iMotorhome eMagazine Issue 23 - April 20 2013

iMotorhome

23: April 20 2013

Landmark

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Issue

because getting there is half the fun...

Choice Win!

$50 Caltex Fuel Card!

Could Traillite’s Big Landmark C-class be the right choice for you?

America Non-Idle

Observations from a rental motorhome dinette...

Disaster Watch!

A Government app to help ensure safe travels

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On my mind America the Bountiful!

It's not for the feint hearted... reetings from the Circus Circus RV Park on 'The Strip' in Las Vegas! I'm sitting at the dinette of our rented 31 ft C-Class motorhome, which has been home for the last 12 nights and will be for another 3.

G

America is a remarkable place to motorhome and despite being superficially similar to Australia, is very different. When you pack 300 million people into a country the size of ours it presents challenges and opportunities we simply don't have to contend with.

The challenges? Regulating the movements of 300 million people requires 'constant

vigilance' and at every place (think airports, attractions, etc) you're bombarded with constant instructions. It's something Mrs iMotorhome has commented on in her career as an international flight attendant: Americans are used to being told where to go and what to do and our much more relaxed society often leaves them floundering.

The opportunities? Where we have two or three of something to choose from, Americans have dozens. I understand now why an American friend thinks we're a little backward – because we only have two major supermarket chains, four major banks and can't possibly be

3 satisfied with only a few types of tin sunflowers to choose from for garden decorations. In America, choice is everywhere – in a way that often boggles the minds of Australians: Just ordering a hamburger can involve a dozen choices; from fixings and sides to dressings.

A year or so back I read that 75 per cent of American GDP comes from retail activity. In our two week/2500 mile (4000 km) drive across 8 States we have seen vast countryside punctuated by towns and cities comprising shopping malls, food outlets, gas stations and car dealers.

In America the motto seems to 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

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...Continued

be 'If there isn't a need, create one.' Here's an example: At participating casinos right now in Vegas you can buy the Buffet of Buffets pass, with open entry to six buffets for 24 hours for $49.99. Who needs a 24 hour buffet pass? No one. But what the heck, it's another marketing tool, another competitive edge.

America is all about consumption. Cars, RVs,

houses, clothes, food everything is a commodity and the more you have the better off you are. In Walmart the other day I counted 1 men's health magazine, no cycling mags, 17 car magazines and 19 gun magazines. 19. The opportunities from all this consumption is that if you have an idea you have a good chance of convincing some of those 300 million hungry consumers that

The iMotorhome Team

they need it, too.

The other day I met Jack Sisemore in Amarillo, Texas.

Jack’s a remarkable gentleman who owns a Winnebago dealership, an RV Museum and helped found Keystone RV Company, which now produces 265 (mainly) fifth wheelers a week. A week. Only in America!

c i R r e l l o r High

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 Greetings from the Circus!

7 ON YOUR MIND Have your say for a chance to win a $50 Caltex fuel card!

10 NEWS

Happenings from the wider RV world

14 TESTED

Landmark Design – Malcolm reviews a classy Kiwi C-class

28 USA UPDATE

17 CMCA MESSAGE America Non-Idle – Observations from a rental motorhome dinette

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21 42 MOBILE TECH RV Friendly Towns are good for everyone

Disaster Watch – Keeping you safe as you travel

23 46 ROADSIDE EATS Lunching at Tumbarumba’s overbearing cafe

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

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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.

Thanks for a great read each fortnight. As a reader not a TV watcher I thought I would share my new found passion that my daughter put me onto.

Audio books! She bought me a monthly subscription which gives me 2 books a month downloaded to my iPhone.

Sometimes we listen while we are driving but I absolutely love it with my head phones

when my husband watches sport on TV, which I hate. As you know motorhomes can be very 'close' with minimal room for 'escape.’ Well I think I have found the perfect balance

to shop and another to play.

Sounds tricky but when you get the hang of it it's very user friendly.

