shower cubicle is quite generously proportioned and has an opaque door that rolls out like a horizontal roller blind,

providing privacy and ensuring the remainder of the bathroom stays dry. It has a heightadjustable, chrome-finished shower unit that can also be used as a hand shower, a small flick-mixer tap and a moulded-in shelf, plus a fanhatch for light and ventilation.

(6 ft 2 in x 4 ft 4 in) and with a chamfered corner to provide extra floor space by the bathroom door, it’s longer than a double (on the outside wall side) but not quite as wide.

And with walls on both sides there’s no room for bedside knickknacks.

Sweet Dreams eside the bathroom, in the kerb-side rear corner of the Sovereign Prestige, is the main bed.

Measuring 1.88 m x 1.32 m

On the plus side there are large windows above the bed head and on the outside wall, plus another large electrically operated skylight. A sexy blue LED strip light runs around the

B

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige bed head for ‘mood’ effect, while a pair of reading lights are included for catching up on that good book.

Even the bedroom gets the mood lighting treatment.

Moving on, the dinette converts to a second double bed measuring 1.72 m x 1.25 m (5 ft 8 in x 4 ft 1 in), if required, by sliding out metal supports from the seat ends, dropping the table and installing bed boards stored beneath the seats.

In Conclusion here’s a lot to like about the Suncamper Sovereign Prestige.

It looks good outside, in a conservative sort of way, while impressing inside with a high standard of finish and an equipment list to match.

T

A few refining touches, like dimmable interior lights, revised light switch positioning and external LEDs all ’round would make it even better, while the bed is a matter of personal preference.

Ford’s Transit does stirling service and is a comfortable and economical drive while Suncamper’s proven construction method and durability mean it should provide years of faithful service, with nothing more than routine servicing and maintenance.

If you’re in the market for a modern, compact motorhome for two with as much substance as style, be sure to check it out.

Our 9 hour after-show Bendigo/Home dash proved the Transit’s comfort and economy, with no aches or pains and an average 14.4 L/100 km.

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Trakka Trakkaway 700Prestige

27

Rear-corner bed is comfy, but a tad narrow...

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige Suncamper’s range-topping Sovereign Prestige is a quality motorhome that’s well equipped, economical and competitively priced.

Tested: Suncamper Sovereign Prestige

Specifications Manufacturer

Suncamper

Model

Sovereign Prestige

Base Vehicle

Ford Transit

Engine

2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

114 kW @ 3500 rpm

Torque

385 Nm @ 1600-2300 rpm

Gearbox

6-speed manual

Brakes

ABS ventilated 4-wheel discs

Tare Weight

3420 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

4490 kg

Towing Capacity

1510 kg (braked)

Licence

Car

Passengers

2

External Length

6.89 m (22 ft 7 in)

External Width

2.32 m (7 ft 8 in)

External Height

3.13 m (10 ft 3 in)

Internal Height

2 m ( 6 ft 7 in)

Front Bed Size

1.88 m x 1.32 m (6 ft 2 in x 4 ft 4 in)

Rear Bed Size

1.72 m x 1.25 m (5 ft 8 in x 4 ft 1 in)

Cooktop

Thetford Caprice Mk III

Fridge

184 L LPG/12/240 V

Microwave

yes

Lighting

12 V LED/Halogen

Batteries

2 x 120 AH

Gas

2 x 4.5 kg

Solar Panels

Optional

Air Conditioner

Roof Mounted reverse cycle

Heater/Hot Water Heater

22 L Suburban gas/electric

Toilet

Thetford cassette

Shower

Separate cubicle

Fresh Water Tank

146-litres

Grey Water Tank

128-litres

Price

A$ 159,990 drive-away NSW

29

Pros • Compact dimensions • Upmarket interior • High standard equipment list • Economical • Comfortable • Sound construction

Cons • Rear bed a bit narrow • Some light switch positions need revising • Door/kitchen window conflict

Contact Suncamper 3/9 Sefton Rd Thornleigh. NSW. 2120.

Click for Google Maps

Ph: (02) 9484-3952 W: www.suncamper.com.au E: freedom@suncamper.com.au

Show Feature: Bendigo Leisurefest

Show

Bendigo’s Leisurefest proves popular as ever‌

Tell

Show Feature: Bendigo Leisurefest

31

Dave from Albury Wodonga RV World and a neat, compact Sunliner Holiday.

Phil is dwarfed his company’s rugged 4WD Isuzu with slide-on camper.

B

endigo’s perfect weather helped showcase a great RV show. Richard Robertson tells....

The 11th annual Bendigo Leisurefest, held last weekend (Nov 22-24) at the Bendigo

Racecourse, enjoyed perfect weather and seemed well attended.

