iMotorhome eMagazine Issue 21 - March 16 2013

iMotorhome

21: March 16 2013

.com.au

Issue

because getting there is half the fun...

A BIG Bit Win!

$50 Caltex Fuel Card!

Fancy

Hitting the road in style in the Trakkaway 860...

Meet Your Maker...

We talk with Avida’s CEO, Ben Binns

Great Catch!

One retired couple’s adventure begins…

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

On my mind THE SHOWS MUST GO ON

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he past few weeks have been something of a blur; what with attending the Newcastle, Adelaide and Melbourne RV shows plus delivering vehicles to Adelaide and Melbourne. It’s been a poignant reminder of how big even this south eastern corner of Australia is and how much there is to see and do in the triangle between our three southern capitals. You certainly don’t need to trek right across the country to find adventure, beauty and great people.

The three shows attended also reminded me of the stirling work the manufacturers’ and dealers’ staff perform, under

often trying conditions. It’s great fun to visit a show for a day, but the organisational and logistical work that goes on behind the scenes is remarkable. So if you’re ever talking to an RV show staffer and they get a slightly glazed look in their eye just remember they’re human – and working up to 10 days at one show can seem like a lifetime.

Speaking of lifetimes, it seems like one since the good Mrs iMotorhome and I committed to trying a $20 a night motorhome relocation deal for a 14 night adventure across the United States. It was actually six months ago and by the time

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you read my next editorial the adventure will be underway.

In 2000 we spent five weeks in a rental SUV, starting and finishing in Toronto, Canada, and making our way to and from San Francisco in a huge loop. Our brand new GMC Jimmy had 32 km on the clock when we picked it up and 17,500 upon our return. Thank goodness for unlimited kilometres. America and Canada are the perfect driving holiday destinations and if you’ve never been you truly don’t know what you’re missing!

Our relocation deal includes insurance, apart from a $1000 bond required on pickup that’s refunded if we arrive in as-new Continued...

• Campervans • Motorhomes • Caravans • Hobby Haulers

• 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

condition. We’re also allowed to put 3000 miles on the clock, although it’s ‘only’ about 2000 miles directly. The biggest expense will be fuel, because our big 5-berth C-class rides on a Ford cab-chassis and its 6.8-litre V10 petrol engine likes a drink even more than I do. I’m figuring 10 miles per US gallon, or about 23.5 L/100 km.

This might not seem like it has anything to do with Australian motorhoming, but it does.

Firstly, the ‘rental’ is owned

by Apollo and secondly, like many, we aspire to owning and keeping a similar vehicle in the US. With 10-year old versions of our rental vehicle selling for around US$20,000, plus access to airline staff travel, it’s a dream that’s (hopefully) not too far

away. I’ll keep you posted via Facebook on our travels and we’ll be home just in time for the Sydney Supershow in late April.

Another show! If the last month seems busy, in another we’ll have truly been around the world.

d r a h c Ri

The iMotorhome Team

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

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

INSIDE EDISNI

3 ON MY MIND 7 ON YOUR MIND 10 NEWS 14 TESTED 35 MEET YOUR MAKER 39 SHOW FEATURE The shows must go on...

Have your say for a chance to win a $50 Caltex fuel card!

Happenings from the wider RV world

A Big Bit Fancy – Richard puts Trakka’s Trakkaway 860 through its paces

Our new series on the people behind the brands

17 47 OWNER DRIVEN Melbourne Show goes crazy – with people and heat!

A bargain coach conversion that’s good as gold

54 FEATURE 21

A personal journey that's far from over...

55 ROADSIDE EATS 23 62 MOBILE TECH 66 NEXT ISSUE De vine delights from Mildura’s most famous son

Uno Momento – try this great diary app!

What’s coming up, plus our show calendar

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On your mind

Hi iMotorhome Team, my wife and I have been motorhomers for just over five years. We travel for about five months a year and each trip we embrace the freedom camping (FC) life style more and more. We feel that the majority of people we have met freedom camping are easier and friendlier to get along with than a lot of itinerate travellers in caravan parks. A lot seem to be more "groupy" in parks.

It is unfortunate many freedom camp sites are a rubbish tip for a lot of travellers: Australian as well as overseas tourists. On our trip last year to Broome we noticed the dirtier FCs were the ones without any toilets. One very well known FC, The Boab Rest Area, was littered with the usual bottles, food scraps, paper and human deposits, with the tell tale toilet paper stuck on top. What an eyesore and not a very good advertisement for Tourism Australia: "Come and turn Australia into one big

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.

rubbish tip.” It was everywhere!

I took on the task to clean it up, which took well over an hour, using a grabber and felt reasonably proud of my achievement. I was brought back to earth on our way back when we stopped there again only to see the same type of litter reappearing.

set up freedom camps they should at least provide toilets of some type if they want the income generated through the tourist dollar. Camps where toilets are in place still have a litter problem, but there are very few human deposits. The main offenders I think would be the 'shizz bang' van, camper trailers, cars or any RV that doesn’t have a toilet of any description. I wonder what it is like overseas at freedom camps; especially in Europe, the US and the British Isles as I have not heard anyone comment if this is a world wide dilemma?

After setting up, we ambled around and made new friends, exchanged travel stories and arranged to meet after tea for drinks around a fire later. I also took up a conversation with four overseas tourists, during which one of the men needed to go and make a deposit. I suggested he take a plastic bag to place the toilet paper in, instead of leaving a tell tale sign on the ground. He thought about it and agreed it was a good idea, to which all of the group followed suit.

We all enjoyed the fire and drinks, later taking photos and exchanging email addresses.

I think if State and Local Governments are willing to

We love the freedom to make a choice of going into a caravan park or freedom camping. Our motorhome is a Paradise Inspiration Ultra with solar, generator and a water catchment system, so we are more self contained than most, especially when it rains.

Your e-mag is eagerly waited for after we have read the latest edition. Thanks for this Continued...

On your mind

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...Continued

opportunity as I love this Great Southern Land we call home and I despair every time I see rubbish, not just in freedom camps, but along the side of our highways and roads.

Mike, Woombah, NSW.

Thanks Mike. Some great points you’ve raised there and good on you for making the effort to clean up other people’s mess – and for setting a least a few tourists on the right track. We’ll bring you a report from the USA soon on freedom camping and the

relative cleanliness of those using popular free camping sites. If anyone has firsthand experience from the UK or Europe we’d also like to hear from you. You win this issue’s $50 Caltex fuel card for your initiative and community spirit!

In response to a question over the potential durability of a used Fiat Ductao, we received this response via our Facebook page. gearbox replaced at 500,000 km (not bad considering it’s towing a 2.5-tonne trailer). The front 3 radiators were replaced at 515,000 km together with everything in front and around them. The reason? A wombat wasn’t fast enough crossing the Great Western Highway and it destroyed

the whole front end! Now the fan switch has gone and the airconditioning is leaking slightly, so in about 3 months it needs a re-gas. The front shock absorbers are gone due all those country roads in QLD. Otherwise I’m very happy with the van. It needs an upgrade soon though.

iMotorhome

.com.au

I purchased my Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD in 2008 from Newcastle, with 247,000 km on it at the time. It has now covered 588,000 km and still pulls hard. No smoke, no hesitation of power. Since then: fuel pump reconditioned at 39,0000 km; turbo reconditioned at 450, 000 km;

because getting there is half the fun...

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Published twice monthly by Australia’s most experienced RV editorial team, iMotorhome brings you in-depth road tests, technical articles, travel, food and more!

Subscribe now at www.imotorhome.com.au

On your mind We purchased a new Winnebago Birdsville Elite last year and have done a number of short trips to acquaint ourselves with ‘how it all works’. We are now looking for someone, preferably in Victoria, who manufacture frames for the back of the rig to support a steel box to accommodate spare gas/ petrol/diesel/water containers as well as 2 bikes. However, we are unable to find anyone who does this type of thing.

Any ideas?

Tim Via website

Hi. I wonder if you can help me please. I am looking at converting a Volvo b10 bus into a motorhome. Is there a book available to guide me through the process as I would like to go freedom camping and possibly live in it.

Thanking you in advance.