We have done the motor home trip in America and Canada and experienced every season during our nine weeks trip.

This was back in 1996 and we loved this mode of travel so much we bought our own motor home when we retired in 2006.

Australia. We are planning our second trip to Darwin this winter. Enjoying your trip posts.

We have had three motor homes, all from Suncamper.

The Sydney is our latest model and it has taken us around

Thanks, Jean P.S. www.audible.com is the website to purchase from.

My daughter helped me as you need to download an app

Pamela via Facebook.

Thanks Pamela, sounds like you’re hooked! Great to hear Suncamper has looked after you so well and I hope you get the chance to try America again. Have a great time on your Darwin adventure!

That’s great information thanks, Jean. I’m sure many of our readers will follow that up and I hop you enjoy your $50 Caltex card as a reward.

On your mind

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I have been watching your (Facebook) posts with interest as I am going to the States in September next year and thinking about doing a motorhome road trip on Route 66 from LA to Chicago.

We did one last year from San Diego and crossed into Arizona at Yuma. Then we went to Sedona, Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Williams and then onto Vegas, where we stopped at Circus Circus for three nights. What an amazing place Vegas is! We then went to Death Valley (worth seeing if the roads are still open as they close them around April/May depending on the weather as it can get extremely hot in there),

Lone Pine, Reno and San Francisco. We were hoping to go through Yosemite National Park but it was closed due to snow and all the roads into the park were snowbound. After San Francisco we followed the Big Sur to LA, and then back to San Diego. A great trip and great scenery and a great experience as it was our first time doing a road trip in a motorhome, but definitely not our last.

Hi Richard, I have just downloaded the Mag and read the news about including a classified section and I think it will be a big hit. I am after a motorhome and search the net

every chance I get.

Keep up the good work.

Ian via Facebook.

Hi Ian, sounds like a fabulous trip. We did Death Valley (39C) in May 2000 and across into

Regards, Kevin.

Via email.

Yosemite the next day, where it snowed. Route 66 is a fantastic journey, but quite disjointed and it can be hard to follow in places. Some States put far more effort into signposting it and providing information than others. But Route 66 is also a lifestyle for many people in America, as well as a state of mind. It's as much a pilgrimage as a road trip and if the song has been with you all your life then driving it just brings it alive. You need weeks to do it justice and our 14 days have barely scratched the surface.

Definitely recommended, however!

Thanks for your vote of confidence, Kevin. This big trip across America has hampered progress but I’m still planning to roll it out in May. Fingers crossed!

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News

10

ß EARLY BIRD MOTORHOME DEALS FOR ß WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA enormously popular show is set amidst stunning scenery over Lake Wanaka (Otago NZ) in the scenic Southern Alps Region of New Zealand.

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nce the Omaka (Marlborough, NZ) Classic Fighters Air Show has been completed this Easter the focus of many aviation enthusiasts around the world will turn to the very popular Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show to be held over Easter 2014 (18-20 April). The

Because of limited accommodation available in Wanaka one of the most popular options is to attend the event by motorhome. Wheelaway Holidays has protected powered site accommodation and cooperated with United Campervans and the Air Show organisers to produce a value packed option that includes 10 days motorhome hire (extendable), powered site

accommodation at Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park, plus Gold Passes providing the ‘best seats in the house’ to view the Air Show. Warbirds Over Wanaka is extremely popular and the limited number of powered sites available will sell out early, so anyone interested needs to protect a booking without delay. Further information can be obtained from www.wheelawayholidays. com, your New Zealand Holiday Park booking specialist, or by contacting David Smith by email at david@wheelawayholidays. com.

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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4 Sydney Supershow Starts Today! 4 music, an array of dining options, free entertainment for the kids including jumping castles, a face painting fairy and baby animal zoo as well as a variety of competitions (where you can even win a brand new caravan) the Supershow will be a stand out for the young and young at heart these school holidays,” said Mr Whitmont.