Unlike the Border RV Show at Wodonga, which we attended in mid August and which proved to me a ‘mudfest’, the Bendigo show went the other

way, with hot (30C-plus) days and not a drop of rain in sight.

Fortunately, the grounds stood up to the onslaught of vehicles and visitors’ feet very well and the show didn’t descend into a ‘dustfest’...

Spread around the grounds of

Show Feature: Bendigo Leisurefest the historic and impeccably maintained Bendigo Racecourse, exhibitors with vehicles and larger displays were concentrated in one area whilst accessory and other sellers were sequestered amongst buildings and pathways in-and-around the main grandstand.

Motorhomes were concentrated in one central area and the brands represented comprised Suncamper, Sunliner (AWRV World), Winnebago (Roberts Winnebago), Jayco and A’van.

Trailblazers RV and TrueLux had fifth-wheelers, while Northstar had its US-made slide-ons on display.

Dealers were well represented.

The show had a good ‘vibe’ and there were plenty of families out for the day on Sunday. Overall attendance was good and most exhibitors I spoke too reported plenty of interest but relatively few buyers for big-ticket items; one remarking the Bendigo show is always “A tough crowd.”

Perhaps the high temperatures tempered people’s enthusiasm or maybe it’s just the state of the economy? One thing is for certain; most if not all exhibitors will be back again for Bendigo Leisurefest 2013.

Suncamper’s Sapphire found plenty of interest.

Show Feature: Bendigo Leisurefest

The calm before the storm: A'vans awaiting the opening day rush‌

Despite the heat nearly 14,000 visitors attended the 3-day show; well up on last year.

33

Tested: Kea Inspiration

A Touch of

Inspiration

KEA raises the bar in NZ motorhome design....

Review and images: Malcolm Street

35

Tested: Kea Inspiration

For private buyers only; KEA’s new Inspiration is part of its three-vehicle Craft range.

K

ea are well known in the New Zealand, Australian and South African motorhome worlds, not only for their rental motorhomes but for their sales to the private market as well. For many years, the latter were the same as the former, just in a different décor. It was something of a credit to the original designs that Kea was able to achieve motorhome designs that were able to hold their heads up in both markets. Coachcraft were

a well known NZ manufacturer who built solely for the private market and were bought out by Kea a few years ago.

Since that time Kea has used the original Coachcraft designs to build up a whole new range of motorhomes which are only available to private buyers. Known as the Craft range, there are currently three models – the four berth Ford Transit powered Origin, the three berth Mercedes Benz Sprinter powered Legend and

the subject of this review, a four berth Inspiration.

The Vehicle

B

uilt on a Mercedes Sprinter CDI 516 cab chassis, the Inspiration is motorised by a 120 kW/360 Nm turbo diesel motor that drives through a six speed full auto transmission. Measuring 7.35 m (24ft) long, the motorhome comes in with a tare weight of 3860 kg. Given the GVM of 4490kg, that gives

Tested: Kea Inspiration

From any angle the Inspiration looks good, while the slide-out barbecue and drop-down hatch table is a worthwhile inclusion.

model which does not have an opening window, but does have a moulded-in garbage bin.

a very generous load capacity of 630 kg which is going to be good for most people. Built very much in the traditional style of a C class motorhome with vacuum moulded composite panel construction being used for just about all the bodywork, the Inspiration has

a moulded luton peak over the driver’s cab, straight walls and a somewhat squarish looking back, offset nicely by the side and tail light mouldings.

Dometic Seitz double glazed acrylic windows are used all round, including the luton whilst the door is a Hartal

For those who love the outdoor lifestyle both the Fiamma awning and the mid wall slideout BBQ are going to create interest. Two wall lights are fitted for evening al fresco activities. There are a surprising number of external bin doors fitted around the Inspiration.

Some are for dedicated items like the Thetford toilet cassette, twin 75AH batteries and single 9.0 kg gas cylinder but the two level storage around the rear offers plenty of room for just about everything needed when motorhoming. It’s quite

37

Tested: Kea Inspiration

On the road the Sprinter-based Inspiration is a safe and solid performer.

a good arrangement because the upper level has bin doors on both sides and at the rear, whereas the lower level just has bin doors on either side but can also be accessed via a hatch from the upper rear door. One additional feature is that the upper nearside door has also been designed to be used as a picnic table.

On the Road hat can I say about a Mercedes Benz Sprinter powered motorhome? On my brief travels north of Auckland through Waiwera, Wenderholm Park and the historic town of Puhoi, the 120 kW turbo diesel pushed the Inspiration along

W

very nicely. Naturally a 7.35 m motorhome isn’t going to be a sports car in either handling or performance but the Inspiration is a well balanced motorhome without too much rock and roll.