Paul Via website There isn’t a particular book as such on coach/bus conversions. However, Collyn Rivers has written a number of very helpful publications on motorhomes in general plus more specific ones on motorhome electrics and

9 We’re thinking you have a Fiat Ducato-based Birdsville, in which case adding more weight to the extreme rear will take weight off the front driving wheels – which is never good in a Ducato. It might also pay you to check the weight of things you are adding to ensure you say within the vehicle’s GVM. Start by weighing your motorhome as is on a weigh bridge! It’s surprising how things add up.

cannot exceed 60% of the vehicle’s wheelbase length), and loading limits for the rear axle. If all that checks out, then there’s a company in Qld called HitchMate, (07) 5437 8300 www.hitchmate.com.au, who the last time we looked at one, did a nice job on rear carriers.

Does anyone know of a similar company or supplier in Victoria?

Be aware of legal requirements on rear overhang by adding length (overhang past the rear axle

solar panels. They are quite good and I’d suggest you read them all. See www. caravanandmotorhomebooks. com Also I’d suggest you talk to some of the professional converters – people like Adventure Motorhome Conversions at Albion Park, NSW – 02 4257 8550. They can probably give you some ideas if nothing else. Be aware that all gas and electrical work should be certified by qualified people. Also be aware that motorhome insurance, whilst not difficult to obtain, sometimes gets sticky on the “agreed value” bit.

If you are not already a member then consider joining the Campervan and Motorhome Club, www.cmca. net.au. You’ll find plenty of good advice there. Also if you get along to their Anniversary Rally at Maryborough (29th April – 5th May), then you’ll be able to see quite a few good examples of bus conversions, both professional and amateur (don’t be put off by the latter term, some of them are very good). Hope this is helpful.

News

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•• Golden Outback •• – your holiday must be taken between April 2nd and June 15th this year and booked earlier than April 15th (read the fine print!).

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ancy a fly/drive motorhome trip to Western Australia visiting amongst other things old gold rush and mining towns, along with some pristine white beaches and scenic landscapes? If that doesn’t get your interest fully, then how about

40% off the normal motorhome hire rate – whatever your choice of travel be. Whether it be a Hitop camper or a six berth deluxe or an off-road camper, then Apollo Motorhomes has something for everyone and all at the special rate.

Of course there is a slight catch

We don’t think that is a particular hardship, especially since if you are feeling really lazy, then Apollo has also figured out a range of drive itineraries from seven days to three weeks. All out of the companies Perth depot. If you feel like travelling further afield, then one way hires are possible too.

For more information see the special website goldenoutbackexperience.com.au or call 1800 777 779 and quote the promotion code APAGO.

The Wirraway 260 SL

With it’s Full Length Slideout Room & Apartment Styled Layout !

From WIRRAWAY, “Australia’s Most Innovative Motorhomes” Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellence.

Our Motorhomes are our passion! Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the road.

New to our Range is the brilliant ‘live like a movie star’ Wirraway 260 SL, the latest in our 260 series; our EuroStyle 260 with it’s European styled interior and “The Motorhome of the Year”, the Wirraway 260.

Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence, style and all the legendary design, electrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways.

Each Wirraway Model is unique! - All are a Must See!

View Our New Website to view All Models, Download Brochures &Virtual RealityTours For details contact: Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes, 6 Hynes Court, Mildura Vic 3500

Phone / Fax: (03) 50 230 230 - New Email: info@wirraway.com.au & New Website: www.wirraway.com.au On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 © Rex Willmer

News

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® Horizon Banksia Compliance ®

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ollowing last issue’s roadtest of the Horizon Motorhomes’ Banksia it has been brought to our attention that the dinette seat, which is an automotive seat with inbuilt seatbelt, is not yet approved for passenger carriage. Horizon assures iMotorhome it has passed all required testing and that approval is imminent, and that it is advising potential buyers of the current situation.

YThe Light FantasticZ cool white light is required, high output models are available.”

“Pre-cut and pre-wired lengths of 300 mm, 600 mm and 1.2 m of LED tape are available with 5 metre bulk packs also available for manufacturers. For mounting, the tape is backed with strong self-adhesive 3M™ backing tape.”

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lexible 12 Volt LED tape and strip lighting recently introduced by Narva is opening up creative new design opportunities for caravans, campers and marine applications, according to a company press release. It goes on to say: “Commonly used in the commercial lighting industry to illuminate cupboards, alcoves and wall recesses where strip lights

can be hidden, the new lighting provides a soft background or alternatively brilliant down lighting suitable for a host of new applications in the recreational leisure market.”

“Both soft ambient and high output cool white lighting options are available. Softer light is best suited to wall-wash lighting where a warm ambient light is required.

Where maximum or full power

“Durable waterproof pre-wired flexible high-output LED strip lighting is also available in five metre lengths in cool white, red or blue, featuring a protective sleeve and fully sealed connection.

Waterproof and rated to IP68 they are ideal for permanent mounting for illuminating large areas around a motorhome. All are suitable for interior or exterior applications.

All are available from leading automotive, recreational vehicle and marine outlets.”

News

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World RV Conference Heads Downunder

Stuart Lamont

T

he third World RV Conference will be hosted

by Australia in 2015, at a time and location yet to be announced.

Australian delegates recently returned from the second World RV Conference in Tampa, Florida, which attracted 216 attendees from the USA, Canada and a range of other international markets including Russia, China, Brazil and South Africa.

High on the agenda at this year’s Conference was the disparate state of the World’s RV market places; some being in recession and some just emerging, while others

are growing strongly. Another pervasive conference theme had to do with the younger generation in a variety of countries and their likelihood to embrace camping at any level, given their short attention spans and unpredictable buying habits.

“Europe has an aging customer base and one of the biggest challenges that we’re going to have in the coming years is to link the generations and make sure our children and the children of our children continue to go RVing,” said Thetford Corp. CEO Stephane Cordeille.

Speaking about Australia’s selection

as the next host nation, Caravan, RV and Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA) chief executive Stuart Lamont said, "It represents an opportunity to showcase the Australian RV market to the world while illustrating clearly the challenges associated with distributing products into the Australian market. It will also go a long way to managing potential import threats.”

The World RV Conference, though still in its infancy as a global RV industry get-together and thinktank is gaining momentum, following the inaugural event in Germany four years ago.

; Jury Out On Motorhome Sales Decline ;

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ollowing last week’s report

by RVM Australia of a 35 per cent decline in motorhome sales for 2012, we have been unable to come up with any concrete explanations. RVM Australia Chief Executive, David

Duncan, was unable to provide any specific information when we spoke to him, but the Industry consensus is what we initially suspected: A drop in rental market demand on top of a slight slowing in overall sales, inline perhaps with

the 4.1 per cent decline in caravan sales. Most niche motorhome makers have reported increased sales for 2012, leaving the volume manufacturers as the likely losers.

News

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[ The Light Van Tastic?\

T

alking with Paradise Motor Homes’ Collin Maclean at the Melbourne Show it was revealed the Gold Coastbased manufacturer of luxury motorhomes is moving into caravan production in 2014.

Working exclusively with European specialist chassis manufacturer, AL-KO, Paradise will produce what AL-KO says will be Australia’s first true monocoque construction motorhome. All of AL-KO’s industry-leading safety technology will be incorporated into the designs, Collin said, including electronic stability control and ALKO’s high-tech coupling system.

Monocoque construction, which was pioneered by the aviation industry, achieves high strength with low weight by using the whole of the structure to carry load forces. Like many, Collin believes Australian caravan manufacturers’ traditional reliance on the chassis to carry all the load results in unnecessarily heavy and often unsafe ‘vans. European manufacturers have been using this construction method for years.

Paradise plans to test its prototypes on Holden’s infamous Lang Lang proving grounds in Victoria and will position video cameras inside each van; posting the footage on its

website and making it available for download. iMotorhome will follow Paradise’s project even though it’s outside our usual sphere of interest, because it has the potential to bring significant change to the caravan industry and who knows, might even spawn the birth of a fifthwheeler.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

ABIG Fancy

> > >

Trakka’s flagship Trakkaway 860 is something quite special...