Lyndel Gray, CEO of the CCIA is anticipating that crowd numbers will reach as high as 80,000 over the nine days.

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pparently, “You’ll find everything you need for your next caravanning or camping holiday in the one easy location at the Caravan, Camping, RV and Holiday Supershow (aka the Supershow) from this Saturday, 20 April until Sunday 28 April at Rosehill Racecourse.”

Theo Whitmont, President of the Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW (CCIA) says that there will be something to suit every holiday style and budget at this year’s Supershow.

“With over 300 exhibitors, the Supershow is the best place to research, compare and buy the

latest and greatest that the caravan and camping industry has to offer. With tents that sleep two or ten, to on and off-road camper trailers, caravans that can fit the whole family, five star luxury motorhomes, thousands of gizmos and gadgets and the best holiday destination ideas all in the one place, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re after for your next holiday.”

“The CCIA has been running the Supershow for 30 years this year and over this time have evolved it into a show that not only has the best caravan and camping products but is also a great day out for the entire family. With live

It’s all starts this Saturday at Rosehill Racecourse until Sunday 28 April. Gates are open 10am5pm (close 4pm Sunday 28).

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 concession and senior card holders and children under the age of 16 are free with an accompanying paid adult. To book tickets and for a sneak peak at the Supershow Show Guide, which has all you need to know for your day at the show, visit www.supershow.com.au.

News

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† TALVOR’S FACTORY DIRECT SALE ¢

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ALVOR is throwing its gates open for a Factory Direct Sale on May 8 – 11, from 9 am to 4 pm daily. The company says the sale will include fantastic rates on new and used caravans, motorhomes, campervans and parts and accessories, and the first opportunity to see the new caravan 565A. Used motorhome prices start at $29,000 and a wide range of parts and accessories are available.

• 2008 VW Ford 6 Berth

• Mercedes Murana

• 2007 VW Crafter 6 Berth

• Mercedes Euro Tourer

• 2008 Toyota Hilux Adventure Camper

• Mercedes Newstead

• 2010 Outback Camper – 4 berth

• Mercedes Clayfield • Fiat Hayman .1

• 2010 Mitsibishi Triton

• Fiat Hayman .2

• Mercedes Euro Tourer Elite

TALVOR, Cnr of Nudgee Rd and Fraser Rd Northgate, Brisbane, Queensland

New vehicles include: • VW Crafter Hamilton

Used vehicles available include:

• Mercedes Hamilton

• 2007 VW Ford Tourer

• Mercedes Stradbroke

• 2007 VW Crafter Tourer

• Mercedes Macleay

Click for Google Maps

(Just near Toombul Rd Exit off the Southern Cross Way and next to Apollo Motorhomes) Visit www.talvor.com/sale for more information.

News

13 n REV HEAD ALERT! n

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rare Brock Director heads a Commodore trio at the next Shannons’ Melbourne auction.

• Rare (one of 9) Brock HDT Director sedan • Very original early Group A SS Walkinshaw sedan • Early build 12/500 two-owner VC HDT Sedan A very rare 1987 'Brock' Director Sedan heads a trio of desirable HDT and HSV Commodores going under the hammer at Shannons upcoming Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction on Monday, April 29.

The VL Director was the last project of the combined Brock/ Holden Dealer Team/Holden partnership and was intended to take on the high-end European imports with its emphasis on crushing performance and ultimate luxury.

Based on the VL Calais, the Director's specification included leather or cloth/velour seats, woodgrain trims, pile carpet floors, a car phone and sophisticated fourspeaker stereo system with CD Player.

Under the skin the Director was the most advanced Holden yet with its independent rear suspension and while its 4.9-litre V8 produced 223kW, a 5.6-litre 'stroker' package offering even more power was also available.

The Director, with its bespoke aero kit certainly stood out visually from all the other HDT Commodores built by Peter Brock from early 1980, however while it was shown and well-received in Europe and the United States, the project was doomed from the start.

