iMotorhome eMagazine Issue 20 - March 2 2013

iMotorhome

20: March 02 2013

.com.au

Issue

because getting there is half the fun...

Win!

$50 Caltex Fuel Card!

Something new on the Horizon

Horizon’s Banksia gets all dressed up...

Avida Launch!

Australia’s newest motorhome range unveiled

Freedom Camping Exploring the pros and cons...

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

On my mind...

COME IN SPINNER!

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s one who has worked in advertising I respect the PR person’s job and admire the ability to put a positive spin on horrendous facts. This week I received a press release from RVM Australia – Australia’s peak body for RV manufacturers – headlined “RV Industry Continues Record Run.” Great news I thought!

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he press release was full of positive statements about how the RV Industry as a whole almost had another record year and what a great result 2012’s sales figures were. Pats on the back all ‘round, chaps.

Going to the end of the press release, because few people read that far (seriously), I was gobsmacked. Motorhome sales fell 35 per cent in 2012!

Perhaps the headline “Industry Sector Hits Iceberg, Deck Chairs Nicely Rearranged” would be more appropriate?

There was no mention in the body of the document of the fall in motorhome sales. None.

Zilch. Zippo. There was just spin about caravan sales (which still fell 4.1 per cent) and how they almost exceeded the record again, and what great shape the Australian RV Industry is in.

A fall of 35 per cent equates to 533 vehicles in a market that

3 only sold 1522 new vehicles the previous year. I’m hoping the collapse of KEA Campers last year and a resultant shake out of the rental market had something to do with that, because the established manufacturers I’ve spoken to are saying things are okay (and my glass is half full).

I’ll be trying to elicit a comment from RVM Australia on this, so stay tuned for next issue.

Speaking of KEA Campers, I had planned to bring you an interview in this issue with Rudi Fuhrmann, newly installed CEO of the CMCA. In case you’re not aware, Rudi was (I believe) joint managing director of KEA’s Australian operation, which 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

5 4

...Continued

abruptly ceased trading last year and was absorbed by rival THL (owners of Britz and Maui).

Perhaps the question list I sent ahead of the interview asked too many awkward questions, but the interview didn’t go ahead and a good PR opportunity for both Rudi and the CMCA was lost. Shame.

On a positive note, I spent two hours this week interviewing

Ben Binns, CEO of Avida – makers of the Australian Winnebago – and being shown around the factory. The interview will appear next issue as a follow-up to this issue’s Avida launch feature and will be the first of a new series called (rather irreverently) Meet Your Maker.

In it I will be trying to help you get to know the people behind Australia’s and New Zealand’s motorhome companies; what

The iMotorhome Team

makes them tick and where they see their businesses going.

Unlike the car industry, the RV industry is notoriously sensitive to questions and criticism, but I found Ben forthright and open and I hope future interviewees will be as cooperative and candid.

d r a h c Ri

Richard Robertson

Malcolm Street

Agnes Nielsen-Connolly

Publisher & Managing Editor

Consulting Editor

Design & Production Manager

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.

Agnes is an experienced and talented graphic designer with extensive experience across a wide range of disciplines, including travel and advertising.

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.

agnes@imotorhome.com.au

Designing and producing iMotorhome issues since June 2012, Agnes does much of the behind-the scenes work to ensure every issue looks great and is easy to read.

©2013 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

Trakkaway 700

INSIDE EDISNI

3 ON MY MIND 7 ON YOUR MIND Come in Spinner!

A new place so you can have your say

10 NEWS & FEATURE News plus Avida’s Adelaide launch feature!

20 TESTED

A Little Bit Fancy! – Richard reviews Horizon’s fancy B+W Banksia

35 FEATURE

Positives & Negatives – a look at Freedom Camping’s pros and cons

SHOW FEATURE 39 17 Adelaide Show was hot, hot, hot!

47 TECHNICAL

21

Collyn Rivers looks at rechargeable batteries

52 MOBILE TECH

23 58 ROADSIDE EATS Around and About – is this the most useful travel app ever?

The Lunch Shak – it’s a little old place that will tickle you pink

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

7 6

On your mind...

7 It’s only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind, you should be able to have yours too. If you have anything to say – or ask – just drop a line to letters@imotorhome. com.au and we’ll share it with

our readers. We’ll also reward the most interesting, useful or thoughtful letter each issue with a $50 Caltex fuel card to help you on your way.

Hi Richard, My husband and I have been travelling regularly, but this year we are going to try something different. I’ve just finished reading a book called Kings in Grass Castles, by Dame Mary Durack. Like it says in Wikipedia, “It’s the story of the pioneering Durack family establishing its pastoral interests in the Australian Outback during the nineteenth century. It concerns the life and times of Durack's grandfather Patrick, an Irish immigrant who became a leader of the Overlanders, who brought their cattle on hoof to the

tropical north. The novel was notable for its portrayal of the role of women and families in the pastoral industry and collaboration and respect between the pastoralists and local Aborigines.”

of a trip will take us to places we would never usually think of going and I am again very excited about being retired and being able to travel in our motorhome. Thank you for your magazine and please keep up the good work.

Hi Richard.

Just wanting your advice on the 2007 onward Fiat with the 3 litre motor. Is it worth the extra or is the smaller 2.3-litre okay? Also, is the auto reliable and worth the extra expense?

Looking at getting a Jayco Conquest, 2007 upwards.

G'day Kevin, given there's little difference in fuel economy between the two engines (the 2.3 will be working harder in a motorhome that size) I'd be looking for the 3.0-litre engine, unless there's a ridiculous price disparity. The Auto seems reliable enough and will probably be easier to resell, given our love for all things

Regards, Kevin

We have decided to "theme" our yearly travel adventure and try to follow the track of these pioneers. At first my husband (mere male!) thought this was silly but I suggested next year he choose the theme.

We are now fighting over the computer to research bush rangers, explorers and gold miners. I am sure this style

Kind regards, Barbara That’s a great idea, Barbara!

Please keep us ‘in the loop’ regarding your adventures. I hope this might inspire other readers to learn more about our heritage, while retracing and experiencing’ the places our pioneers travelled through.

automatic these days. It's also a personal choice, however, so if your'e happy changing gears spend the money on the bigger engine with a manual 'box. Hope that helps.

On your mind...

Hi Richard, Let me first say that I enjoy reading your imagazine and particularly the comments on what’s happening throughout the RV world.

I am the proud owner of an old mostly self-contained SWB Coaster and enjoy the convenience of being able to go travelling without having to plan exactly where and when to stop. This also eliminates the stress of having to race to reach a caravan park before they close their office for the night and hope that they are not already fully booked. I still work, so often leave in the evening and travel at night for a few hours and then free camp at a roadhouse or road side rest stop.

I am also considering selling and upgrading to a newer vehicle that will be less stressful in competing for road space with semis and B-doubles. If the option of free camping is taken away then the advantage of a self contained vehicle over a normal vehicle with Hotel/ Motel accommodation is considerably reduced. Hotel/ Motel accommodation is often cheaper than caravan park

9 8 cabins, which usually a require minimum two or three nights stay. So without option of free camps I need to consider is it worthwhile to upgrade or even replace the old bus. If other motorhomers think the same way then motorhome manufacturers and convertors need to start thinking about where their future local customers are going to come from.