Living Inside ndoubtedly the standout feature of the Inspiration is that it has a “New Zealand back”, that is a club lounge at the rear

U

Tested: Kea Inspiration

Standard inclusions are good (above) while the wrap-around rear lounge/dinette helps you make the most of the view.

with windows all round. It can of course be converted into the bed. An additional smaller lounge/dining area has been created at the front with both cab seats swivelling around and a small removable table fitting in between. There is of course a luton peak bed above which does lift out of the way

if not needed. Mid motorhome are the nearside kitchen bench and offside bathroom.

On either side directly behind the driver’s cab, wall cabinets have been fitted on both sides. They utilise the space quite effectively, with a small cupboard and shelves

above on the nearside and a cabinet and shelf area on the opposite side. This also acts as a mounting point for a flat screen TV that can be seen from the swivelled cab seats.

Conveniently located in the overhead lockers above is a centrally mounted panel with 12-volt switching, Webasto

39

Tested: Kea Inspiration

Swivelling front seats provide extra seating flexibility.

Main electrical control panel is KEA’s own design.

heater and satellite TV controls.

Given the large window area and two large roof hatches, there is no shortage of natural light. In addition to the integrated blinds and screens, all the windows except those in the luton have Roman blinds as well.

Lounging Around s noted above, there are two lounge areas with the one in the rear certainly being more comfortably to stretch out on with the feet up or to seat four people quite easily. Very conveniently the table has a Zwaardvis mount which means

A

Tested: Kea Inspiration a multi directional table.

An asset of this arrangement, more readily appreciated by NZers than Aussies, is that it’s much easier to enjoy the view outside without going out into cold or wet weather. Downside is that there isn’t a fixed double bed. However, if the rear bed, which is permanently made up, then there is still somewhere else to sit and eat. It is possible with this layout to have the rear bed made up as a double and still have seats at the end of the lounge but no table.

One of the original Coachcraft layouts had a similar setup with a table mounting slightly further forward.

Above the lounge seats there are overhead lockers all round, the side ones having conventional top hinged doors, the rear one being sideways operated roller shutters. Facing to the rear and mounted on the bathroom wall are both a flat screen TV and a small hinged shelf – ideal for books, drinks and nibbles. Lighting in the rear is quite generous with a ceiling light, two strip lights under the offside/rear overhead lockers and reading lights under the nearside lockers.

Time to Eat n some ways, given the size of the motorhome, the kitchen is relatively small.

Located between the entry door and rear lounge, it comes with a four burner cooktop/grill/

I

Inspiration’s kitchen is compact but generously equipped.

Tested: Kea Inspiration Kitchen storage is good and well thought out.

oven plus a stainless steel sink and drainer. Both have hinged glass tops which improve the smallish bench top area. At first glance the under-bench area looks like it has three cupboards but opening the double doors reveals a multi shelved area and a slide-out garbage bin under the sink area whilst behind the third door is a set of wire basket drawers and a handy cutlery drawer. Making up the rest of the kitchen features are the necessary 175 litre three way fridge with microwave oven above which

41

(6 ft 6 in x 2 ft 4 in). Above the driver’s cab the luton bed comes in at 2.15 m x 1.3 m (7 ft 1 in x 4 ft 3 in). The latter is quite a sophisticated arrangement. As well as the After Hours usual mattress and reading s noted above there lights, the offside has a a are several choices on couple of recessed shelves sleeping arrangements. around the window and If the rear bed is made up as an both 240 V and 12 V power east west double by drawing sockets. It all looks a very good out the slatted wooden base it space usage arrangement. measures 2.17 m x 1.38 m Although the ladder access is (7 ft 1 in x 4 ft 5 in) or if a single okay, Kea have not used one bed setup is needed, then they I have seen previously in their measure 1.99 m x 0.7 m motorhomes which had nice adjoin the bathroom on the opposite side. With the fridge floor mounted, the microwave oven is relatively user friendly, i.e. not too high.

A

Tested: Kea Inspiration Luton offside has recessed shelves and 230V/12V sockets.

Rear lounge easily made up into bed.

Control panel centrally located behind driver’s cab.

The Inspiration's over-cab bed-head is a real feature, as is its expansive rear lounge/bed, which offers unrivalled viewing at every stop. wide steps (thereby not being uncomfortable on the feet) and folded relatively flat.