The rift between Brock and Holden that climaxed in 1987 over his insistence on fitting an ‘Energy Polarizer’ resulted in just nine Directors being built (according to HDT records) before the relationship ended.

The Director being auctioned by Shannons in Melbourne is one of those cars and wears HDT Build Number 4231.

Fitted with the optional Momo Star Wheels, the Director comes from long-term ownership, with its odometer showing just 71,350 kilometres from new.

Because of its exceptional rarity and collectible value, Shannons expect it to sell in the $70,000 -$85,000 price range.

An appealing alternative for HDT enthusiasts in the auction is the ‘bookend’ 1988 Holden HSV VL Commodore Group A SS Walkinshaw Sedan – the first product of the new Special Vehicles collaboration with the Scottish businessman/racer.

Build Number 614 out of 750 produced, this Walkinshaw has been in its present ownership for the

last nine years, with its odometer showing 81,000km from new.

A reluctant sale – the vendor used the Walkinshaw as the bridal car for his daughter's wedding – it comes with its original owner's handbook showing it was delivered to Drinnan Holden in Coloundra, Queensland and wears the Victorian number plates 'HSV614'.

Offered in very original condition, it is expected to sell in the $60,000 - $65,000 range.

Finally, for serious Brock HDT enthusiasts there is a rare twoowner ‘Decal delete’ 1981 Holden Commodore VC 'Brock' HDT Sedan that been in its current ownership last 20 years.

Sold new by Garry & Warren Smith of Oakleigh to a Mildura enthusiast, number 12 of the 500 built was optioned with a full protection package, but with the model’s distinctive HDT decals deleted.

It has since been in the hands of an HSV/HDT car club member for the past 20 years it has always been garaged and retains its original Palais White paintwork, while its interior was re-trimmed in the correct velour.

Offered with some original papers it is expected to sell in the $34,000 - $38,000, making it a potentially affordable and enjoyable part of Brock/Holden history.

Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura

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Landmark Design

Here’s a big Kiwi motorhome that could also do well in Australia...

Review and images by Malcolm Street

Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura

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Ready to hit the road.

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raillite’s Landmark Oakura is built on an Isuzu NQR500L cab chassis and measures an impressive 8.7 m (28 ft 6 in) long. Built on a steel chassis above the Isuzu, the Oakura’s body has no frame. Instead, walls are made of a sandwich panel construction that consists of Alufiber, foam core and ply wall lining. Just in case you are wondering, Alufiber is an external finish that consists of a layer of fibreglass with a thin layer of powder coated aluminium on the outside.

Included in the offside wall engineering is a slide-out that is opened easily by an internal switch.

In keeping with a number of other manufacturers, the Oakura is fitted with a Camec triple lock security door and Seitz hopper windows, which come complete with integrated blinds and insect screens.

Being a large motorhome, there are plenty of external storage bins, including a large rear boot, although some like those at the front nearside are dedicated for the house and vehicle starter batteries, whilst the adjoining one contains two 9.0 kg gas cylinders. Further along the nearside, out of a bin there, slides the essential stainless steel BBQ. What looks like a storage bin under the slide-out is actually the

truck diesel tank filler. It’s often quite hard to include a bit of style into a motorhome body like this but the moulded front and rear shapes, along with a silvery grey paint scheme and stainless steel wheel covers all add greatly to the external look.

There’s no doubt that this motorhome is built for extended stays. It provides a massive 565 litres of fresh and 400 litres of grey water storage, whilst the 280 W solar panels will certainly keep the 520 amp hour AGM batteries charged up. An1800 W inverter is wired up to all the 230V power points, ensuring

Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura

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Internal rear view mirror is also the rear view camera screen.

that basic mains devices can be used. One oddity is the toilet cassette, which only has a holding capacity of circa 20 litres. That does seem to be rather a limiting factor and anyone considering extended stays should certainly be thinking about a larger black tank facility.