I believe the loss of free camps will be widespread throughout the economy and will have effects on the following: • Loss of business in manufacturing, advertising, fuel distribution, vehicle servicing, road servicing (ie NRMA) and volunteering (ie Blazeaid!)

• Loss of jobs • Less revenue to Government from income taxes, vehicle sales, GST, registration receipts, taxes through insurance, CTP Comprehensive, fuel tax, etc.

Anyone who owns one of these vehicles is aware of the cost of having it sit in the

garage before even starting it up to drive it out the gate.

In summary I think that the motorhome industry, insurance industry, mechanical industry and Governments have more to lose than the caravan park industry has to gain. I think the key to this debate is to get all these different sections of the economy onside to allow all vested interests to prosper together.

Regards, Ian Thanks Ian, some thoughtful insights there and a commonsense argument, for sure. We’ll keep you (and the rest of our readers!) posted as we try to help bring this matter to our politicians’ and the RV Industry’s attention.

On your mind...

9

Here’s our entry to try and win a $50 fuel card! We ventured down from Brisbane, leaving the Sunshine State just before Christmas 2012 and our journey took us into Outback NSW, across to the coast at Coffs Harbour, down to Singleton, back to Lithgow, over to Canberra and then on to Melbourne. Once in Victoria, we toured through the fire areas of Kinglake and Marysville.

to see so much area that had been burnt out by fires and not one farmer or council had taken any pre-season precaution to lesson the risk of fires raging through their farms or forests.

What did we observe through all those areas? Not one clearly defined “fire break.” Yes that’s right, we were amazed

May I suggest that farmers and councils consider using their resources during late spring to build ‘fire breaks,’

With grass up to waist height it’s no wonder the fire that starts from a cigarette thrown out by a passing motorist catches these areas unawares.

which would reduce some fires spreading during the fire season?

Regards, Frank & Jennifer Good point folks and I hope you had an enjoyable trip anyway. I’m giving the card to Barbara this issue for her great idea about theming your travels, but I appreciate your contribution and hope you’ll keep sending them in. Cheers!

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News...

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RV NUMBERS UP, MOTORHOMES DOWN

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achieved in 2011, motorhome production dropped by 535 units – or a massive 35% – to just 989 new vehicles.

Figures from RVM Australia, the peak body for Australia’s RV manufacturing industry, showed total production of 20,708 units for 2012. While this was within 5% of the 30-year record

RVM Australia CEO David Duncan said the industry’s continuing overall strength was built on a healthy demand across the spectrum of locally built RVs, especially for traditional caravans.

“This is the third massive year in a row – 29% above the level reached in 2009 – and early signs

espite Australia's RV industry continuing its strong run and achieving a third successive year exceeding 20,000 units, motorhome sales slumped dramatically in 2012.

for 2013 suggest we can expect another boom year,” he said.

In his upbeat assessment of the overall situation Mr Duncan failed to explain the motorhome sector’s disappointing showing, but iMotorhome is seeking comment and hopes to report back next issue.

Total towable RV production fell by 842 units last year, but that represented a decline of just 4.1% on 2011’s figures.

RVM Australia: Australian Caravan & RV Production – 2010-11-12 2010 Towable 19,810 Motorised 1,517 All Caravans & RVs 21,327

2011

2012

20,561 1,522 21,774

19,719 989 20,708

Change 2011/12 -842 -533 -1,066

Percentage -4.1% -35.0% -4.9%

News Feature...

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FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX

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Winnebago unveils the Avida brand at the Adelaide Show

onths of rumour and speculation ended on Wednesday, 20 February at the Adelaide Caravan and Camping Show, when Winnebago unveiled its new brand – Avida – to an eager audience.

An hour before the gates opened to the general public on the first day of the show, a select group of customers, industry and dealer representatives, staff and members of the media were briefed on the new brand

and its lineup, before being ‘let loose’ to inspect the nine models on display.

Model names remain the same for now and the new Avida range comprises:

News Feature...

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David, Sandra and Erin were all smiles on launch day.

• Classic: 1 model/A-class/ Spartan chassis

Looking good: Avida’s Juanita O’Neill and Max Mayo.

• Escape: 2 models/Van/Fiat Ducato

• Eyre: 3 models/B-class/Fiat Ducato

• Diversion: 2 models/Van/ Mercedes Benz Sprinter

• Esperance: 11 models/ B&C-class/Iveco Daily

• Ceduna: 1 model/C-class/ VW Crafter or Mercedes Benz Sprinter

• Esperance Premium: 1 model/A-class/Iveco Daily

• Birdsville: 6 models/B&Cclass/Fiat Ducato

To differentiate Avida models from their Winnebago predecessors, a bold new range of external colour schemes – 13 in all – plus 13 interior trim colours are now offered across the range!

Interestingly, on the rear of all Avida models, beneath the logo, is the tag line “Makers of the Australian Winnebago.”

Rather than dwell on the past, the morning’s hour-long presentation was all about • Longreach: 1 model/Clooking forward and for the first class/Isuzu time, listeners were told about • Menindee: 1 model/B-class/ the origins and meaning of the Avida brand name.

Mercedes Benz Sprinter

News Feature...

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The Ducato-based Escape is being touted as an adventure machine that can also sleep four.

Meaning Revealed In developing this new brand, the new name had to represent us: who we are and what we do. It also had to be clear, clean and simple,” said Ben Binns, Avida’s CEO.

“

“Avida is based on the word ‘avid’ meaning enthusiastic and passionate, and of course we’re enthusiastic and passionate about motorhomes. The ‘A’ on the end is our little tweak and represents Australia; so enthusiastic and passionate about building motorhomes in Australia is what Avida is all about,” “You’ll also notice our

new compass logo. It has connotations about our customers travelling around Australia and using the compass to set their course, but the blue southern pointer is for Australia – the Southern Hemisphere or even True Blue if you like – while the red northern pointer is about our direction; always moving forward and always looking to the future.”

What's important to remember while we’re going through all this change is that our core values haven’t changed: so we’ve got strength, passion, integrity, knowledge and quality, and they really haven’t changed. It’s actually really exciting for us and is just

another stage on our journey,” Ben concluded.

Revelations ollowing Ben’s welcome address and branding explanation, proceedings were handed over to Max Mayo, Avida’s Sales & Marketing Manager, to explain the new model lineup.

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“The new Avida product range is modern, well specified, comfortable and well priced, which is what we believe our customers really want.”

“Avida still offer all the construction and quality attributes the Winnebago brand offered. We still do all the unique things too, like

News Feature...

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The Eyre is claimed to be the lowest height motorhome available.

also have, at the moment, the same model range, starting with our campervans: the Escape and Diversion – the only campervans in the market that sleep four people.”

The Longreach on display still wore its old colour scheme. the metal lining under the motorhomes that protect them from road debris and the like. Some of our products have domed roofs to allow for water run-off; we also have the rubber lining on some products that protects from rain, hail and small branches; our walls, floor and roofs are thicker than anybody else’s and are a true sandwich-panel

construction, and we build the strongest motorhomes – if you’ve ever tried getting on to the roof of one of our motorhomes you certainly won’t create another skylight!

All these features are unique to us and are what help set us apart.” Max enthused.

“As well as the same attributes as the Winnebago range we

“The Escape is very versatile and has the electric roll-down bed, with two single beds underneath, or you can opt not to have it and convert the vehicle to a toy hauler. So we’re trying to promote it as an activity vehicle and in fact we even offer an Activity Pack on some models. The Pack consists of roof racks or rails, depending on the model, plus a ladder to get up there; a towbar and a range of other features.”