Review and images by Richard Robertson

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Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

Rear overhang didn’t prove any problem during our travels.

T

here are motorhomes we test and are happy to hand back; either because they don’t suit us personally or because the integration of vehicle and living space doesn’t really work.

And then there are Trakkas.

This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the Trakka brand and those decades of experience, coupled with passion and enthusiasm for the product that’s possibly stronger than ever, shows up in every one of the Company’s vehicle designs.

Sitting at the top of Trakka’s coach-built Trakkaway range is the 860. Built on a Fiat Ducato with an unusual tandem axle

chassis, it embodies all the design innovation, style and livability Trakka is famous for and blends those elements into a highly desirable yet relatively affordable luxury tourer.

It’s easy to pick the size of any Trakkaway because the model number is it’s length in metres; hence the 860 is 8.6 metres long. In Australian motorhome terms 8.6 metres – or 28 feet 3 inches – is pretty big and there aren’t many locally built models available that are longer.

Although they say size isn’t everything, in motorhomes it confers status (to a degree) and certainly equates to living room and livability. But size

has its drawbacks and too much reduces maneuverability, limits your parking options and usually equates to significantly higher fuel costs.

Long, Low and Lean

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eaturing the Company’s new Aero2 B-class nose cone (an over-cab bed is optional, making it a C-class motorhome), the restyled 2013 version of the Trakkaway 860 also picks up some other styling cues first revealed in the ‘baby’ Trakkaway 700. These include a rounded roofline and tapered curve along the lower body panels between the front and rear wheels.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

17 16 In profile, the 860 is now a sleek, stylish and highly attractive motorhome that has moved away from the more conventional, slabsided appearance of its predecessors. In B-class guise this vehicle has an overall height of just 2.8 metres, thanks not only to the sleek nose cone but also Trakka’s use of an internally mounted air-conditioning system in place of the usual rooftop unit.

On the road the 860 felt much smaller than its 8.6 metres suggests.

Despite its considerable size and the fact it can legally seat four for travel, the B-class Trakkaway 860 sleeps just two. Layout is conventional and features a front lounge, mid kitchen/bathroom and a rear bedroom. Unusually for a vehicle of this size (and price) it doesn’t include a slide-out; something Trakka seems keen to avoid although the Trakkaway 700 does have a modest rear slide-out bed extension.

Priced from $199,000 drive away in NSW, the test vehicle had a number of options fitted that lifted its appeal, practicality and price, taking it to $212,240 on the road. Options fitted were leather upholstery ($2950), a Webasto diesel heater ($2950), 135 W solar system ($1950), a stainless steel barbecue with an additional gas bottle ($950), central vacuum system ($690), an extra electric skylight in the

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860 lounge ($1250) and Trakka’s newly designed rainwater retrieval system ($2500).

If it were my vehicle I could live without the barbecue, vacuum and I’d probably pass on the rainwater system; primarily because not being a remote traveller $2500 is a lot to pay for an extra 55-litres water capacity (although you can also fill it without waiting for rain).

Optional third gas bottle (right) is fitted with a BBQ bayonet.

Character Matters very motorhome has it’s own character and it matters how you interact with it, because like relationships with people, you have to live and ‘work’ with a motorhome 24/7 when travelling. So while some might see an 8.6-metre motorhome as sheer indulgence for 2 people, I can certainly understand the logic behind it.

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A motorhome’s character is an amalgam of many things, but perhaps the Trakkaway 860’s most defining trait is its tandem-axle AL-KO chassis.

Supplied and attached independently of the Fiat Ducato’s cab, its seems to exaggerate the impression of length while (certainly) helping reduce overall height.

Because the Ducato is frontwheel drive the bolt-on AL-KO chassis system doesn't have to contend with a rear drive shaft or differential. This means its main chassis rails can be positioned quite low, while the

Mrs iMotorhome quickly felt at home behind the wheel.

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Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

19 18

Overall height of just 2.8 m is achieved by using an internal aircon unit. rear axles use an internallymounted rubber torsion-beam suspension system that does away with bulky, heavy springs and just requires compact shock absorbers to provide an efficient and durable suspension system. This in turn has allowed Trakka’s designers to keep the floor height low, do away with the need for an external entry step and maintain plenty of interior headroom – plus a low overall body height – which aids streamlining and (theoretically) reduces fuel consumption.

This long/low look imbues the Trakkaway 860 with a lean, almost athletic character that makes if look and feel like it’s always ready to go.

Aero2 nosecone also acts like a sun visor.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

The Trakkaway 860 cuts an impressive profile...

But... f there is a drawback to AlKO’s low chassis system, which is hot-dip galvanised for long-term rust resistance, is that it limits the opportunity for designers to incorporate an abundance of external storage.

The 860’s only external storage area is a largish rear boot with two smaller side hatches, which accesses the area under the island bed. All other external hatches are for the gas bottles, toilet cassette and inbuilt mains power lead, plus ventilation for the fridge.

I

Like all Trakkaways the 860’s body is made from Trakka’s proprietary vacuum-moulded composite panels with a highgloss finish. The new Aero2 nose has been specifically designed to reduce drag and boasts a large skylight/hatch that bathes the cab in sunlight and provides extra fresh air

Island queen bed lifts for relatively easy boot access.

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Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

21 20

Truma ducted airconditioning unit lives under the bed. Side drawers are very useful, too. when stopped, but can also be screened off as desired.

Seitz double-glazed windows with inbuilt insect screens and blinds are fitted all around, while on the roof a large electric skylight over the bed is standard, as are hatches over the separate shower and toilet cubicles.

Truma gas/electric hot water system and a 17-litre cassette toilet. Like all Fiat Ducatos, it carries 120-litres of fuel, which provides a generous range.

As perviously mentioned, the test vehicle had the optional third gas bottle with barbecue connection and the 55-litre rainwater retrieval system.

The entry door is a EuroThis latter item collects water style affair that, sadly, lacks through slots in the roof, just an opening window, but the above the back wall, in a sort standard electric awning is of concealed gutter that pipes both massive and sturdy, and the water into the extra tank. is sure to be welcomed by There is a manual valve under anyone who has ever battled the rear passenger-side corner with a large, manual roll-out of the vehicle that closes the unit. Two dimable exterior LED system off and vents any lights are a nice inclusion, as collected water to the road. is the body-mounted rail for The idea is you drive with it attaching the outdoor table. closed, only opening it after enough rain has fallen to wash Capacities wise, the Trakkaway off the dust/leaves/grime that 860 comes standard with 2 x might have collected up there, 4 kg gas bottles, 165-litre and then open it to top-up the 135-litre fresh and grey water extra tank. You can also top tanks, respectively, a 14-litre

up the tank manually though an additional mains-style connector.

On the Rode a Gain s we rode out of town two things struck me: the stability of the tandem axles and the smoothness of the sixspeed automated manual transmission (AMT) – both considerable gains.

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The bigger and heavier a motorhome the more it rocksand-rolls as speed increases.

However, the combination of the Fiat’s low chassis height, wide wheel track (forgot to mention that!) and tandem rear axles plants the Trakkaway 860 very firmly on the road.

In effect, the extra set of rear wheels acts like training wheels on a bike and contributes considerably to longitudinal stability, whilst reducing lateral

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860 roll. What this translates to is a motorhome you can drive confidently on winding secondary roads, for example, secure in the knowledge it won’t impersonate a block of flats in an earthquake at every corner.

Regarding the gearbox, as Malcolm ‘Understatement’ Street has recently commented, the heavier the motorhome the more suited an automated manual transmission seems to be. I’d acknowledged that in my mind but wasn’t prepared for the marked difference in reality.

I think it’s the damping effect of the vehicle’s extra weight that smoothes the pause between shifts, but whatever it is it works well and comes closest to delivering a ‘conventional automatic’ driving experience.

In recent road tests we’ve covered Fiat’s Ducato to death; suffice to say it’s a great vehicle that’s purpose built to be a motorhome. The test vehicle used a pre-update cab that still had the 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine, but with115 kW and 400 Nm as opposed to 132 kW and 400 Nm for the current version. The six-speed AMT is standard and remains unchanged across the update as far as I’m aware.