All this means the Landmark Oakura weighs in with a tare weight of 6150 kg and a GVM of 8700kg, which gives a massive load capacity of 2550kg (don’t forget that a full water tank will weigh 565 kg).

The GVM also means a Class 2 licence is required.

On the Road his is certainly not a small motorhome and being a light commercial vehicle it’s more truck like than car like to drive, compared to its Euro competitors. Don’t let that put you off though; once I positioned the seat where I like it and adjusted the steering wheel, it proved a no-stress drive. All controls and instrumentation are reasonably well placed, as are the rear view mirrors – both external and the internal – which double as the rear view camera. This is quite a heavy motorhome but the 139 kW 5.2-litre diesel was a willing performer on all

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but the steepest hills. That also happened to be where the six speed automated manual transmission (AMT) was also a bit hesitant. Like many of its ilk the AMT tended to dither a bit between the lower range gears, which was when manual mode came in handy.

Seats in the Landmark Oakura have been upgraded to Italian leather to improve ride comfort, as has the front suspension, with upgraded shock absorbers to give less bounce and more accurate steering.

In short, although the Isuzu is a truck, it’s a much improved truck in terms of road handling.

I mention that because in

Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura terms of driver/passenger comfort the European trucks definitely have the edge over the Japanese and luxury motorhomes with a Japanese chassis usually don’t have a luxury cab and ride to match.

One other thing I should mention is that the cab chassis has a 24 V DC electrical system. That is not really a problem, except if something like a GPS is plugged into the12V socket and becomes erratic in its function! In the rear, the house batteries operate on conventional 12 V DC. Living Inside n a 8.7 m (28 ft 6 in) motorhome you’d certainly expect a spacious interior, even without a flat-floor driver’s cab, which is certainly what you get. Given the light colour scheme with almost no contrasting colours, you also get a very bright interior that’s remarkably easy on the eye. All the cabinetry work is well finished in either a lacquer paint or Melamine over light board (a type of MDF). Whilst the overhead lockers all have decent sized grab handles (similar to the kitchen drawers) with spring opening struts, the bedroom door catches were the small button style and I wonder how arthritic fingers cope.

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Being about half way down the motorhome the entry door neatly divides the interior,

Slide-outs all round for both BBQ and batteries.

Room for an extra gas cylinder.

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Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura

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Slide-out gives plenty of room for lounge area.

with the living area towards the front and the bathroom/ bedroom at the rear, leaving the amidships space for the kitchen. In addition to the fitted window screens, Roman Blinds are fitted all ‘round.

Certainly bright by day, the interior is effectively lit by night with LEDs being a mixture of downlights, reading light and concealed strip lighting: bright light when you need it and mood lighting when you don’t.

I liked the electrical control panel directly above the entry door, which is a handy location when going in and out. A couple of nice non-electrical touches are inside the entry way: the lighted grab handle and the shoe locker built into the top step.

Most switches handily available by entry door.

Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura

Day/night lounge easily folded down for visitors.

Lounging Around p front, the offside slide-out adds a considerable amount of interior space and allows for different style lounges on each side. In the slide-out a slightly odd shaped club lounge sits under the window and a round table sits centre stage.

It’s not particularly large, but for maximum flexibility it has an any-which-way Zwaardvis mounting on a single pole.

Another slightly unusual feature is the ottoman. Whilst I can see it’s uses, I’m not particularly keen on large loose objects whilst travelling because it’s a bit hard to store easily (not to mention a potential hazard in an accident - Ed).

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On the opposite side, a day/ night lounge can be used for sitting or easily folded down into a bed for overnight

Time to sit back?