News Feature...

“The Diversion is our other campervan, which is the upmarket model. It now features layouts with either an electric roll-down bed and an electric sofa bed underneath, or the single bed layout in which the single beds are also electrically operated and come together to form a double bed, if required. So as you can see these models offer real choices,” Max explained.

“Next up is the Birdsville range, on the Fiat Ducato, which we’ve totally revamped as well. This is a terrific vehicle and we’ve gone for a more modern and functional look this year, with darker, squared-off bench tops that

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The popular Ceduna has received a makeover, inside and out. are also very practical. The roof-mounted airconditioner, which is now standard, is a true reverse-cycle unit and not one with just a heating element, like so many of our competitors fit. In fact there are too many changes to list in this presentation, but I hope you get a feel for what we’re doing.”

“The next model up is the

Ceduna, which has been extensively updated and it also features our electric roll-down bed. We were the first to do an electric roll-down bed and we have four model ranges with it fitted now, but in the new Ceduna the bed now comes a lot lower, almost to normal bed height, because we’ve changed the storage configuration around. This is

News Feature...

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The Longreach’s spacious slide-out lounge and dinette.

Longreach’s kitchen has a full oven and a proper sink drainer. your traditional vehicle, with a club lounge at the back and windows all around, which people love because of the view. But, because of the rolldown bed you don’t have to make it up every day!”

“Now we come to the Eyre: an exciting model that is the lowest profile vehicle on the market – around 2.75 m to the highest point on the roof. It’s also built using a Fiat Ducato cab, but this time using an AL-KO chassis, which gives a greater load carrying capacity and is lower. The Eyre now comes in three versions, starting with the standard model with a high-mounted queen-size bed that lifts up to access a walk-in wardrobe

Max shows off Ceduna’s upgraded interior. beneath. It’s a terrific vehicle!

We’ve now introduced a lowerheight queen-sized bed model – still with a wardrobe beneath – in response to people’s concerns that they might fall out of bed (I haven't since I was about 5, but never mind!)

– and there is also our singlebed model.”

“A lot of our models ranges have single beds as an option now, because I think we’re all of an age where we just want to get a good night’s sleep – if you know what I mean – and single beds are becoming far more popular,” Max quipped.

“The mainstay of our range – accounting for about half our sales – is the Esperance.

Available in B or C-class configurations, some versions with the electric roll-down bed, some with single beds and most with a slideout, the Esperance is also packed with value features as standard.

Features like a standard Webasto room heater, reverse cycle air-conditioning and an oven, grill and cooktop – the cooktop also having one electric plate – an inverter, reversing camera and sat-nav: the list just goes on.”

News Feature...

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Avida CEO Ben Binns addressed the crowd.

Max explained the range in more detail.

“The Esperance is also available with a Lifestyle Pack, which includes a bigger TV and an extra fridge, say as a wine cooler, for people who just want a little bit more.

There’s also an Outback Pack for those planning more adventurous travels. It includes things like a bull bar, an extra water tank and solar panels.”

panels and a 2.3 kVa Onan generator. The Esperance Premium also comes with ultra leather as standard and they are the most fabulous vehicles to drive; sitting up there in big captain’s chairs and looking out through the huge windscreen. In valuefor-money terms they are a fabulous vehicle.”

“The Esperance range still includes our wheelchair unit and our fabulous Esperance Premium A-class model, which now has a lot more features fitted without increasing the price. Things like solar

“Moving up we have the Menindee, which will return to production around the third quarter of this year, and is a truly luxurious vehicle that’s built on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter.”

“Next up is the Longreach, which is very popular and everyone loves. It’s a 31-footer built on an Isuzu cab-chassis and comes standard with lots of equipment; like an extra water tank, solar panels, a generator, larger fridge and much more. It’s also incredibly spacious,” Max enthused.

The presentation wound up with a talk about the Winnebago RV Club – renamed the WRC in an effort to maintain some continuity for members, plus other ‘housekeeping’ points.

News Feature...

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Three Esperance versions – Avida’s best seller – were on display.

Happy days!

The models on display; resplendent in their bright new colour schemes and with some quite attractive interior design colours and features, looked crisp and clean – although the

Ben meets Ed’s sister, Lyn, a recent pre-owned Winnebago convert! displayed Longreach was still badged as a Winnebago.

This rebranding is a bold but necessary move that paves the way for Avida to soon

become as passé amongst the RV community as any other manufacturers’ name, although it remains to be seen if it will ever resonate with the wider public the way Winnebago did.

Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

A little Bit

Fancy!

Horizon Motorhomes ditches the woodgrain and goes Back in Black...

Review and images by Richard Robertson

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Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

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Something old, something new, one I borrowed, one is blue (sorry!). ‘Campervans’ have come a long way since VW’s Kombi ruled the roost.

W

hen Henry Ford built the Model T he did so without consulting his customers. In fact he is famously quoted as saying, “If I’d asked them what they wanted they would have said, ‘A faster horse’.”

The same thing can be applied to motorhome interiors: wood panelling and timber hues rule the design world, but is it what customers want or just what they expect? So I was intrigued when Horizon Motorhomes’ Managing Director, Clayton Kearney, called to say he was releasing a Limited Edition model with a black and white interior.

“Good Lord man,” I thought.

“A non-timber finished interior in a motorhome? Surely it can’t be done!” But done it he did and the result looks, well, bloody fantastic.

Thinking Inside the Box orizon Motorhomes specialises in converting large Fiat, Volkswagen and Mercedes vans into motorhomes. It is the manufacturing arm of the Ballina Campervan & Motorhome Centre (BCMC); better know simply as Ballina Campers. Based on the Far North Coast of New South Wales, about an hour south of the bustling Gold Coast, the

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BCMC/Horizon Motorhomes business is well established and has an excellent reputation for quality products and thoughtful design.

In recent years Clayton and his team seems to have moved their products to another level and I would now rank them amongst the best designed and built van conversions available. It’s probably by specialising in large van conversions and knowing their subject matter intimately that they have been able to evolve and hone their designs into such high quality products.

Horizon’s bread-and-butter van is Fiat’s popular Ducato, which

Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

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I believe accounts for around 75% of all sales. Compared to the more expensive VW Crafter/Mercedes Sprinter doppelgänger, the Ducato is about an inch wider, has less rear overhang and carries about an extra half-tonne (in standard specifications). That’s a lot of advantage at a lower price.

The Banksia’s size makes it easily maneuverable in tight spots.

Optional insect screen is brilliant!

Quality Michelin Agilis Camping tyres ride on great looking alloys.

Advantage Converter rice and dimensions aside, the Ducato is also built to be a motorhome (even in van form).

This means things like factoryfitted swivelling cab seats, specially routed wiring, tyres that resist ‘flat-spotting’ when parked for long periods and even a handbrake cable that’s kept out of the way, so underfloor tanks, etc, can be more easily installed. Oh yes, it also comes with a long range fuel tank of 125 litres capacity – 50 litres more than the Germans.

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The Banksia sits second from the bottom in the Horizon Motorhomes’ model line-up, ahead of the Ducato-based Melaleuca in terms of price and size, but smaller and cheaper than the Wattle, Acacia and Grevillea (which are all VW/Mercedes-based).