Camera view 1: The normal view when driving.

Camera view 2: Looking down when in reverse.

Note coloured distance markers.

In reality I couldn’t tell the difference as far as power or performance was concerned, but the older cab also lacked the niceties of the updated

Real world view of what the reversing camera showed.

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Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

Over-microwave crockery storage might be a stretch for shorter folk

interior. Trakka had, however, fitted the integrated TomTom GPS system that all new Ducatos now come with, and it proved a welcome addition on our travels.

The tandem axle AL-KO chassis increases the Ducato’s gross vehicle mass (GVM) by about half a tonne, to 5000 kg (incidentally, it’s tare weight is around 4200 kg, leaving about 800 kg for you and your travel partner, food, fuel, water and worldly possessions).

This means you need a Light Rigid (LR) driver’s licence, but don’t let this out you off. An LR licence is easily obtainable through your local driving

23 22

Three-burner cooker has oven below.

Note TV and A/C remotes on wall.

school and is a competencybased licence that is done in-house and assessed by the school, rather than requiring a separate driving test at the end. It must be easy – Malcolm Street has one!

Combine the Trakkaway 860’s remarkable stability, smoothshifting gearbox and excellent economy with the all-round comfort and driving pleasure of the Fiat Ducato and you have a truly great touring machine.

Despite the added weight, over the course of our roadtest from Sydney to Melbourne via the Snowy Mountains the Trakkaway retuned an average 13.5 L/100 km – or a gnat’s whisker under 21 mpg. That included freeway running at the legal speed limit, according to the GPS (speedo plus 5 usually), and no thought for economy in our two-day time schedule.

Better-buy design ll Trakka vehicles attract a premium price tag, but like so many things you get what you pay for. In the long run you’re better off paying extra for a quality product that delivers more enjoyment along the way and rewards you with a higher return at resale. So if the Trakkaway’s appearance doesn’t alert you to its quality

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23

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

Small under-bench slide-out pantry is very handy. pedigree, stepping inside certainly will.

Trakka’s design signatures are unmistakable: Scandinavian timber tones contrasted with silver grey accents and roller shutter cupboard doors. But design for design sake isn’t sufficient; in a Trakka what looks good also has to work well.

Take, for instance, the panels that curve out horizontally from the tops of the overhead cupboards. They are styling features to be sure, but each holds one or more LED lights and by standing out from the cupboards they cast their light into your lap, when seated on the lounge, preventing the

Compact kitchen works well. Sink and cooker glass lids provide valuable extra bench space. shadows you often encounter from under-cupboard or wallmounted lights. Very clever...

Speaking of lighting, Trakka now installs purple LED strip lighting discretely above the cab area and in a couple of places in the kitchen. They add a fabulous ambiance to the vehicle at night, especially when you’re done with the main lights, and really transform

it into something special.

Fancy, That he Trakkaway 860 is essentially a mobile luxury one-bedroom apartment with lashings of leather in the lounge/dining area, a compact state-ofthe-art kitchen and a private, spacious ensuite bedroom.

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This is a vehicle that is fancy in

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

Bedside wardrobes are tall and deep. every right way, without being gaudy or blingy.

Both cab seats swivel, turning to face a pair of inward facing two seater lounges that have the dining table between them.

The table is quite large and while multi adjustable it would be good to be able to store it and its base pole somewhere inside, which would really open up the lounge. The large overcab skylight is terrific, but the optional over-lounge electric skylight fitted to the test vehicle should be standard. Ditto the Webasto room heater in a vehicle of this quality, size and price. Two high-definition flatscreen LED TV/DVDs are provided in this vehicle: one for the lounge/kitchen and the

25 24

Queen bed is a good size but an innerspring mattress would be better. other in the bedroom. Cleverly, both are pole mounted and are height and swivel adjustable.

The L-shaped kitchen is compact but well equipped and includes a stainless steel three-burner gas cooktop and oven, a microwave, rangehood, 190-litre two-door fridge, a stainless steel sink with drainer, a drinking water filtration system, an in-bench rubbish container (that can double as a wine cooler) and a slide-out pantry. There are also places for your crockery, extra drawers, a high-mounted strip of benchtop that acts like a servery between the kitchen and lounge, plus a small flip-up bench extension.

Mrs iMotorhome commented on how well the kitchen worked and she especially liked how the tap sits beside the sink, not over it, meaning it allows clear sink access when washing up. Electrical controls are grouped behind a roller shutter door in the cupboard above the rangehood and includes Trakka’s own all-inone electronic control system, which includes displays for batteries, water tank levels and even inside and outside temperates. House power comes from a pair of 100 AH AGM batteries, backed by the optional 135 W solar system on this particular vehicle.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

Bedroom TV swivels and adjusts for height.

Sleep and Other Matters concertina door just aft of the kitchen provides privacy for the bathroom and bedroom and you walk up two small steps to access this area, although headroom is still good.

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Lounge area is versatile, as is mix & match lighting.

Note clever kitchen bench design.

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The bedroom itself is spacious and has a walk-around island bed that lifts to reveal the rear boot space, plus the standard Truma airconditioner, which sends its cooling breezes out through integrated ducting.

There are also a couple of slide-out drawers and the (optional) ducted vacuum system lives under there two, along with its connection point.

Bedside wardrobes, drawers and overhead cupboards, plus

Electrical controls are all in the cupboard above the rangehood. a small stack of drawers in the corner to your left as you enter the bedroom (beneath a long swivelling dressing mirror) provide a surprising amount of storage space without cluttering the bedroom up.

There’s a large, electrically operated skylight above the bed, two enormous bedside windows and a large bed head window, assuring no shortage of light and/or fresh air. Like the lounge/kitchen area, which has

dimable LED lighting along with individual reading lights, so too does the bedroom.

Despite rounded corners we found the island bed to be more than adequately sized for the two of us, but the foam mattress was a letdown in a vehicle of this quality and price point. Single beds are an option, as is the aforementioned over-cab double bed.

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

‘Powder room’ fittings are stylish and very high quality.

The practicality of separate shower and toilet cubicles should never be underestimated and with it’s two equal-sized bathroom units straddling the walkway through from the kitchen, the Trakkaway 860’s bathroom is one of the best setups we’ve encountered.

The shower is quite enormous by motorhome standards, although a corner handbasin would be handy so you can fill it with hot water and ‘bird bath’ with a flannel after an initial wash down, to help conserve water. Across the way, the ‘powder room’ is beautifully appointed with quality fittings, although the positioning of the swivelling vitreous china toilet

Shower floor board is great. leaves you sitting quite close to the door.

Sumin’ Up rakka’s Trakkaway 860 embodies everything a range-topping motorhome should: Stylish design, impeccable fit-out and true livability.

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Designed from the ground up as an integrated unit that simply ‘works’; no part of the design clashes or is at odds with another and the whole vehicle works as a single unit to deliver an outstanding user experience. It’s also at home as a short trip escape machine or a long term tourer.

27 26

A corner hand basin would be useful.

Given Trakka’s premium market position I don’t think the asking price is expensive, but while I understand the desire to keep it under the psychological $200,000 mark, I do think a couple of currently optional items (as already mentioned) should be standard on a vehicle of this calibre.

My ultimate test for any motorhome is whether I’d buy one or recommend it hand-onheart to my best friend and in this case the answer is ‘yes’ – on both counts.

The Trakkaway 860 is comfortable, capable, appealing, economical. It’s also fancy. Quite a big but fancy, actually...

Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

Trakka’s design experience and excellence is evident throughout the Trakkaway 860, as witnessed by its innovative and practical mood lighting.