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Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura

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TV cabinet above driver’s offers plenty of DVD storage. visitors, so there’s plenty of room for lazing around. Fitted into a nicely designed cabinet above the driver’s cab is a 32 inch flat screen TV that is easily seen from either lounge by two people with their feet up. Both the DVD player and the roof mounted satellite dish are connected to that TV, while a second 18.5 inch TV is mounted in the bedroom. Just in case all that entertainment is not enough a Fusion radio with iPod connectivity is fitted into the overhead lockers above the nearside lounge.

There are two other points of note with the front area. One is the slightly unusual feature of the washing machine that is fitted into the cabinet between the entry door and the nearside lounge. Not exactly a living area feature but being fitted on its own little slide-out, it is quite easy to use. The other

Kitchen offer plenty of flexible storage space.

Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura point of interest is that the front area can still be used with the lounge slide-out closed up.

Above the bench are a couple of lockers. One of the interesting inclusions in the Oakura fitout is a six piece Time to Eat cutlery/crockery and glasses or some reason it is set, some of which is stashed not necessarily so that in the aforementioned lockers. large motorhomes have Located on the other side of largish kitchens. In fact it’s the walkway are those other often the opposite. However, kitchen essentials – Dometic the Oakura kitchen defies that 190-litre fridge with Panasonic trend. It does of course have all inverter microwave above. the expected items along the Given the totally self-contained main bench – Thetford Caprice design of this motorhome, stove with four burner hob, grill it’s not surprising that a three and oven alongside a stainless way fridge, which can be run steel sink (sans drainer). It also on gas, rather than a 12V has a moderate amount of compressor fridge, is fitted. bench top working area and seven drawers of various sizes, After Hours/Keeping Clean ith this layout, the some with items like built in bathroom and bins and cutlery trays. bedroom have been

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Slide-out washing machine is convenient to use.

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designed so they can be closed off from the front area.

That is quite simply done by fully opening the toilet cubicle door. The bathroom is split with a quarter round slidingdoor shower cubicle on the offside and the toilet cubicle on the opposite side. The latter is fully kitted out with a Thetford cassette toilet, vanity cabinet with contemporary wash basin, large wall mirror, door fitted towel rails and two good sized cabinets. I liked the snappy looking tap fitting and soap dispenser. The shower cubicle also comes with a soap dispenser, along with a variable height flexible hose shower and an extendable towel rack.

In the rear of the Oakura, the

Well placed Heki marine-style hatch provides good natural light.

Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura

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Contemporary wash basin and taps used in bathroom.

Bathroom door fitted with towel rails. island bed is the centre piece.

The innerspring mattress measures 1.78 m x 1.53 m (5 ft 10 in x 5 ft) and can be extended to 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in). I suspect it depends very much on how you travel but to me the bedroom area wasn’t quite long enough. With the bed

Bathroom door closes off bedroom if needed. mattress unextended there was just enough walk around room but extended there wasn’t.

Sure the bed could easily be extended each night but I’d have to settle for a slightly shorter lounge area or a slightly longer motorhome because that would be an irritation for

me. As I said it depends on how you travel and what you are happy with. Also how tall you are, because the bed is certainly wide enough.

Built into the bedhead are the usual selection of overhead lockers, side wardrobes and

Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura

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Island bed can be extended.

Under bed storage has drawers fitted on either side. bedside cabinets. To get under the bed the metal framed, posture-slatted base can be lifted easily enough, but that is not really necessary because most of the space is taken by the side drawers and external rear bin. I liked the large windows on either side

Second TV easily viewed from the bed.

that give a good cross flow of ventilation.

What We Think have to admit that I have not had a hard look over a Traillite motorhome for a number of years and during that time there have been

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a considerable number of improvements. Traillite has been in business since the 1950s and has established considerable brand loyalty. It’s not hard to see why, because their flagship Landmark Oakura 67X Series is some motorhome.

Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura

Diesel tank filler located under the slide-out.

It’s one of Traillite’s best sellers, which is an interesting fact given some of the financial uncertainties in the world today. Especially as it does have a starting price of NZ$288,524 and our review model had a considerable

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Isuzu seats have be re-upholstered to improve comfort.

number of extras fitted, bumping that up even further.