Built on the Ducato extralong wheelbase (ELWB) van, the Banksia is a handy 6.363 m (20 ft 11 in) long and a sturdy 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) wide.

It stands a reasonably squat 2.63 m (8 ft 8 in) tall, without

Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia the optional roof-mounted air-conditioning, or 2.75 m (9 ft) tall with it, and has a gross vehicle mass of 4005 kg – meaning it can be driven on a standard car licence.

Blue & Who? ike all Italian vehicles the Ducato loves to be driven. The comfortable, multi-adjustable driver’s seat provides a panoramic view through the deep windscreen.

A thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel, with slightly confusing multi-stalk controls for lights, wipers and cruise, is typically Italian. The wheel itself is dotted with buttons that control the audio system and Fiat’s proprietary Blue & Me Bluetooth system. Like most technology, Blue & Me is really useful once you get the hang of it, allowing you to send/ receive hands-free phone calls, operate the USB-connected media player and give voice commands for a variety of functions.

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Stylish dash is very car-like. Note Tom-Tom GPS, which is now standard.

Two reversing cameras (down/distance) work through this dash-mounted monitor.

Fiat now includes a TomTom GPS in all Ducatos and being factory fitted they’ve done a very neat job. Centrally mounted on top of the dash, the unit swivels so the driver or passenger can navigate, and the whole unit – including the base that delivers power without the need for external cords – can be removed in a moment for storage, to keep it out of sight of prying eyes.

Power comes from Fiat’s

Instruments are clear but trip computer takes some experimenting with.

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Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

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Cab privacy screens are excellent, as are leather trimmed swivelling seats.

Gutsy 3.0-litre turbo-diesel makes short work of long hills.

Banksia is compact enough to go exploring whenever the mood strikes.

lusty 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, which produces 115 kW and 400 Nm. It drives through a standard 6-speed ComfortMatic gearbox, which is a rather clumsy Fiat marketing name for an automated manual transmission – or AMT. This self-shifting gearbox is actually a manual without a clutch pedal, in which a computer changes gear for you. So it still pauses slightly between shifts, unlike a ‘normal’ automatic, but the benefit is manual-like fuel economy and lower greenhouse gas emissions than a full auto.

The key to driving this gearbox properly is to not just plant your foot. Do that and you can catch it napping, resulting in lag followed by jerky changes.

Drive with a smooth right foot, however, and it will reward you with seamless

Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

Optional insect screen stores neatly out of the way.

gearshifts and an enjoyable driving experience. It also has a manual mode that lets you hold a gear on an incline, for example, or just have fun selfshifting. Cleverly, when using cruise control you can knock it back a gear at the base of a steep hill, or when overtaking, without cruise dropping out.

This is important as unlike a normal automatic, this cruise control won’t change down a gear for you on an incline.

It will just let the road speed drop until it cuts out about 15 km/h below your set speed.

The 3.0-litre engine delivers open road performance in spades, and in Europe I have no doubt the van would sit on 160 km/h all day without complaint. Here, 100 km/h is just 2000 rpm in sixth gear, but with 400 Nm on tap and the engine sitting right in the middle of its maximum torque

Screen operation is straightforward and it can be left down with the door closed.

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Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

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range, rolling acceleration is strong.

All Ducatos are front-wheel drive, which causes some folks conniptions, but I’m yet to meet a Ducato owner for whom it’s proven a problem.

Electronic traction control is standard, along with stability control, anti-lock brakes, dual air bags and so on; all of which make the Ducato a capable and safe vehicle. Coupled with a wide track, long wheelbase and low overall height, it’s also a safe and confident handler at speed – aided in no small part

by Michelin’s excellent Agilis Camping radial light truck tyres.

Remote central locking, heated electric side mirrors, electric cab windows with one-touch up/down for the driver, power steering, cab air-conditioning and electrically adjustable headlights are all included, too.

I’m sure it’s not politically correct to call anyone or anything sexy these days, but if a van can be sexy then the Fiat Ducato is. The cab’s sensuous curves and dazzlingly complex headlight reflectors, plus its jutting chin that Roger Ramjet would admire (showing my age!), give way to a boxy and functional body perfect for a motorhome conversion.

Optional screen pack includes one for the bed. Large rear boot has a handy top shelf and can be accessed from inside. Smile!

Horizon buys its Ducato vans without windows in the body or rear doors. This allows it to

Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

East-West bed is longer than it looks. fit its own wherever it likes – and Horizon likes Dometic’s double-glazed, acrylic Seitz windows, with built-in blinds and insect screens. Just a note of caution here: Don’t use the kitchen window if you’re likely to slide the side door open or the two will connect, and the window will lose.

Fancy Dress! orizon’s Banksia design makes the most of the Ducato ELWB’s length and boxy dimensions. Both cab seats swivel 180 degrees and there is a single, forwardfacing and seat-belt equipped dinette seat on the driver’s side, opposite the large sliding side entry door. The bathroom is immediately behind the

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Bedroom windows all around provide great viewing, light and fresh air.

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Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

29 28

The kitchen is well equipped and surprisingly spacious.

Flip-up bench extension stores neatly out of the way.

Cheers! Dinette works well – bow tie and tiara are optional! single dinette seat, while between it and the east-west bed at the very back are two slim wardrobes, one of which would make a great slide-out pantry (note to designers!). The kitchen takes up the space between the sliding side door and the bed.

into something special.

I reviewed the Banksia in Issue 7 of iMotorhome on August 4th last year and wouldn’t ordinarily revisit a model so soon. The big difference with this version is the upgraded interior, which takes what was a nice but otherwise conventional van and turns it

“We call it the Back in Black Pack,” said Clayton. “It’s an experiment for us, but so far response has been overwhelmingly positive.”

“The pack consists of black leather seats with white stitching, special black and silver alloy wheels, black and white cabinets, wall linings and

Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

29

Automotive-style dinette seat with inbuilt seatbelt is a great feature and very comfortable. Underseat storage is handy, too, while under-floor drawers are great for thongs and other things you need to grab from outside the vehicle. floor vinyl, plus an external gas outlet and customised decals.”

“The dinette seat has also been upgraded to an individual automotive seat with integrated seatbelt, making it not only safer if you have a third person travelling with you, but much more comfortable for after hours relaxing,” Clayton enthused.

“The Pack ads $9000 to the drive-away price, making this Banksia $119,000 on the road in NSW, but we feel it transforms the vehicle into something very special.”

I think he’s right.

Inside Out he black and white interior has been tastefully executed. It’s neither gaudy nor overwhelming, yet compared to the standard interior takes the Banksia to a whole new level. I also received unanimously positive comments on its appearance during the 10 days I lived with the test vehicle.

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Outside, snazzy alloy wheels lift the look of the vehicle and I can only wonder how great (and possibly in-you-face) a Back

in Black-equipped Banksia finished in metallic red or bronze would look.

Inside, the upgraded dinette seat is a real bonus; genuinely comfortable for both travellers and relaxers alike, it also looks significantly better than the standard fabric-over-foam seat it replaces. Also, the leather trim of all three seats has been meticulously applied and I especially liked the embroidered Horizon Motorhomes logo on each seat (plus on the leathertrimmed magazine holder on the outside of the bathroom wall). Speaking of the upgraded

Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

31 30

Bathroom is compact but includes storage and has everything you need. dinette seat, between it and the wall is a handy storage compartment and a deep cup holder, while beneath it is a slide-out drawer and separate, under-seat storage.