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Tested: Trakka Trakkaway 860

29 28

Specifications Manufacturer

Trakka

Model

Trakkaway 860

Base Vehicle

Fiat Ducato 160

Engine

3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

115 kW @ 3500 rpm

Torque

400 Nm @ 1500 rpm

Gearbox

6-speed automated manual

Brakes

ABS ventilated 4-wheel discs

Fuel Capacity

120-litres

Tare Weight

3200 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

5000 kg

Towing Capacity

1200 kg

Licence

Light Rigid (LR)

Approved Seating

4

External Length

8.62 m (28 ft 3 in)

External Width

2.35 m (7 ft 9 in)

External Height

2.80 m (9 ft 2 in)

Internal Height

2.2 m (7 ft 3 in)

Rear Bed Size

2.13 m x 1.49 m (7 ft x 4 ft 10 in)

Cooktop

3-burner gas

Fridge

190 L 3-way

Microwave

yes

Lighting

12V LED

Batteries

2 x 100 AH

Gas

3 x 4.0 kg

Webasto Heater

Optional

Solar Panels

1 x 135 W (optional)

Air Conditioner

Ducted

Hot Water Heater

Truma 14-litre gas/electric

Toilet

Dometic china, cassette

Shower

Flexible hose, variable height

Fresh Water Tank

165-litres

Grey Water Tank

135-litres

Rainwater Retrieval

55-litres (optional)

Price Australia

$199,000 drive-away NSW Price as tested A$212,240 drive-away NSW

Pros

• • • • • •

Quality Comfort and Liveability Space Handling stability Economy Value

Cons • Limited external storage • Foam mattress • Webasto optional

Contact Trakka 9 Beaumont Road, Mt-Kuring-gai NSW. 2080 Ph: 02 6681 1555 E: trakka@trakka.com.au W: www.trakka.com.au

Click for Google Maps

Trakkaway 700

Meet your Maker

31 30

Meet Ben

Binns Avida’s CEO opens up about himself, the business and the f ut ure...

by Richard Robertson

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ustralia’s largest motorhome manufacturer, now known as Avida, says it accounts for 40 per cent of the market yet is still very much a family affair.

The business began making motorhomes under the Winnebago name in 1978 and has grown enormously, moving to its present location in January 2001. Expansion of the site has continued since then and today the complex

comprises two factories totaling 18,000 square metres, sitting on a 4 hectare (10 acre) site that’s totally concreted.

Avida employs approximately 185 staff and produces upwards of 600 motorhomes annually.

Meet your Maker

Avida’s CEO is Ben Binns, son of Bruce Binns who founded the business. I caught up with him between the Adelaide and Melbourne RV shows to find out more about the man, the Company and what makes them both tick.

Ben, you must be proud to have taken the reigns of this company from your Father.

How long have you worked in the business and when did you become Managing Director?

“I came into the business in 1998. Before that I owned

31

my own business building commercial buildings, plus cottages as well. So I left that and came into the family business and pretty much started from the ground up.

I guess I’ve been in my current role about six or seven years now”.

and comes in a couple of days a week if he wants to, or if he can’t get a game of golf, but he’s not involved in the day-today running of the business.”

Is your Father still active in the Business?

“It’s still a 100 per cent family owned business and the directorships are held by four of us. We’ve never really considered going public; we’re very passionate here about the business and I grew up as a kid going to the snowfields – in a motorhome

“He’s semi-retired, Bruce, and enjoys the golf course – he goes on more courses than anyone else and is the most highly ‘trained’ person here (laughs). He’s still a director

Is this still a family business and have you ever thought of floating it?

Meet your Maker

33 32

Avida have three Quality Gates on the production line and every vehicle has to pass a stringent inspection at each one before being allowed to move on.

funnily enough! Because of our passion I think it works well as a family business and I don’t think anything else is necessary. Motorhomes are in our blood and this is much more than just a business to us.”

Father’s footsteps, because he was a builder originally.

One of the main reasons I came in was because Bruce was nearing retirement age and I agreed to come in and give it a crack. But there was certainly no pressure.”

Being involved in a family business isn’t always easy. Was it a given that you would “Follow in your Father’s footsteps” and what would you say are the most important lessons you’ve learned along the way?

“What have I learned? Gee, you’re learning every day aren’t you, but one of the biggest things has been what a huge amount of knowledge Bruce has on the Industry, the demographic and how the consumer thinks. What probably sets us apart is we believe we understand,

“It wasn’t a given, but funnily enough I did follow in my

in simple form, what the customer requires. So we try not to over-complicate things.

For example, we don’t have a 300 page business plan: there’s just one page – it’s very clear – stating this is what we have to do and this is how we go about it.”

Now you’re in charge of the Company’s day-to-day operations, what is the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your position?

“Well it’s certainly challenging out there. Consumer confidence is low and we can almost track our sales

Meet your Maker

33

This massive custom designed and computer controlled router shapes the foam wall panels to allow for the frame and other items to mate together precisely.

by the All Ordinaries and New Housing Starts. When they’re not firing we’re generally not either, so the biggest challenge is consumer confidence and we’re looking forward to seeing some change there, hopefully!”

trying and, ultimately, an enormous disappointment.

How difficult was it maintaining focus while the case dragged through the legal system.

“The case took 18 months for the judge to come up “The most rewarding thing with that decision, so it was is making great motorhomes business as usual for us, quite and seeing people get out frankly. We just had to focus there and enjoy them!” on what we do – which is making a great product for the Moving on, the Federal Court Australian market.” verdict last July last year requiring you to relinquish Although you are appealing the Winnebago name in the Court’s decision, you’ve Australia must have been moved on by establishing

the Avida brand. Tell me how this course of action came about.

“Because of the Court’s decision we had to make some pretty big decisions pretty quickly and it certainly has been challenging, but we believe we’ve made the right decisions.”

“We’re appealing the Court’s decision, which comes up about the end of March, but because of the original decision we’ve had to make some business decisions based on that decision. So

Meet your Maker

35 34

A run of Birdsville’s awaiting their roofs.

it’s been important for us to be proactive and, in fact, we’ve always thought about bringing on a second brand.

It’s a subject that’s been in discussion for a long time but this just brought it to the forefront sooner than we had planned – so hence our new brand, Avida.

What factors were considered in choosing the new name?

“There were a lot of factors, but we wanted to keep it nice and simple; clean, short and specifically something that

represented us. The name itself is based on “Avid” – enthusiastic, passionate – which we see ourselves as when it comes to building motorhomes, with the ‘A’ on the end for Australia. It’s simple, it’s us and we think it’s a great choice of name.”

On our Facebook page people have suggested that with Winnebago being the name of an American Indian tribe that was semi nomadic, you might have used the renaming opportunity to connect the new Brand with an an

Aboriginal word meaning nomad or traveller. What would you say to them?

“We had all sorts of people telling us all sorts of names, quite frankly, and we probably went through some 500 names – many of which we clearly couldn’t use. But we just wanted something that was ‘Us”’ and by going this way (with Avida) it’s given us the chance for a new and fresh start.

The new Avida range is essentially the outgoing Winnebago range with new

Meet your Maker colour schemes, interior upgrades and updates.

What are your plans to develop products that reflect the Avida image and values?

“We’ve been in the process of developing our products for some time – I mean we’re always in the process of developing new products.

What we wanted to do is make our products different and in fact they are different: There isn’t one product that we’re building under the Avida brand that is the same as what we were building under Winnebago.”

“Yes, what we have done is keep the range names the same and from the outside I guess you’ll see the same sorts of shapes, as in styling, but the specifications are all different. For example we’ve got a lot of new furniture in there, complete styling changes, new equipment and 13 upholstery choices, whereas before you had just 3.”

name often worked against you due to negative perceptions of big American motorhomes.

What new marketing opportunities does the Avida brand present?

“Any brand that’s been around for a long time suffers to some degree from historical ‘baggage.’

Some people have thought of us as only producing big A-class motorhomes, but as you know the reality is very different. Smaller vehicles are what we sell most of and big vehicles the least, and it’s all based on cost. In fact some people wouldn’t even come across and see what we make because they assume all our machines are big and expensive.”

“Avida gives us a lot more opportunity to reach and convert the potential market by setting the direction of the brand, if you like, rather than carrying 30-odd years of history. So it gives us a fresh approach and new opportunities, moving “I mentioned at the launch that forward.” our investment in machinery and systems has allowed us Research & Development more flexible production and is critical to any industrywe’re utilising that with our leading business, what do Avida motorhomes. It provides you do to maintain your a degree of customisation competitive edge? that simply wasn’t available “We’re one of the few before.” manufacturers with a At the Avida launch last dedicated research and week in Adelaide it was development facility and at the said that the Winnebago most basic R&D level we have

35 a team of specialist engineers using 3D computer modeling to ensure all our products and designs work perfectly.”