What is surprising is that the Oakura has a free camping water/battery capacity that is better than most Australian motorhomes built for long distance remote travel. It also

has almost every conceivable luxury fitted and I’m sure that if something isn’t, then given the load capacity there’s no reason why it couldn’t be! Motorhome travel at its best, I reckon!

Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura

In a motorhome this size, you’d expect a high level of appointment and that’s exactly what you get.

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Tested: Traillite Landmark Oakura

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Specifications Manufacturer

Traillite

Model

Landmark Oakura 67X

Base Vehicle

Isuzu NQR 500L

Engine

5.2-litre turbo diesel

Power

139 kW @ 2600 rpm

Torque

510 Nm @ 1600-2600 rpm

Gearbox

6 speed AMT

Brakes

Front disc, rear drum

Tare Weight

6150 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

8700 kg

Licence

NZ Class 2

Approved Seating

2 front, 3 rear

External Length

8.7 m (28 ft 6 in)

External Width

2.42 m (7 ft 11 in)

External Height

3.46 m (11 ft 4in)

Internal Height

2 m (6 ft 7 in)

Rear Bed Size

1.78 m x 1.53 m (5 ft 10 in)

Rear Bed Size extended

1.9 m x 1.53 m (6 ft 3 in)

Cooktop

Thetford Caprice III

Fridge

Dometic RM 8555 190-litre

Microwave

Panasonic Inverter

Lighting

12V LED

Batteries

AGM 520 AH

Gas

2 x 9.0 kg

Heater

Webasto diesel

Solar Panels

280 W

Air Conditioner

Optional

Hot Water Heater

Attwood 23-litre

Toilet

Thetford cassette

Shower

Separate cubicle

Fresh Water Tank

565-litre

Grey Water Tank

400-litre

Price New Zealand

NZ $321,442 (on-road)

Pros • • • • •

Spacious layout External storage Fully self contained Kitchen storage Front lounge layout with slide-out • LED lighting • Upgraded cab seats

Cons • Bedroom length • Small push buttons on doors • Toilet cassette capacity • Isuzu AMT gearbox

Contact Click for Google Maps

TRAILlite 77 Paerata Road Pukekohe 2120. New Zealand Ph: 0800 872 455 (Tollfree) W: www.traillite.co.nz

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

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Feature: USA Update

28

America Non-Idle

Observatio ns from a rent al motorhome dinette...

Feature: USA Update

29

Our 33 ft gas-powered motorhome looked small behind this 35 ft diesel-powered Jayco Seneca towing a trailer with a car and two pushbikes. Towing is the norm over here but diesel power isn’t – except at the biggest/heaviest end of the market.

A

merica is on the move.

Constantly. Everywhere you go there are RVs towing cars and/or trailers, Cars towing cars and/or trailers, U-haul rental trucks relocating people’s lives and cars crammed with personal belongings (a hanging rail between the back windows that converts the rear seat area into a wardrobe is popular). Add to that an almost overwhelming number of tractor-trailers (think Semis) and mile-long trains with four

locomotives pulling doublestacked shipping containers across the vast plains and you begin to get the picture. And don’t even get me started on the airports.

RVs – be they motorhomes, fifth-wheelers, travel trailers (think Caravans) or toy haulers – are commodities over here.

Old ones litter the landscape and fill the back yards of ramshackle properties across the nation, often providing secondary accommodation

and regularly just falling apart.

There are countless RV storage yards across the country bulging with idle machines, while even in suburbia they are parked on driveways and on the streets. And of course that’s not counting the ones on the highways...

Massive production fueled by massive consumerism, which is powered by ultra low interest rates (you can fix a 30 year mortgage at around 3% pa and auto finance is often 0%),

Feature: USA Update plus the ability to tax deduct you home mortgage and even your RV as a second home (!) keeps the whole spend, spend, spend treadmill going.