Overall, internal storage throughout the Banksia is excellent, especially considering the size limitations of the vehicle. There are two slide-out drawers under the raised false-floor between the cab seats and dinette, plus a generous boot beneath the bed, which is easily accessible internally and externally.

Cupboards above the bed and dinette also provide good storage, while almost all door and cupboard handles are self

locking.

Thoughtfully positioned 12 and 240 volt power outlets should make life on the road easier for those with a penchant for electrical devices.

Kitchen wise, nothing changes from the standard Banksia (save the colours), but this is fine as the kitchen works well and is both generously sized and equipped, especially considering the size of the vehicle. I also liked the simplicity and accessibility of the electrical switches, battery and water gauges, etc, all neatly in a row at eye height, above the kitchen bench.

The bathroom is compact and

has only a light and fan/hatch for illumination, but features a china-bowled Dometic SOG cassette toilet that is odourless yet doesn’t use chemicals, breaking down waste using an oxygen-based method. Fresh water capacity is a healthy 150 litres, while grey is a rather more modest 55 litres, and hot water is supplied by a quality Truma system.

Interior lighting is 12 V LED throughout, with beautifully engineered reading lights above both cab seats and over each corner of the bed (so you can choose which way to sleep as conditions suit).

External LED lighting is also used, while an electric step

Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

31

Time to relax. Black and white interior looks great and adds a real sense of style. and Fiama wind-out awning are both standard inclusions.

The bed itself is reasonably long at 1.85 m (6 ft 2 in), but a bit narrow for big people, at 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in), at least on paper. In reality it feels wider than the numbers suggest because there is a significant gap between it and the rear doors. Although I’m as tall as the bed is long and I didn’t get to actually sleep in it – like Laura Palmer, the mattress was still wrapped in plastic – Mrs iMotorhome and I tried it for a while and found it more spacious than we thought it would be.

The Verdict is Black and White here is no doubt this specially equipped Horizon Motorhomes’ Banksia raises the bar in this class of van-conversion motorhomes.

Fiat’s Ducato remains a pleasure to drive, is very well equipped and the combination of its Italian nature and Horizon’s out-there interior makes this vehicle something truly special. It’s also surprisingly economical. On test, running across the Hay It is well thought out, well Plains in 39C heat at 110 km/h engineered and well executed. by the GPS (115 km/h by the For example, the dining table is speedo), it averaged exactly 11 a free-form shape that provides l/100km – or 25.7 mpg. optimum table space for two.

If you’re looking for a practical That might not sound like and affordable motorhome much, but when the driver’s that’s a little bit fancy, this is it. seat is swiveled aft it is offset And if you don’t have a bow tie against the forward-facing, or tiara don’t worry, Clayton is fixed dinette seat, and a standard table shape wouldn’t sure to thrown them in. work as well.

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Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

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Horizon’s Banksia is so compact and stylish even a princess can drive it and still look regal (if not amused)...

Tested: Horizon Motorhomes' Banksia

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Specifications Manufacturer

Horizon Motorhomes

Model

Banksia

Base Vehicle

Fiat Ducato 180 Multijet ELWB

Engine

3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

115 kW @ 3600 rpm

Torque

400 Nm @ 1500-2300 rpm

Gearbox

6-speed AMT

Brakes

ABS Disc

Tare Weight

3000 kg (approx)

Gross Vehicle Mass

4005 kg

Licence

Car

Passengers

3

External Length

6.36 m (20 ft 11 in)

External Width

2.05 m (6 ft 9 in)

External Height

2.63 m (8 ft 8 in)

Internal Height

1.9 m (6 ft 3 in)

Rear Bed Size

1.85 m x 1.3 m (6 ft 2 in x 4 ft 3 in)

Cooktop

Dometic 3 burner

Fridge

Waeco 12V 110 litre

Microwave

Sharp Carousel

Lighting

12V LED

Batteries

200 amp hour AGM

Gas

3 x 4.0 kg

Heater

Optional

Solar Panels

Optional

Air Conditioner

Optional

Hot Water Heater

Truma 14-litre

Toilet

Dometic SOG cassette

Shower

Flexible hose, variable height

Fresh Water Tank

150-litres

Grey Water Tank

55-litres

Price Australia

$ 119,000 Drive-away NSW

Pros

• Stylish!

• Compact • Manoeuvrable • Well equipped • Good storage • Economical

Cons • Back in Black pack ads $9000 • Side door/kitchen window • Bed tight for taller people

Contact

Horizon Motorhomes Ballina Campervan & Motorhome Centre

299 River St Ballina. NSW. 2478.

Click for Google Maps

Ph: 02 6681 1555 E: info@ballinacampers.com.au W: ballinacampers.com.au

Love your freedom. Love your Horizon. ... especially if it’s the new limited edition “Back in Black Pack” Horizon Banksia or Melaleuca.

These special edition motorhomes feature ultra-modern black and white interiors as well as distinctive alloy wheels and body striping. Established in 1995, Horizon motorhomes are built in, not bolted on. Choose from 5 models, all simple to drive and park and all with practical space saving layouts and quality interiors. Experience the Horizon difference. Test drive one today and ask about the limited edition “Back in Black Pack” models.

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

www.ballinacampers.com.au

Feature: Free Camping

35

+POSITIVES &

NEGATIVES

The pros and cons of Freedom Of Choice Camping...

by Lorraine Smith, for the Free Choice Camps Admin Team

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he various Caravan Park Associations throughout Australia would have you believe that freedom camping is evil and that RVers should always be herded into caravan parks. Unfortunately, this is unfair to other businesses in

town (and RVers - Ed).

I recently stayed at the Rocky Creek campground, about 8 kms out of Atherton (Qld) on the Mareeba Road. This is an extremely popular freedom campsite and, when I was there, it had up to 80 RVs

on any one night – the limit being a 3 day stay. Nothing unusual about that you may say. Try telling locals around Atherton that freedom camping is bad for the district: Enterprising locals service this campground!

Feature: Free Camping

37 36

Don’t fence me in! Caravan parks have their place, but shouldn’t be compulsory.

Free Enterprise in Action here are deliveries from a pie van, milkman, fruit and veggie truck, honey man, seafood van and ladies selling home-made jams to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. There’s also an ice cream van, a potato farmer selling his spuds from a ute, a pumpkin grower doing likewise, a van selling beef and so it continues. Not only that, if you move on from Atherton to Mareeba and stay at the Rodeo Grounds freedom camp, the same enterprising locals turn up there as well. I would think that if this revenue

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avenue was removed, some locals would be mighty upset.

rates each night my enjoyment and freedom to spend my money as I please would be I spent nearly two weeks severely curtailed. The Caravan around the Atherton Tablelands Parks Association call this area and did not stay one night freeloading. in a caravan park. I had to buy supplies locally in this time so Thinking Inside the Circle many businesses benefitted he Caravan Park from my stay.

Associations do not think outside their circle. Nor Freedom camping does not do they think of the impact that necessarily mean free or no the abolition of such freedom charge, it means having the campsites would have on freedom to choose where to other businesses in town. Most camp. For example, Rocky freedom campers would not Creek Campground is not be customers of the caravan free – it is by donation – but parks, anyway. if I had to pay caravan park

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Feature: Free Camping

37

Australia is a vast continent and bush camping spots abound. Responsibility is the key.