In the keeping clean department, Kea has opted for a space saving combo

bathroom which comes with a by both a roof hatch and Thetford bench style cassette moderately sized window. toilet, variable height flexible What we Think hose shower and wash basin. his writer was very Additional features include familiar with the original shaving cabinet and extendable Coachcraft range which towel rail. Ventilation is handled

T

43

Tested: Kea Inspiration

Bathroom includes moulded wash basin, shaving cabinet and towel rail

were well built motorhomes and I was pleased to hear that Kea took up the intellectual property, plans and some of the mouldings from the closed company. Looking through the new Inspiration it is quite easy for me to see some of the

Coachcraft heritage but to that Kea have added a considerable number of improvements and updates of their own. It doesn’t have an island bed which might disappoint a few but it does have a very flexible layout and one that I could certainly live

with without too much trouble, as well as that time honoured “NZ Back”. At the risk of typing a line that Mr iM Publisher might well use, it’s a very Inspirational design... as well as being a well put together motorhome.

Tested: Kea Inspiration

The Inspiration's Coachcraft origins give it a distinctly Trakka Trakkaway appearance...

45

Tested: Kea Inspiration

Specifications Manufacturer

Kea Camper

Model

Inspiration

Base Vehicle

Mercedes Benz CDI 516

Engine

2.2-litre turbo-diesel

Power

120 kW @ 3800 rpm

Torque

360 Nm @ 1400-2400 rpm

Gearbox

6-speed auto

Brakes

Disc ABS

Tare Weight

3860 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

4490 kg

Licence

Standard NZ Driver

Passengers

4

External Length

7.35 m (24 ft 1 in)

External Width

2.4 m (7 ft 10 in)

External Height

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in)

Internal Height

2.0 m (6 ft 7 in)

Rear Bed Size (Double)

2.17 m x 1.38 m (7 ft 1 in x 4 ft 5 in)

Rear Bed Size (Single)

1.99 m x 0.7 m (6 ft 6 in x 2 ft 4 in)

Luton Bed

2.15 m x 1.3 m (7 ft 1 in x 4 ft 3 in)

Cooktop

Thetford Caprice Mk III

Fridge

Dometic RM 7855 175-litre 3-way

Microwave

Sharp Carousel

Gas

1 x 9.0 kg

Lighting

12 V LED/fluorescent

Batteries

2 x 75 AH deep cycle

Solar Panels

1 x 62 W

Air Conditioner

Dometic roof mounted

Heater

Webasto diesel

Hot Water Heater

Truma 14-litre gas/240 V

Toilet

Thetford bench cassette

Shower

Flexible hose, variable height

Fresh Water Tank

130-litre

Grey Water Tank

130-litre

Price

$189,000

Pros

• Very liveable layout • Flexible rear lounge/double/ single bed setup • Good interior lighting (both natural and otherwise) • Luton “bed head” • Good exterior bin area

Cons • Luton ladder could be better • Table mounting in rear could be better positioned.

Contact Kea 169 Bush Road Albany, Auckland, NZ. Ph: 0800 520 055 W: www.keasales.co.nz E: steve.lane@thlonline.com

Click for Google Maps

Sunliner 2012

Return to luxury and style Available in dealerships now

info@sunliner.com.au www.sunliner.com.au 1800 SUNLINER

Tested: United Premier Technical: New2plus1 Gas Standards

47

A CLEAR AND PRESENT

DANGER Misuse of LPG in RVs is a matter of concern for everyone...

By Collyn Rivers

Technical: New Gas Standards

A

This article discusses the very real risks if LPG is misused in a caravan or motor home, or any type of RV, tent or annexe. In particular it emphasises the major risk of brain damage at very low levels of carbon monoxide produced. It also advises that the previous AS 5601 Gas Standard has been replaced by the joint AS/NZS two-part Standard AS 5601.2010. That relevant for the RV field is Part 2 (Gas Installations in caravans and boats for nonpropulsive purposes). Note that, legally, 'caravans' includes all RVs.

round 1850, when the first domestically available gas was produced by burning coal (usually as carbon) in the virtual absence of air, (about 10% carbon monoxide content), few people knew why it was so lethal. But the only too real danger became quickly known and respected. Following the general acceptance of propane in the 1930s and the later usage of LPG in RVs, and natural gas in homes, much of that respect appeared to become lost.

The reality is not that that LPG is safe, but that because its carbon monoxide concentration is lower, it takes longer to kill than it did before.

Nevertheless approximately 30% of people with severe carbon monoxide poisoning are likely to result in death.[1] It is still, in some countries, that most used for deliberate poisoning. During 2001-2002, carbon monoxide poisoning was responsible for 43.9% of deaths by poisoning in New Zealand.[2] That same NZ report also noted that imported LPG portable appliances, certified only for outdoor use, were nevertheless being claimed by their manufacturers and distributors as suitable for indoor use.

It warned that the misuse of such appliances in an indoor environment, including caravans and tents, could be

49

Technical: New Gas Standards unsafe and potentially fatal. In 2010 an independent report (for NZ Energy Safety) found that there was not a sufficient safety problem to ban their use, but because of fire risk and concerns about ongoing chronic health hazards, additional health and safety warnings were placed on these units at their point of sale.