“We are also always scouring for ideas, whether inside the industry – for instance, when we go to Europe or America – but more importantly, outside the industry. So we might be looking at boating, or the housing industry and interior design (we are a house on wheels!), so we’re pulling together ideas from all around the world, in addition to coming up with our own ideas.”

“We also work closely with consumer feedback, including surveys and talking to members of the WRV Club. We then take all that information, sift through it if you like and make our plans and decisions based on it. Ongoing development, based on lots of feedback from dealers and consumers is where we get most of our drive, in addition to searching both inside and outside the RV industry.”

You’ve worked through a national dealer network for many years. What has been the dealer’s response to the rebranding?

“It’s been fantastic, now that they’ve seen all the new products and specifications, and this new brand brings for us – they’re absolutely excited.”

Meet your Maker

Avida manufactures and pre-assembles all its own furniture components, ready for installation.

37 36

Meet your Maker “We have 12 dealers across Australia, in every State except South Australia – although we’re working on that, but won’t appoint a new dealer there until we find exactly the right one. Getting a dealer is easy, getting a good dealer who will look after our customers is the important part.”

“We work hard on customer service and have a dedicated team here that just works on it, whether it’s answering customers’ or dealers’ questions or problems. Dare I say we are the only, or one of the only, manufacturers with a dedicated team to provide this service.”

“In addition to our dealers we have 100-plus accredited service and repair centres across regional Australia and all of these help back up our programs like our 2-year/1 million km warranty, our 5-year structural guarantee, roadside assistance and our own branded insurance.”

Some readers have asked if their current Winnebago’s will need to be renamed/ rebranded?

“No, not at all!”

What is the situation regarding existing warranties on Winnebago vehicles?

Regarding the RV Industry as a whole, what do you see as the biggest challenges facing it?

“One of the things the RV Industry as a whole is working on is compliance of imported products, to ensure we all have to jump through the same hoops, which of course comes at a cost. Another is compliance of campgrounds, to ensure they meet the same standards. With all the Baby Boomers coming into the market we need to ensure the Industry is marketed correctly, in relation to what a great lifestyle it is and the benefits it brings.”

Are there any motorhomespecific challenges you see looming?

“Compliance is still probably the biggest issue. It costs us a lot of money to run R&D compliance programs and it’s important to ensure all products do comply, yet there are products out there that don’t. It’s a part of the wholeindustry challenge because the last thing we want are noncomplaint vehicles on the road, in case something goes wrong.

Safety is very important.”

Given your stance on noncompliant campsites, how do you view free camping?

“Look, I’m not sure of all “Nothing changes, it’s business the details around a lot of as usual.” this, but it’s certainly my

37 understanding that there are non-compliance issues out there. Whether it’s related to documentation or facilities that come at a cost, if someone is charging for a campground they need to be meeting the compliance standards regular campgrounds do.”

“Regarding free camping; it’s great! It’s what the lifestyle brings, but I think there is some confusion between what is free camping and what is non-complaint camping. Free camping is fine and I’m , in fact you could never stop it.”

Finally, how often do you manage to get away with your family and enjoy the products you make - and what is your favourite type of motorhome holiday?

“We love motorhoming and get away as often as we can, which is usually at Easter and Christmas – and then whenever else we’re able. My wife is a beach holiday person and so we tend to do more of those sorts of holidays, but we just love being away in the vehicle. It’s great to enjoy the lifestyle, but of course I’m always looking at the way things work and jotting down notes, which is all just part of the passion, I guess!”

Meet your Maker

Ben, with a batch of completed wall panels awaiting final finish and inspection.

39 38

Show Feature

41 40

MELBOURNE GOES CRAZY!

Record temperatures and huge crowds made the 2013 Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow an epic in more ways than one...

Show Feature

M

elbourne’s annual six-day RV show extravaganza rolled into Caulfield Racecourse again last week and both the weather and crowds seemed to be lying in wait. A record March weather spell of consecutive days above 30C spanned the show, while thousands of visitors descended upon the venue daily. All were seemingly intent on finding the latest developments or grabbing a bargain from the myriad trader stands.

On the motorhome front, A’van, Avida, Frontline, Jayco,

41 The deck arrangement is quite clever in that it’s really simple.

Sliding out manually on heavyduty runners from a hatch just behind the drivers door (yes, All Decked Out it’s on THAT side), it has a pair unliner created quite a of drop-down caravan stabiliser stir with its new model legs at the end for support that featuring a roll-out deck/ allow adjustment on uneven balcony big enough to seat two ground. Handrails at either plus a small table, complete end fold up and are locked in with hand railings and an place by the side rail, while a awning. The Deck, as the small wind-out awing overhead model is called, is based on a provides shade if required. tandem-axle Fiat Ducato, but is Once set up it provides a also offered on an Iveco Daily. slightly elevated, level area for Priced at $193,275 drive-away drinks, dinner or just getting in Victoria, it was offered as a a better view, which can only show special for $189,999. be accessed from inside the Paradise, Horizon, Suncamper, Sunliner, Trakka and Wirraway were all present, either directly or via dealer representation.

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Sunliner’s aptly named Deck provides off-ground al fresco dining for two!

Show Feature

43 42

Clockwise from top: Great looking vehicles and people and then there’s Suncamper’s Mike Rowe! Jayco had its baby Smart Car in tow while Avida’s Erin and Max were having a great time early on day one, as were Phil and Christine from Trailblazers RV. vehicle and puts you above any normally and set up your main mud, sand or creepy-crawlies. awning and/or annexe without the two ares conflicting. Some You enter the deck through commented it seemed a bit of a full size door immediately a gimmick but I can certainly opposite the normal entry see its advantages, as long door and its position on the as weight limits allow. Mrs driver’s side means you can iMotorhomes says she really come and go from the vehicle wants one...

Business as Usual vida was doing its big PR thing, showing off its revamped models and explaining its name change; Paradise seemed to be doing a roaring trade, with particularly strong interest in its Iveco-based Integrity series;

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Show Feature Jayco had plenty of visitors all over its double stand and plenty of vehicles for them to explore; Trakka was inundated, as were A’van, Horizon and Frontline, while the rest of the Sunliner model range was well received. Ditto Suncamper and Wirraway, with their smaller

43 displays. Trailbalzers’ had a heap of interest in its Truck Camper, while a swag of fifthwheelers and slide-ons were on display close by.

It seems fair to say this year’s Melbourne show gives a very positive indication of the

continuing level of interest in RVs generally, and is hopefully a portent of a strong sales year ahead. Let’s just hope for all concerned the weather finally cools down.

Clockwise from top: Peter from Frontline and Martin and Dave from Trakka were all smiles on the first morning, as was Colin from Paradise as he met up again with happy customers. Jayco’s sub $100,000 Conquest proved a big hit.

xxxx

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Feature: Owner Driven

Nice Catch This run-out special turned into a good Catch for Len and Jenny Williams...

by Richard Robertson

45

Feature: Owner Driven

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n enthusiastic email from Len Williams popped into the iMotorhome inbox in February, detailing his terrific looking new motorhome and plans for an extended lap of Australia over the next six or seven years. As he and his wife Jenny were in Sydney for a short while before wandering north, I thought it prudent to catch up with them and take a close look at this very interetsing machine.

What’s the Catch? en, a builder by trade, is a recently retired Sydney bus driver – sorry, Operator – who, along with his wife Jenny, moved to Australia from South Africa some 30

L

years ago. The couple’s love of travel and Len’s 13-odd years of bus driving experience culminated in the plan to buy a largish motorhome and head off around Australia, more-orless indefinitely, on ‘the big lap.’

47 46 if they ended up buying the vehicle.

“In Perth I got to know the guy who built the motorhome for the owner and he put a lot of extras in there for me, like the generator, solar, the awning They originally put a deposit and annexe, which turned it on a C-Class, Iveco-based into a home away from home,” motorhome, but Jenny decided Len explained.t it was too much like a truck.