Ironically, closing freedom campsites has a detrimental effect on caravan parks as well, as their business also drops off as word spreads of the camp closure. Not everyone is a freedom camper, but caravan park patrons do tend to avoid “unfriendly” places. This happened in Barcaldine (Qld) and they are still trying to recover.

In the News ery recently there was an article from Tasmania in The Advocate theadvocate.com.au/ story/1247852/concerns-

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raised-over-lack-ofcampers/?cs=87 in which the Mayor of Kentish Council has noticed there are less freedom campers in his Shire. It is our belief that the blame for this can be laid squarely at the Caravan Park Association, the Tasmanian Government and the Regulator. “An economic regulator recently completed a study which concluded that any council-run camping site should provide transparent fees if it was in direct competition with a locally-run business, such as a caravan park” (from theadvocate. com.au/story/1252631/

bacon-says-right-businessbalance-necessary/?cs=87).

This decision by the Regulator means that any council running a freedom camp with a caravan park nearby must cost out the freedom camp as though it was a commercial enterprise. This has meant that many freedom camps in Tasmania that were previously free now have a cost. Of course the RV grapevine has worked overtime and tourists have stayed away. Statistics available have tourist numbers decreasing in all areas except Hobart (it is thought that this is increasing due to conference

Feature: Free Camping

39 38

This picture-postcard spot in Northern NSW is just one that could be lost if overzealous legislation is enacted, outlawing free camping.

and convention attendance).

The ferry figures are down as well, meaning RV tourist are staying away. Who suffers here? Both the town and the caravan park!

Recently we have had the case of a caravan park complaining about a Freedom Camp. It has subsequently been closed to overnight stays premier.tas.gov.au/ media_room/media_releases/ regulator_forces_closure_of_ batman_bridge_reserve_to_ overnight_campers. There are no caravan parks close to

this area but yet it was closed.

Action such as this has further inflamed the internet savvy tourist and Tasmania will be the loser.

The RVing public – all of us – must speak up before it is too late!

We must also do the right thing whilst freedom camping and leave no trace of our visit.

This will show that we are not the “freeloaders” that some would have you believe.

Fight for Our Rights ravellers in Australia should not be forced by business or legislated by protectionist government For more information visit policies into spending every freechoicecamps.com.au night in a caravan park, which is the stated aim of the industry association campaign.

We need to continue to fight for our rights to legally camp at places of our choice.

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Show Feature...

ADELAIDE TURNS UP THE HEAT

39

Blue skies, February sun and the launch of a new brand meant the Adelaide Show was hot, hot, hot!

When is a Vida not Avida? When it’s a motorhome made by Sunliner.

Show Feature...

This camper has a separate bathroom module up front!

41 40

The boys from Paradise were all smiles on the first morning.

This Paradise Integrity on an Iveco attracted lots of attention.

Avida put on a big show to launch its new brand.

Show Feature...

41

A sea of generators awaiting new owners.

Phil from Trailblazers with his new toy-hauler caravan.

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raditionally, the Adelaide Caravan & Camping Show is seen by the RV Industry as a bit of a sleeper.

February in Adelaide is often sweltering (who schedules these things?) and it’s a long way for companies in NSW and Queensland, especially if the don’t have a dealer in the South Australia.

But the Adelaide Show marks the beginning of the annual capital city show circuit, so many manufacturers make the trek across and the show is seen as a bit of a litmus test of things to come.

which themselves were some 20-plus per cent down on the year before. Even so, those ‘reporters’ also said that visitor quality was up and despite the drop, business this year was surprisingly solid.

Reports received by iMotorhome say that this year’s visitor numbers were about 10 per cent down on last year’s,

A measure of the Adelaide Show’s importance can be seen in Winnebago choosing it as the launch platform for its

Show Feature...

43 42

Bert from Australian Motorhomes in Newcastle has been a driving force behind Sunliner’s new 5th Wheel range.

Sunliner’s 5th Wheelers are designed for popular Japanese utes. new Avida brand – especially as the Company currently has no dealer in South Australia.

Horizon Motorhomes also chose Adelaide to reveal its new Back in Black option for its popular Banksia and Melaleuca models and its stand seemed a genuine hive of activity, helped no doubt by

the fact it was virtually the only van conversion manufacturer at the show. Trailblazers RV attracted plenty of interest, too, with it’s mean-looking Isuzu 4X4/truck camper combo and a new toy-hauler caravan.

Paradise Motor Homes had a comprehensive range of its upmarket vehicles on display,

which attracted many visitors, while the Sunliner stand was jointly operated by Australian Motor Homes from Newcastle, NSW, (that was quite a drive, Bert!) and Melbourne RV. Suncamper had a compact display featuring it’s popular mid-sized C-class Sovereign Prestige, plus a ‘baby’ C-class

Show Feature...

Horizon’s compact Melaleuca proved a real favourite.

43

This Coachmen Mirada was the only A-class motorhome on display.

Tim Hearse from Adelaide’s Pacific Marine, the Coachmen dealership, greets a prospective customer.

Suncamper found more room here than in Newcastle!

The big Coachman uses a Ford chassis with a front-mounted petrol/LPG V10 engine.

Show Feature...

Jack from Ballina Campers was kept busy showing off Horizon Motorhomes’ products over the five days of the show.

45 44

Show Feature...

45

A’van Adelaide had the luxury of airconditioning for it’s indoor display.

Trailblazers’ tough truck camper will be the subject of an iMotorhome review when we can finally get our schedules to match!

Sherwood on a Toyota HiLux 4X4; both of which seemed to attract a steady stream of visitors. We didn’t see Jayco, but like A’van they were there, represented by local dealers.

The only A-Class motorhome on display was a 34 ft petrol/ LPG-powered 8-berth Coachman Mirada with two slide-outs that was priced

at $298,000 (plus on-roads, presumably) and seemed comparatively good value.

with its own little pop-top roof, over much of the A-frame at the front. Interesting!

Fifth-wheelers were well represented and there were some interesting slide-on and tray-type campers, too.

One such unit attached to a purpose-built trailer that had a separate but permanently attached bathroom module,

This was iMotorhome’s first Adelaide Show and it proved bigger, better and more interesting than expected.

Expect to see us back in 2014 – hopefully along with an increasing number of visitors.

Just launched Australia’s new caravan and camping FREE print and online eMagazine.

February March 2013

timetoroam.com.au

ll Let the good times ro

La Dolce Vita Pr 25 int 50 Po 03 st A /0 pp 05 ro 58 ved

c 1969 Viscount RestoRing a classi

| snakes +3 pets1 Ck thoMpson Ja Issue 01 February 201 th wi g in Mp Ca rv reviews | Caravan, CaMper +

Visit www.timetoroam.com.au and join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/timetoroamaustralia

Technology...

47

RECHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE

To keep your brigade of lights burning you need to understand rechargeable batteries. Collyn Rivers explains...

Technology...

A

rechargeable battery stores energy in electrical form, but none does this remotely efficiently.

A conventional deep-cycle battery of 2012 stores about twice as much energy per kilogram as one of 1912. By way of comparison, an LPG gas cylinder stores 133 times more energy (per kilogram) than a typical lead-acid battery (which is why they go off like a bomb in a bush fire). Further, you can routinely empty a gas bottle, but do that to a battery and it will last only a few months. Reality is that a gas cylinder holds about 250 times more accessible energy!