The cause of risk he major risk with LPG (and fossil fuels generally) is that they require a lot of air to burn safely. Burning LPG in an enclosed space decreases the oxygen content and increases the carbon dioxide concentration. Further, the amount of air required varies with the nature of that gas. Most RV equipment is designed to run from propane, but if used as some do (illegally as well as dangerously) with Autogas, that gas might well contain a fair amount of butane and thus produces a lot of carbon monoxide through incomplete combustion. A total giveaway is any yellow content in the flame.

T

As 100% total burning cannot be guaranteed, space heating in Australia, and many other countries, requires the burning process to be external to the space heated.

Australian Standards he above is made totally clear in AS/ NZS AS5601. As with

T

its earlier version, and its ‘WARNING predecessor, (AG 601-1995), the appropriate wording states: Ensure ventilation when the cooker is in use.

‘The following appliances Do not use for space shall not be installed in a heating’. caravan *: (c) a space heater, other than a room-sealed type. * (A caravan is defined in AS 5601 as being – ‘a structure that is or was designed or intended to move from one place to another, whether towed or transported, which is intended for human habitation... and includes a self-propelled recreational vehicle.’)

Item 6.9.4 of the new Code calls for a permanently legible label with a minimum character height of 4.0 mm to be affixed 'in a conspicuous position on or adjacent to, the '[gas cooking]' appliance and shall provide at least the following information:

Brain damage nhaling even relatively small amounts of the gas can lead to hypoxic injury, neurological damage and even death’.[3]

I

Carbon monoxide exposure might lead to a significantly shorter life span due to heart dam-age,[4]. Exposures at 100 ppm (part per million) can be dangerous to human health.[5] Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common cause of injury and death due to poisoning, world-wide.[6] Ongoing denial his matter came to a head in early 2012, when three men died in a matter related to carbon monoxide poisoning, in a

T

Technical: New Gas Standards It then noted that: ‘The major risk identified (in our opinion) is that of gas appliances being used in an inappropriate manner, e.g. LPG gas ovens left on with the door open to provide heat, steel plates and ceramic pots placed over LPG gas rings for the same purpose. It also alluded to the ongoing illegal use of LPG catalytic heaters ‘in poorly ventilated annexes and within the RV itself.’

The submission also noted: ‘A further issue is the lack of quantitative data on reported incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning in RVs. This has created a concern because the warnings of the dangers are frequently met by denial on the basis that no hard data is available.'

caravan in Tasmania. Despite the Coroner’s report not yet having been published and ongoing media reports based almost totally on speculation, this was initially met on some Internet forums by a wall of denial from people with no possible knowledge of what had occurred.

Government response onsequent to those deaths, a formal government-related initiative, the ‘Gas Appliances (Carbon Monoxide) Safety Strategy’ was established with the intent of making

C

people (particularly RV users) aware of the risks. I was asked to assist in preparing the formal submission for the 60,000-plus membership of the Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA). That submission included: ‘Our view is not so much that the existing regulations relating to gas installation in RVs necessarily need changing, but that RV owners do not take the known risks sufficiently seriously. This is shown often, not only on our own (now shut down) website forum, but on other similar RV forums.’

Quantifying the risk bout 35 ppm (parts per million) causes headache and dizziness within six to eight hours; 200 ppm (about 0.02%) causes a slight headache within two to three hours, plus loss of judgment; at 800 ppm (0.08%) there is dizziness, nausea, and convulsions within 45 min, insensibility within two hours and death within three hours.

At 1600 ppm (still a mere 0.16%), there is ‘headache, tachycardia, dizziness, and nausea within 20 min. Death occurs in less than two hours.

Even at 6400 ppm (0.64%) death occurs inside 20 minutes; and at the far from

A

51

Technical: New Gas Standards

Truma’s safe, efficient LPG-fired water and air heating unit. high 12,800 ppm (1.28%) you become unconscious after 2-3 breaths and will be dead in less than three minutes.[7] To gain some concept of the above levels, the natural atmospheric level is about 0.1 ppm. The exhaust from a warm car’s exhaust (that lacks a catalytic converter) is 7000 ppm.[8] The above is reflected in the USA’s relevant (OHSA) regulations that limit long-term workplace exposure levels to less than 50 ppm (0.005%) averaged over an 8-hour period. In addition, employees are to be removed from any confined space if an upper limit (‘ceiling’) of 100 ppm is reached.’[9] The build-up of carbon monoxide is often exacerbated by blocked ventilation, so the risk of brain damage at lower

levels of exposure, particularly where ventilation is poor, is only too real. The elderly, children, and people with heart and respiratory problems are likely to suffer from the effects sooner and more severely, as may heavy smokers.