“The owner in Perth, who She wanted something more runs a machinery business, comfortable, like a coach, has a big business and buys and so the search was on!

10 to 12 of these vehicles As fate would have it (and it as coaches, complete with often does), Len found the seats and everything, then vehicle destined to become theirs via an online ad; the only has them stripped right down drawback being it was in Perth. to the chassis and built up as The seller was highly motivated motorhomes.” and offered to pay the airfares

With a driving environment like this who wouldn’t be happy?

Feature: Owner Driven

47

This compact work station is a great idea.

The motorhome carries the Catch name/brand on the front and is 9.4 metres – a fraction under 31 feet – long and tips the scales at 8500 kg empty, with a maximum weight of 11,000 kg. Len estimated its currently loaded weight at about 10,500 kg. Other interesting details include a fuel capacity of 250 litres and fresh and grey water capacities of 300 litres each. A cassette toilet is fitted, rather than a system with a black water holding tank.

Up on the roof are four solar panels (Len couldn’t remember the power rating), while a 3 kVa Yamaha generator on a slide-out tray lives in the front luggage bin, just behind the driver’s front wheel.

Even though it’s a Chinese coach, the drivetrain has a strong American accent. Power comes from a rear-mounted 6.7-litre Cummins turbo-diesel producing about 186 kW (250 hp) and driving through a six-speed Allison automatic transmission. Suspension is airbag all-round and although Len wasn’t sure, it likely rides on American Meritor axles and running gear, which is the norm for Australian-bound, Chinese manufactured coaches.

The engine meets the latest Euro-V emission standards, which necessitates the provision of a separate AdBlue tank. AdBlue is a ureabased additive for the latest

generation of diesel engines that is consumed at the rate of about five litres per one hundred of diesel and works to reduce nitrous oxide emissions in the vehicle’s exhaust. On the delivery run from Perth to Sydney Len reckons the big gold beast has averaged about 16.5 L/100 km, which equates to 17 miles per gallon.

That’s a pretty decent figure for a vehicle of this size and weight and should equate to a range of around 1500 km if he doesn’t mind running on vapours at the end.

Interestingly, the coach body was built by the Zhongtong Buses and if you visit their website you’ll find a fully fitted-

Feature: Owner Driven

49 48 out 8.4 metre Swagman motorhome on display!

Fit for Purpose espite lacking slid-outs the Catch has plenty of interior room for two people; with a forward lounge, mid kitchen and rear bathroom and bedroom.

D Main kitchen area is compact but well equipped.

“Fit-out is all Tassie Oak and it has some really good inclusions,” Len enthused.

Air suspension seats cosset the couple as they travel, with Len’s ‘work station’ as swish as any I’ve seen: A full woodgrain dash with a multitude of instruments, controls, switches and warning light’s, plus a multifunction steering wheel, reversing camera and more make it a highly desirable place to spend those hours on the road.

Behind Len’s seat is a plush three-seater cream leather lounge, while between Jenny’s seat and the side entry door is an L-shaped work station that houses a myriad of things, including computers, TV and more.

The galley-style kitchen is quite compact and has relatively little bench space, but is well equipped, with a full oven, grill and cooktop; large twodoor fridge; microwave and of course a sink, plus quite a lot of cupboard space.

Jenny says she loves her kitchen, although the microwave seems a bit high up

Moving aft you pass down a small hallway that has the toilet

Feature: Owner Driven

Happy campers – and why wouldn’t they be?

on the left and the shower on the right, in separate cubicles, before entering the quite generously proportioned bedroom, with its island bed and expected wardrobes, drawers and other storage spaces.

Great Catch! hen I finally broached the subject of price Len was more than happy to talk.

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“Initially, this was advertised new in Perth for $235,000,” he said.

I’d been thinking $250ish thousand, so the advertised price seemed quite good value. The owner apparently had two vehicles left over from

Jenny’s seat becomes her personal computer desk when in camp.

49

Feature: Owner Driven

51 50

Impressive instrumentation is clear and comprehensive

his initial batch of ten and so was in clearout mode.

“But we didn’t pay that,” Len continued. “Brand new, with just 212 km on the clock and as the first owners, we

paid – ballpark – $133,500.”

I nearly chocked.

“We’ve been in now for nearly nine months and we absolutely love it,” Len continued. “This is our home – we’ve sold our unit – and we absolutely love it.”

For $133,500 why wouldn’t they!

then that side.’ We’ve even had people come to the door and want to know all about it. On top of that, on the way across from Perth we even had one lady ask if she could take a photo so she and her husband could send it home and show everyone what they’d just bought!”

Len and Jenny are currently heading north and are booked in for an eight-month house sitting job on the Gold Coast, complete with coach parking.

“I think the colour gold attracts a lot of people,” Jenny chimed in. “He’ll be sitting there and say ‘Oh my, look at the people “We’re having a sign or plaque standing there having a made up for the side of the bus look. They walk this side,

Feature: Owner Driven and we’re going to christen it Rusteloos. It’s a Dutch/ Afrikaans word that in English means Restless,” Len said.

“Jenny’s Grandmother used to call us Restless Children. We were never home at Christmas, never home for holidays, because we were caravanning.

Caravanning was our life. So that’s what it’s going to be called.”

Facebook Friends ou can meet and follow the slowly unfolding adventures of these two restless road kids through their newly created Facebook page,

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51 Williams Backyard. I wish Len and Jenny all the very best with their travels and look forward to hearing more from them further ‘up the road.’

Somehow, I know I’m going to...

Despite its Chinese origin the drivetrain is all American: Think 6.7-litre Cummins diesel with a 6-speed Allison auto transmission. Easy engine access is a coach hallmark, too

Feature: Owner Driven

Roll-out genset can only be operated in the extended position.

53 52

MOTOR HOME SWAP

How would you like a holiday in New Zealand!

Our fabulous motor home (comfortable and self contained for freedom camping) is available for the rest of 2013.

We are looking to swap or hire a motor home/vehicle and caravan (self contained) in WA for the period 24th May to 30th July 2013.

We are experienced motor home swappers, non smokers, semi retired.

Please reply to Annika and Peter. peaceofgreen@xtra.co.nz

Feature

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CRUISIN’ 4 A CURE W

One woman’s ongoing odyssey in aid of a good cause...

a 38,000 km odyssey in a e were going to bring donated Jayco motorhome. you an interview with She made more than 100 Vanessa Wyder, but decided public speaking engagements instead to run this eloquent and raised $86,000 for piece by Adam Shand that cancer and immunology recently appeared in The research. After being sick for Australian. so long it had been the start of something new, but that After surviving two episodes of moment in Noosa seemed like cancer in her twenties, Vanessa the beginning of the end of her.

Wyder had known fear before.

But what she felt in Noosa The 29-year-old Melburnian Heads last September was on felt like giving up, but she still a different plane altogether. had 2500 km ahead to reach her destination, Tasmania.

Ten months into a year-long Putting herself “out there” trip around Australia to raise and continuing the journey money for cancer research, was the best way of dealing she realised her illness had with the fear. returned. The lump she found in her neck revived dreaded Cancer Council of memories of chemotherapy, Victoria chief executive radiation and a stem cell Todd Harper said transplant, not to mention the contribution the emotional toll on family of private and friends of her Hodgkin’s fundraisers such Lymphoma diagnosis. as Ms Wyder had been vital in Wyder’s ‘Cruisin’ 4 a Cure’ saving lives. campaign had been an uplifting, liberating journey;

“In the late 1990s, 50 per cent of sufferers did not live more than five years after the diagnosis,” Mr Harper said.

That survival rate has now increased to two-thirds. “The role of people like Vanessa, who have worked selflessly for others while navigating their own cancer journey, is inspiring to us working in this field.”

Ms Wyder spent her life savings on the trip and every cent raised went to the Cancer Council. Now she’s back home in Melbourne, broke and needing her own expensive treatment. She fears that more

Feature

55 Hat’s off to Jayco for providing Vanessa with this Fiat Ducato-based Conquest for a full 12 months.

chemo and radiation would overwhelm her, so has opted for alternative therapies that boost her immune system.