49 48

Inefficiencies of Scale... he least inefficient commercial battery, the lithium variety, stores about four times more energy than an AGM or gel cell battery in terms of volume and weight, but is approximately four times the price. The battery of most current interest to RV users is the deep-cycle lead-acid unit, of which AGMs and gel cells are variants.

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A battery is charged by applying a pressure, which is vaguely like pumping up an RV’s tyres. In the battery’s case the ‘pressure’ is voltage, which needs to be greater than the voltage it already has. The

greater the voltage difference, the faster the battery will charge.

A conventional 12 volt deepcycle battery needs up to 14.7 volts to charge it quickly and deeply. Originally, this was done by connecting it across a car’s dynamo (and from the 1960s onward, the alternator).

This worked reasonably well when their output was 14.4 volts, but decreasingly less so, after 1990, as alternator voltage was progressively decreased (currently to a typical 13.8 volts). By 2014 it may be reduced to as little as 12.7 volts.

Technology...

49

The amount of energy a deepcycle battery can contain and supply is shown in amp hours, e.g. a 100 amp hour battery can typically supply 5 amps for 20 hours. But, like pouring beer into a glass, the faster one pours, the less that’s usefully enters the glass. If you draw 50 amps, it might do that for only one hour, not two.

Likewise, such batteries cannot be charged at a rate greater than 10-15% of their amp hour capacity.

Discharge of the Lights Brigade ew RV deep-cycle batteries achieve anything like their intended lifespan. Most are killed in their infancy by chronic over discharging: typically until the lights go dim and the beer warms up in the fridge.

Whilst users are usually scared of overcharging, this only happens if you buy a cheap hardware store charger and leave the battery across it for too long. Apart from that, it is almost as rare as a fish

The more deeply a battery is discharged, the shorter its lifespan, but that relationship is far from linear. One can draw them down by 20% thousands of times, but draw them down by 80% and they are

riding a unicycle to encounter overcharging in RVs (except by people who use solar modules, but not a solar regulator).

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wrecked after 100 or so such cycles. Most battery makers suggest that 50% discharge is an economic level (they will withstand that some 500-1000 times).

In essence, one is buying a heavy box that holds a certain number of cycleable amp hours and you can choose to use slowly over time, or quickly over decreasingly less time. It’s mainly a monetary issue – not a Protestant ethic.

AGM and gel cell batteries will withstand more frequent deep discharging, but they too will suffer if chronically overdischarged.

Battery life is also shortened (particularly with conventional

Technology...

51 50 many got flogged so often and many still are.

Optima’s gel batteries have a unique, modular shape.

This controller is part of Truma’s LPG fuel cell system.

deep-cycle batteries) if they are not routinely fully charged between discharges.

Until 2000 or so, battery charging from an alternator was very much a compromise.

It was much like pumping up that tyre from a pressure tank that had only slightly higher than the desired RV tyre pressure. The closer the tyre was to reaching the tank pressure, the slower the rate of increase.

The Fixer? his was substantially fixed, in upmarket chargers, by (in effect)

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constantly increasing the charging voltage as the battery’s voltage increased.

This enabled the charging rate to be more or less constant and was very effective. Prior to its adoption, it might take 10 hours to charge a fully flat battery to 70% of full charge, and another 10 hours or more to approach 100% charge.

In practice, few deep-cycle batteries were charged much beyond 70-75%. Those with a head for numbers will thus realise that (if the battery maker’s 50% advice was taken), that a battery could only supply about 25-30% of its amp hour rating. That’s why so

The constant current approach initially resulted in slower initial charging, but from that 50% onward it made a huge difference. That final 25-30% charge was achieved in only an hour or two. Later, such chargers included a very clever technique – called Multiple Power Point Tracking (MPPT) – that enabled optimum charging to be independent of the incoming voltage (from alternator and solar). The technique is usually known as dc-dc alternator charging and it is so effective that it is pointless to seek alternatives.

The choice of battery is very much a function of probable usage. None (except a lithium battery – of which more anon) will withstand constant flogging. For such use the best choice is the so-called ‘traction’ battery (typified by Trojan) and used in golf carts, small fork lift trucks, etc.

Cheap and Cheerful? f you are marginally anal – to the point that you will truly top up the electrolyte every month or so and mostly draw down by about 30% – then the traditional ‘wet’ deepcycle battery is by far the best and cheapest choice. These are used in big property solar systems and may last as long as 12-14 years.

I

The sealed conventional deep-

Technology...

51

What’s in the box? A Truma LPG fuel cell, that’s what.

cycle is the best choice as long as you do not discharge too deeply – nor apply loads that exceed about 15% of their amp hour capacity. For example, a 100 amp hour battery should not be used for loads exceeding 15 amps – a microwave might draw 130 amps and will ruin that battery very quickly.

For general use, however, the AGM battery makes a lot of sense, as does the newly revived gel cell (now sold by Exide), both of which enable higher current to be drawn.

In theory, the lithium battery (as used in many power tools) has a lot going for it. It is light and compact, can be charged far faster than the others and (is claimed by vendors) to be almost totally discharged routinely without harm. Some resellers claim life spans far

exceeding all other batteries, but not necessarily supported by the manufactures’ published specifications. Their main drawback is that vendors do not appear to agree about their charging (except perhaps for solar use) but none that are known of will supply one under warranty if it is to be charged other than by their own chargers, which effectively precludes alternator charging.

My view is that, like the early days of LEDs, they are best left to the pioneers – whose most common characteristic was an arrow between the shoulder blades!

Essentially, batteries are a convenient but dreadfully inefficient way of storing energy. For most, well over 20% is lost in the charge/ discharge cycle. The lithium battery is currently the most promising, but what is really

needed is an increase in terms of energy storage/weight of at least ten times.

In the medium-to-long term we might see a move to LPG fuel cells to supply an RV’s ‘domestic needs’. Truma’s Vega unit, which is now on sale in Europe, weighs just 7 kg and produces 5 amps at 12 volts continuously, but requires ultraclean LPG, which might hinder local sales. But imagine that...

Engineer/author Collyn Rivers writes and publishes books, written in understandable English, on various aspects of RV and solar technology and usage. His website (and many of his articles) can be found at caravanandmotorhomebooks. com

Mobile Tech...

53 52

AROUND AND ABOUT

This just might be the most useful travel app of all time...

Mobile Tech...

53

H

ave you ever been somewhere and wondered what’s around you, or where the nearest cafe, pharmacy, petrol station or whatever was?

it doesn’t actually find weather Around Me harnesses the for you, just a three-day power of GPS, Google and the forecast. Here’s a rundown of Internet to know your location the categories: and what’s around you. Open it and it lists 20 categories that Local guides • Apple Retail Stores • Banks/ATM • Bars starts with Local Guides and • Coffee Shops • Favourites finishes with the weather. FYI,

• Gas Stations • Hospitals • Hotels • Movie Theaters • Movies • Nearby • Parking • Pharmacies • Pubs • Restaurants • Supermarkets • Taxis • Theaters • Weather

Mobile Tech...

55 54

Around Me lets you browse hotels by rating, price or distance and even make a booking.

As you can see it’s an American app (gas stations indeed!) and has a bias towards entertainment, but considering its US origins it works surprisingly well here in Australia.