Offering advice he advice that ‘it is only dangerous if you do not stay awake’ shows an astonishing naïve lack of understanding of the early symptoms. It is in itself dangerous, but to advise others accordingly is naive almost beyond credibility.

T

For anyone still doing this, and some still are, it is advisable to bear in mind that, were some-one to die as a result of following such advice, the consequent charge may extend to man-slaughter.

Further, those inciting others to

perform an illegal act may be committing a criminal offense.

Appliances – defined t is thus for very good reasons that the use of any gas for the purpose of direct space heating in a caravan is illegal in every state of Australia and that any cooking appliance used for space heating, by any form of burning gas is defined as a ‘gas appliance’.

I

Many argue that a ceramic pot or whatever is ‘not an appliance’, but overlook that devices are legally definable in terms of intent - not necessarily of content.

A screwdriver may thus be defined as a device for dealing with screws, or in dangerous areas at night, may be defined as an offensive weapon. The same reasoning extends to a gas cylinder; or a can of petrol that, if carried onto a plane, will

Technical: New Gas Standards

Diesel-fired ducted air heaters.

almost certainly be designated as a bomb.

when asked specifically if placing a ceramic pot or steel plate over a gas ring, or leaving Ceramic pots the door open on a lighted ceramic device placed oven, with the intent to heat an over a lighted gas stove interior space, it becomes, by for the purpose of space definition a space heater, he heating is thus liable to held responded ‘my bloody oath’! to be an ‘appliance’ that is intended to be a space heating References to local usage are in Australian Standard device for that usage - and AS/NZS 5601.2.2010. A therefore prohibited. summary called Guide to Gas The reason why it is so Installations in Caravans & dangerous to do this with (say) Mobile Homes (and containing a ceramic flower pot or steel or all of the above references) is cast iron plate, is that the flame available free from The Office of is trapped within an area where Gas Safety (or its equivalent in air may not flow freely, and each state) but relates primarily thus the gas is not fully burned. to the previous Standard. It is Then, that seemingly innocent also available on the Internet setup is a carbon monoxide (Google the above title). generator – and in some cases New Zealand exhibits that by burning with ntil 2010 the Gas that tell-tale yellowish flame, or Standard (AS 5601) forming and depositing soot. related only to Australia This was confirmed to me - primarily because Australia’s unequivocally by a Gas LPG is either propane or Regulator in mid June 2009: mostly propane with a small

A

U

proportion of butane, whilst NZ uses propane and up to 50% butane. Appliances built to burn one form of LPG can be hazardous when used to burn another. The Gas Regulators’ view was that (as with using Autogas illegally to replace LPG) that this posed an unacceptable safety risk respectively to New Zealand and Australian consumers.

This issue has now been resolved: including by 'Australian RV appliances increasingly being certified for use with Universal LPG Gas to accommodate the NZ market': written advice from the NZ Office of Energy Safety, 18/09/2012. This 'Universal LPG gas' issue affects only Australian gas appliances made for the NZ market).

Safe RV heating ermany's Webasto and Eberspächer companies produce

G

Technical: New Gas Standards very similar diesel-powered space and space-plus-hotwater power heaters. Truma now has a generally similar LPG powered equivalent.

Both draw fresh air in from outside and exhaust to the outside too. These are the only form of heating that can be recommended for RVs. They are fully covered in the author's The Campervan and

References Gas Installation Code AG 601 – 1995 Published by (Australia’s) The Gas Installation Code Committee.

AS/NZS 5601.2: 2010 Published by Standards Association of Australia.

Report of the (SA) Technical Regulator 2005-2006 Annual Report (p.7).

Motorhome Book, and also the second Edition of the author's The Camper Trailer Book published in August 2012. The Eberspächer product in some countries is marketed under the Dometic name and sold by Dometic.

I

2002” (Free full text). The New Zealand Medical Journal 118 3. Raub JA, Mathieu-Nolf M, Hampson NB, Thom SR (April 2000).

“Carbon monoxide poisoning-a public health perspective”.

Toxicology 145 (1): 1–14. Raub JA, Mathieu-Nolf M, Hampson NB, Thom SR (April 2000). “Carbon monoxide poisoning-a public health perspective”. Toxicology 145 (1): 1–14 4. Henry CR, Satran D, Lindgren B, Adkinson C, Nicholson CI, Henry TD (January 2006). “Myocardial Injury and Long-term Mortality Following Moderate to Severe Carbon Monoxide Poisoning”

New Zealand (facts and data) Permanent Exemption of LPG appliances from the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangements.

(Regulation Impact Statement for Consulation - 2008.)