She’s planning a trip to Mexico’s Gerson Institute, which has pioneered a treatment that relies on the bodies ability to heal itself through an organic vegetarian diet, fruit juices, coffee enemas and natural supplements.

Three weeks in Mexico will cost up to $18,000. She’s not asking for charity, but will of course accept any assistance offered.

“I’m not wasting time becoming obsessed with the what-ifs and why-mes; I have learnt that everything happens for a reason,” she says.

Rather than seeing her challenge as the typical “cancer battle”, she focuses on gratitude for the blessings in her life to get her through.

The terrible fear that shrank her heart and soul is gone, replaced with a sense of well-being and confidence,

whatever the outcome she faces.

The motorhome is gone, but Cruisin 4 a Cure continues.

She went to the letterbox yesterday and found an envelope with a 20 cent coin enclosed from a child. The postage stamp would have cost more than the donation, but the feeling of elation was priceless, she said.

It would be insulting and trite to simply say we wish Vanessa well. You can find out more about her and make a donation at her website cruisin4acure. org.au and follow her on Facebook. We’ll be following Vanessa’s story and bring you updates in future issues.

Roadside Eats

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DE VINE DELIGHTS

Roadside Eats

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superb is d o o agony... o’s f Stefan t choosing is bu quality,

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n Mildura it seems you can’t escape Stefano de Pieri. The Italian immigrant who graduated Melbourne University in Politics and Italian Studies; worked as a newspaper editor and became private secretary to a Victorian Government Ethnic Affairs Minister has made the sunblessed Victorian city his home headfirst into the local food on the Murray, and his influence scene. Helping out with the is everywhere. refurbishment of the historic landmark Grand Hotel, which Stefano always dabbled in has always been Mildura’s food and when he married in social epicentre, Stefano 1991 the newlyweds settled in quickly became a champion of Mildura and the effervescent local food and wine.

‘New Australian’ quickly dived

He imagined writing a book that would merge his food memories of his native Veneto (the region surrounding Venice) with the produce of his newly adopted Mildura and before too long A Gondola on the Murray was published, which soon after became an ABC television

Roadside Eats

Extending his reach all the way from Mildura, Stefano appeared on MasterChef on Feb 26 – proof that he’s made the big time? series. This helped put Stefano and Mildura on Australia’s epicurean map and today he has his flagship restaurant (Stefano’s), the Café Bakery, Mildura Brewery, his own wine label and makes preserves that sell in places like David Jone’s Food Halls across Australia.

Café de Vine

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ccording to their website, “Since 2010 Stefano’s Café Bakery has been in the hands of his brother-in-law, Mario Mammone and sister-in-law, Maria Carrazza. It is an informal space offering quality Vittoria coffee, breakfast, lunch and baked specialties, including natural

59 58

Roadside Eats

59

Simple but delicious and for under $20 I thought this was good value.

Roadside Eats

61 60

Click for Google Maps

baked bread. It is also a retail outlet for Stefano’s Preserves, olive oil, cook books, Murray River salt flakes and Table Top Grapes. Seasonal Friday night dinners and special events are a highlight.”

Horizon’s compact Banksia across the road in one of the diagonal parking spots and nicked in for an early lunch.

Although there is a menu and table service, I agonized at the display cabinet inside for The Café Bakery is easy to find, some minutes before selecting being just behind the Grand a chicken breast, avocado and Hotel, at the top of Deakin roast vegetable focaccia, a fig Avenue, the main street. You frangipani tart and a freshly can’t miss it because it has squeezed orange juice, all a glorious off-footpath dining of which were delightful! The area covered by grape vines, bill came to just $19, which which help take the edge off was something of a bargain the sometimes-intense Mildura I thought, knowing how sun. I stopped by on my way expensive Stefano’s signature to the Adelaide Show, parked restaurant is.

If you’re in Mildura, or even just passing through as I was, do yourself a slightly indulgent favour and stop by Stefano’s Café Bakery. The food quality is first class, the ‘sidewalk’ ambiance delightful and the prices not too steep. I’ll be back, not least because there were so many other treats calling to me when I left...

Stefano’s Café Bakery 27 Deakin Ave, Mildura. VIC. 3500 Phone: 03 5021 3627

Roadside Eats

61

A little bit of Italy in Mildura: Al fresco dining doesn’t get much more relaxed or enjoyable than this..

Mobile Tech

63 62

Take a few moments to check out this great diary app...

Mobile Tech

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63

was recently asked by a reader to recommend a travel diary app to enable them to easily and quickly keep notes and photos of their travels. We recently reviewed the heavily Star Trek themed Captains Log Communicator, which has that function, but I fear it might have boldly gone a bit too far for our reader.

Simply Better t its most basic level Momento is a simpleto-use diary/journal app.

You can enter trip details and keep them nicely in date order, but it’s so much better than just that.

Our designer Agnes uses and recommends Momento, an award-winning app which,

Momento lets you add existing photos, take new ones and tag friends, locations, events

alas, is only for Apple users at this stage.

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or even make custom tags.

In allowing for this it develops your travel diary into a much more detailed and interesting account of your travels – but the best is yet to come!

Momento’s great advantage is it also allows you to import posts you’ve made on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Instagram, YouTube and others and have them added to the relevant days. Importantly, this is a

Mobile Tech

65 64

Momento is easy to setup and use, and looks good too. one-way feed: Momento is completely private and doesn’t send your diary entries to your social media services. Indeed the app can be locked with a PIN to ensure prying eyes can’t.

Facebook, for example, you can keep private notes and photos in Momento, which combines the two into a content-rich all-in-one account of your life. This is a very powerful app!

What this all means is that while you might keep a public track of your travels on

Entries in Momento are colour coded: Orange for your private ones and blue for your social

media imports. So you can see at a glance, either in the Days listing or on the Calendar, which days you made entries and if they were private or public (although if you make both on the one day, the calendar will only display an orange dot).

Mobile Tech

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Easy to read pages also automatically import your social media posts.

Bargain!

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omento sells in the App Store for just 99 cents, making it something of a bargain. Like any diary you can make as many entries as you like in a single day, revisit and edit past entries and even delete entries you no longer want/like/that might incriminate you.

Coupled with a Facebook account Momento is a powerful way to keep a private track of your life, not just your travels, and has a lot to offer for a very small price. Apart from all that it looks good, is easy to use and quite intuitive in its setup process. Although it’s an iPhone app, iPad users can run Momento at 2x

magnification, which is actually quite good for those of us with eyesight issues.

If you thought keeping a diary was boring, Momento could be just the thing to change your mind.

Next Issue

66

ESPERANCE BOUND. MAYBE.

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ur effort to be the first to review a new Avida – in particular their top selling model the Esperance – continues, but is being hampered by the super busy show season. Despite this, Malcolm will be doing his best to bring that to you in our next issue.

motorhome on its maiden voyage from the factory in Decatur, Indiana to it’s depot in Los Angeles. He’ll be reporting on the trip via Facebook as he goes, plus bringing back insights into the similarities and differences in the American and Australian motorhome scenes.

Richard is busy preparing for an excellent two week adventure across the USA in April, delivering a rental

Of course there’ll be another Roadside Eats, we’ll look at another great app and hopefully have a new technical

MAY

March 21-25 24-26

MAR

21-25

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

APR

20-28April

MAY

20-28 24-26

MAR

21-25

APR

20-28

article by our honourary technical editor at large, Collyn Rivers.

Please note: Due to a calendar quirk it’s three weeks until our next issue!

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

May 24-26

MAY

24-26

NSW Caravan, Camping, RV & Holiday Supershow

Hunter Valley Caravan Camping 4WD & Fish Show

Rosehill Racecourse, Rosehill. NSW. 2142.

• Open 10:00-5:00 daily (closes 4:00 pm Sunday) • Free parking • Adults $20 • Seniors $15 • Kids U 16 free with adult

Maitland Showground, Maitland. NSW. 2320.

• Open daily 9:00-5:00 (closes Tuesday 4:00) • Free parking • Adults $15 • Seniors $11 • Kids Free

Web: www.supershow.com.au Click for Google Maps

Web: www.ruralscene.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.

MAR

21-25