Here’s how. Select a category, say coffee shops, and it brings up a list of business names

and addresses, sorted by distance (in km!) and with a direction arrow to give you a hint which way it is. Select one and it opens a Google map that shows a blue dot for your present location and a red pin for the destination. It also

displays a contact number a website link if it has one. At the bottom of the map are three symbols and from left to right (on an iPhone at least) they let you choose turn-by-turn driving or walking directions; add the destination to your

Mobile Tech...

55

Need a drink and/or a movie?

No problem...

Favourites or share the details via a text message, email, Facebook or Twitter.

But wait there’s more! elect the Hotels category and it not only lists local properties, it shows availability for that night, price and lets you make

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an online booking all in one go! You can also check future dates (or it will just list hotels, but you can choose by rating, price or distance). Select Movie Theaters and it also tells you what’s on at what time (for the next week) and details

each movie, plus provides a link to the official trailer, the website and more. How cool is that?

Not all categories have individually selectable preferences and because

Mobile Tech...

57 56

Local towns, attractions and history are also in the palm of your hand.

Around Me pulls its information from various sources, including the Yellow Pages, it might not ABSOLUTELY have every whatever-it-is you’re looking for. But it certainly puts in a good effort (and if you don’t know what’s around you won’t know what you’re missing).

The Nearby category is useful from a travellers’ perspective, providing details of surrounding towns/localities, landmarks, historical buildings, places of interest and so on; all powered by Wikipedia.

Here’s a tip! If you’re looking

for a pub you’ll have a lot more success under Bars. As the Yanks would say: Go figure...

But that’s a small gripe.

Although the app is free it’s worth paying the $2.99 upgrade to ditch the annoying ads.

Mobile Tech...

57

THE LOW DOWN

Runs On: • iPhone • iPad • Android • Windows Phone Cost: • Free (with ads) • $2.99 ad-free upgrade Around Me not only lists cinemas, it tells you what’s on at what time and includes reviews and trailers.

The biggest downside to Around Me is the need to be connected to the Internet, so you’ll need a data bundle with your phone or tablet device if you’re using it on the move.

Otherwise, if you can find a wifi hotspot without it (and why doesn’t is have a category for

them?), plonk yourself down there and you’re in business.

From a motorhomer’s point of view, not listing caravan parks or tourist information offices is a bugger, but that could come.

In fact I’m just going to shoot them an email now, but in the

mean time Around Me is a terrific free app that’s terrificer if you buy the upgrade and ditch the ads. So THAT’S where my nearest Apple Store is!

Roadside Eats...

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Lunch The Love Shak

Roadside Eats...

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like looks k a h ! nak S The S d musk stick de a stran

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he B52s sang about the Love Shack being “A little old place where you can get together” and on my way to Adelaide last week I found this little old place where, it seems, plenty of people get together.

The Wallendbeen Snak Shak can be found in a reserve off a large roundabout at the intersection of the Burley Griffin Way and Olympic Highway, in NSW, on the outskirts of the tiny hamlet of Wallendbeen (pop 316). The Burley Griffin Way was taking me from the Hume Highway just south

of Yass, through to Griffith via Temora, while Olympic Highway runs from Cowra to Albury, but as it no longer features in this story you can now forget it.

Difficult to miss, the nauseatingly bright pink Wallendbeen Snak Shak – lets drop the town name from now

on – is a battered old caravan open seven days from early until late, which seems to do a roaring trade. I roared in about lunchtime and settled on a hamburger with egg and cheese (the latter two extras caused the young lady serving some mathematical angst, until the boss at the hot plates

Roadside Eats...

It’s not gourmet, but what did you expect? It is, however, honest Australian takeaway food and open all hours. The service station across the road seems to be selling the most unusual fuel in the Country... yelled out $7.50 and settled the matter).

I was thankful there was a degree of adaptability to the menu, because extensive it wasn’t, although my expectations weren’t high. Hamburgers, steak sandwiches, egg and bacon rolls, hot dogs, pies (I was strong!) and sausage rolls, plus toasted sandwiches and the obligatory hot chips were on offer and if my custom burger was an indication, the Snak Shak delivers exactly what most patrons would expect: unremarkable fast food. Coffee, tea and cold drinks were also

available and next time I might take the sign’s advice and try the Wallendbeen Works Burger.

Or maybe not.

What the Snak Shak lacks in culinary adventure and excellence it more than makes up for with character. You can’t help but smile at the hand painted characters like Danny Donut or Charlie Chips, while you wait for your order to appear from behind the hastilyclosed flyscreen serving hatch (was it my camera?).

There was a scattering of umbrelled tables and chairs around the Snak Shak, plus

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Roadside Eats...

"This hamburger with egg and cheese tasted better than the pic might suggest!"

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Roadside Eats...

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Gotta love Council art: These Milestone sculptures in the reserve opposite the Snak Shak help disguise an underground tank of some type.

The Snak Shak Wallsendbeen w Hig h

Olym

pic

ay

B urley

Cootamundra

picnic tables and a very modern and clean amenities block close by. The reserve also seems to host local markets on a Sunday morning, although many of the stall holders were packing up as I arrived.

Clothing, objects d’art, jams, pet collars and old paperbacks were some of the treasures I spied in my quick reconnoiter.

Sydney

G r i ffin Way

Harden The Snak Shak Yass

Goulburn

Canberra

I also spied a fundraising sausage sizzle directly across from the Pink Palace, which would have saved me about $5 but wouldn’t have been anywhere near as much fun.

The Wallendbeen Snak Shak is worth a visit just because it’s there and because anyone who’ll stand in an old caravan,

cooking, for 16 hours a day come heatwave or snow, deserves our support. And I think publishing a magazine is a tough gig some times...

Wallendbeen Snak Shak Cnr Burley Griffin Way & Olympic Highway Wallendbeen. NSW. 2588.

Roadside Eats...

Is this what the Americans refer to as a Short Order Chef?

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Next Issue...

64

COMING UP NEXT ISSUE... the US and has launched back into the thick of things, trying to juggle jet lag, RV show schedules and product launches to bring you the first ever Avida motorhome review (no pressure Malcolm - Ed).

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alcolm has just returned from weeks of skiing in

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Gold Coast Caravan, 4WD, Fish & Boat Show 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

Web: campingshow.com.au Click for Google Maps

Mr Ed is heading to Melbourne in Trakka’s rangetopping Trakkaway 860 (which will feature in our April 6th issue) and will bring back a Melbourne Show report. He’ll also be writing a feature on cancer survivor and research

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Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow Caulfield Racecourse Station Street, Caulfield, VIC, 3162.

• Open daily 9:30-5:00 (closes Tuesday 4:00) • Free parking before 11am ($7 after) • Adults $18 • Seniors $14 • Kids U 15 free with adult Web: caravanshow.com.au Click for Google Maps

fundraiser Vanessa Wyder, plus a golden Chinese coach conversion just embarking on a longterm around-Australia adventure. We’ll also slip in another Roadside Eats review, look at another great app and spin you a bit of a travel yarn.

Until then why not follow us and on Facebook Twitter for breaking news, comments and a bit of fun? Happy travels!

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Perth Caravan & Camping Show Claremont Showground Claremont. WA. 6010.

• Open 09:30-5:00 (closes Monday 2:00) • Limited parking, use public transport • Adults $18 • Seniors $12 • Kids U 16 free

Web: caravanandcampingshow.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.

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