5. Prockop LD, Chichkova RI (Nov 2007). “Carbon monoxide intoxication: an updated review”.

Journal of the Neurological Sciences 262 (1-2): 122–130.

1. Varon J, Marik PE, Fromm RE Jr, Gueler A (1999). “Carbon monoxide poisoning: a review for clinicians”.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine 17 (1): 87–93.

2. McDowell R, Fowles J, Phillips D (November 2005). “Deaths from poisoning in New Zealand: 2001-

rarely include such references in material intended for general reading. I include references (from referred papers from major journals etc) here however in an attempt to stave off 'that’s just your opinion’ responses.

Referenced papers normally research topics thoroughly prior to writing anything technical - but

Office of Gas Safety (Vic) – Guide to Gas Installations in Caravans & Motor homes.

Similar guides are available from all state gas regulatory bodies.

References (Papers)

53

6. Thom SR (October 2002).

“Hyperbaric-oxygen therapy for acute carbon monoxide poisoning”.

The New England Journal of Medicine 347 (14): 1105–1106 7. Carbon Monoxide. Washington, D.C.: National Academy of Sciences.

1977. pp. 29. ISBN 0-309-02631-8.

8. Struttmann T, Scheerer A, Prince

TS, Goldstein LA (Nov 1998).

“Unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning from an unlikely source”.

The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice 11 (6): 481–484.

9. “OSHA Fact Sheet: Carbon Monoxide”. United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. http://www.osha.gov/ OshDoc/data_General_Facts/ carbonmonoxide-factsheet.pdf.

10. http://dspace.rubiconfoundation.org/xmlui/bitstream/ handle/123456789/7964/ DHM_V38N3_breathing_gas. pdf?sequence=1.

Collyn Rivers (© Caravan & Motorhome Books (2012) Church Point, NSW Australia.)

Caravan & Motorhome Books, and Successful Solar Books, PO Box 356 Church Point, NSW 2105 (Australia) Tel: 02 9997 1052.

Websites: www. caravanandmotorhomebooks.com and www.successfulsolarbooks.com email: collynr@bigpond.com

e h t f o s a e P ! n o i t c A

Roadside Eats...

Hot Dog! Harrys’ is a great place to visit...

By Richard Robertson

Roadside Eats...

55

Tuesday 3pm: Harry’s is busy all day, every day...

N

estled beside Sydney’s Garden Island Naval Base, Harry’s Cafe de Wheels is arguably Australia’s most famous and long-serving pie cart. A star of film and TV; featured globally in magazines and travel reports and now classified by the NSW National

Trust, Harry’s has grown from the original van to become a booming business, with seven additional outlets in Sydney and one in Newcastle.

According to Wikipedia, Harry "Tiger" Edwards opened the original caravan cafe, simply

named Harry's, near the gates of the Garden Island Naval Dockyard in 1938. He served with the AIF in World War II, during which time the cafe was not operational. The cart re-opened upon his return from the war in 1945.

Roadside Eats...

The name Cafe de Wheels came about because of the requirement from the City Council that mobile food caravans had to move a minimum of 12 inches (30 cm) each day. The cart has been moved to various locations on Cowper Wharf road over the last 70 years, mostly due to re-development work in the Woolloomooloo Bay

area. Local legend tells that the name was temporarily changed to Cafe de Axle at one point when the wheels were stolen and it was referred to as Harry the Axle's for most of the sixties.

As the years passed, 'Harry's Cafe de Wheels' gained new fame as a tourist attraction. A visit to the caravan became a

'must' for visiting celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Robert Mitchum and Marlene Dietrich.

In 1974, Colonel Sanders stopped at Harry's and enjoyed the food so much that he ate three 'pies and peas' while leaning on his walking stick in front of the caravan.

A picture of Sanders taken during the visit still hangs in the caravan today.

Locals, tourists and celebrities have been flocking to Harry’s for decades. Parking is possible, but a cab or bus ride will let you enjoy the food without the worry of a parking ticket.

Even Pame la Anderson has lined up at these famous coun ters!

Roadside Eats...

A Hotdog with peas and hot chilli sauce: My favourite!

57

Roadside Eats...

When You’re On A Good Thing... he menu hasn’t changed much at Harry’s over the years, although hotdogs were introduced in to appease the influx of American serviceman on R&R during the Vietnam War. And it’s a hotdog that is the subject of this story, but not just any hotdog...

T

A Harry’s hotdog with peas and chilli sauce is a favourite I’ve been scoffing at every

opportunity since being introduced to it in 1989.

Cradled in a huge pillowy-soft bun, the super-sized hotdog nestles atop a bed of steaming mushy peas, caressed by carefully drizzled but seriously hot chilli sauce. Oh yum!

Harry’s pies, pasties, sausage rolls, egg and bacon rolls and other delights are good too – apparently – although to be honest I can never forsake my first true love.

The Harbour-side Cafe de Wheels is open 24/7 and it’s harbourside location is a beauty. So too is the amazing collection of memorabilia that adorn the walls. Parking close by is a possibility, but certainly not a given. But no matter.

Even if you have to catch a cab, bus or walk, be sure to visit Harry’s next time you’re in Sydney. You can also check out the other Harry’s locations at www.harryscafedewheels. com.au.

Roadside Eats...

Unique murals by Allan Puckett, a motoring art specialist, adorn the van – along with photos of the rich and famous enjoying a quick bite.

59

Mobile Tech...

Follow

the Sun! Position your campsite perfectly with this handy free app...

H

ave you ever set-up camp only to find the afternoon, midday or even morning sun in an inconvenient spot? Then you need Sun Seeker Lite, a handy free app that shows you the path of the sun at your exact location.

Available for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android, this simple app shows a flat compass view with you at the centre and a yellow line for the sun’s current path, with points showing its position every hour. It also displays the solar path for summer and

winter solstices, plus rise and set times and other details.

It also visually displays how many hours of sunlight and darkness there are in your day.

You can also switch to map mode, which brings up either

Mobile Tech...

61 The blue dot (top) is you and the white arrows show the Sun's position on the hour, plus at the time, for that day.

Augmented Reality mode (below) lets you view your location via the camera and plots the solar path over it.

a street, satellite or hybrid map of your current position, overlaid with arrows showing the suns direction at each hour from sunrise to sunset, plus its current position. This is ideal when arriving at a spot and establishing camp, to either make the most of

Mobile Tech...

Sun Seeker’s map mode offers several display options.

(or avoid) the sun’s full strength, plus work out where tree shadows will likely fall.

For an extra dollar or two (I’m not sure how much because I upgraded ages ago) you can buy the full-fat version, which

includes a 3-D ‘Augmented Reality’ display that lets you view you current location through your device’s camera, with the solar path and other information superimposed in real time. Very snazzy...

This means you just point your camera at a tree, for example, to work out where the shadow will be at a certain time, or where the sun will rise or set – all with pinpoint accuracy.

Motorhoming aside, Sun

Mobile Tech...

The flat ‘solar compass’ is not as confusing as it might appear. Basically it’s just a circle with you in the middle, the sun’s path and the hours of daylight and night time displayed.

Seeker is handy if you’re looking at buying a new home or piece of land; when gardening and wondering where to position plants or when planning a special outdoor event to ensure the best natural lighting. This is

because it will show the solar path and solstices for any location on earth, on any given date. How handy is that?

So get out there sun seekers and get Sun Seeker. You’ll take a shine to it in no time...

64

Next Issue...

NEXT ISSUE

I

n case you haven’t noticed Christmas is almost upon us, so in the final issue for 2012 watch out for some Festive cheer as we gear up for 2013.

February 8-10

FEB

8-10

We’re going to finish the year with a reader’s custom VW Caddy and a new motorhome review that’s still being decided, as well as a look at the adventures of Australian Women’s Surf Ski Champion, Jackie Dillon, and her Trakka Trakkadu. There’ll also be more apps, more eats and a distinct Christmas theme to round out our first year!

FEB

MAR

20-34February 1-3

FEB

20-248-10

FEB

20-34

See you on Saturday Dec 15 and as always, please follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ and Twitter iMotorhome) (@iMotorhomeMag) until then. Stay safe!

MAR

1-3March

FEB

1-3 8-10

FEB

20-34

MAR

1-3

Newcastle Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo

Adelaide Caravan & Camping Show

Gold Coast Caravan, 4WD, Fish & Boat Show

Newcastle Entertainment Centre & Showground Broadmeadow, NSW, 2292.

Adelaide Showground Goodwood Road, Wayville.

SA, 5034.

• Open 10:00-6:00 daily • Parking not advised • Adults $13 • Seniors $10 • Kids U 15 free with adult

Parklands Showground Parklands Drive, Southport.

QLD, 4215.

• Open 09:00-5:00 daily (closes 4:00 pm Sunday) • parking not advised • Adults $15 • Seniors $11 • Kids U 16 fee with adult

• Open 09:00-5:00 daily (4:00 pm Sun) • Free parking • Adults $10 • Seniors $6 • Kids U 16 free with adults • Website: www.newcastle. supershow.com.au

Click for Google Maps

• Website: www. caravanandcampingsa. com.au

Click for Google Maps

• Website: www. campingshow.com.au

Click for Google Maps

Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes, campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general?

Drop us a line at info@imotorhome.com.au and we’ll happily promote it in this calendar.