To an Australian like me it’s staggering in its scale and voracity, and to be honest more than just a little off-putting at times. As Mrs iMotorhome noted, “America isn’t for the feint hearted.”

Only about 10 per cent of American RVers have sold their homes and are living on the road, I’m told, while another 15 per cent or so still own a home but are more or less full-time travellers. The rest are holiday makers and weekend escape people, or ‘Snowbirds’ from the North who migrate south to warmer climes every winter. Only having two weeks

30

gas is king

powered, although at the top end of the A-class market, diesels rule. Why is this so?

Gas is cheapish (we’ve been paying the equivalent of $0.90c - $1.10 per litre) and as many people travel shortish distances, towing their cars and basing themselves in RV parks for weeks or even months at a time, it makes fuel a small part of the overall cost equation. That’s also why it’s quite common to find a 10 year old motorhome with just 10,000-20,000 miles on the clock.

he majority of American motorhomes are gas (petrol) powered and ride on Ford E350 or E450 chassis, powered by a 6.8-litre V10 engine. Even many of the big A-classes are gas

Americans have been slow to embrace Euro technology and only Mercedes Benz has any sort of presence. Originally marketed here as Dodge Rams (can you believe!), Sprinters are now out on their own as

annual leave is a big limiter for working Americans, which is one reason why so many reach retirement before ever leaving the country. Long Service leave is unknown, along with many of the freedoms we take for granted, like flexi-days and nine-day fortnights (in certain industries). One young guy I was talking with has been in his semiprofessional job for two years and still only gets one week’s annual vacation. He gets two weeks from next year.

T

Old motorhomes like these litter the countryside. Many, because they’re basically worthless, become cheap housing in people’s back yards.

Feature: USA Update

31

This Travel Plaza provided a free RV dump point and fresh water. Usually, dump points on the highway cost $5-10, but water is free. Note the unusual tap design.

Feature: USA Update

32

Trucks are everywhere. RVs are mostly welcome to park with them, but gas stations usually have separate RV parking.

Mercedes Benz, because Fiat bought Chrysler (Dodge is a Chrysler brand) and now, for the first time, Fiat Ducatos are available – you guessed it – as Dodge Rams! Oh you guys...

There are no Fiat-based RVs that I’ve seen yet, but there are quite a few Sprinters on the road, mainly as van conversions and B-class motorhomes with a slideout dinette. There are also a few C-class Sprinters and Winnebago offers both B and C-class designs, plus two very neat A-class Sprinter adaptations.

Interestingly, whereas you

can buy a 26’ ft C-class Winnebago gas motorhome on a Ford chassis from just US$64,500, a 24 ft Winnebago Sprinter (diesel) C-class starts at US$101,500 and you can buy a lot of gas with the difference.

wasn’t too bad, but are paying US$109 for two nights to park on glorious asphalt in beautiful, downtown Las Vegas. I know; location, location, but along the way for very average places we’ve been quoted US$35-39 per night.

stay or pay

The trick is to stay for a month or more. Rates then often drop to about US$100-$125 per week. Staying for a week often only sees a one-day discount, so they really don’t want shortstay customers. This is why so many motorhomes tow cars – and why Walmart carparks are so popular.

U

nlike just about everything else in America, RV Parks are expensive – and not just in comparative terms. We’ve only used two during our journey but checked the prices on several others. We paid US$18 for an unpowered site by a river on our third night, which

For 10 of the 13 nights so far

Feature: USA Update

33

Most Walmart stores across America allow free overnight RV parking, often with active security patrols for added safety. They sell everything from fresh food to RV supplies and we used them constantly during our travels. we have free camped, and 8 of those nights have been in Walmart carparks. Sound sad? Not at all! To be honest, with its all-bitumen surface and close quarters camping, this US$54.50 a night RV park looks just like a Walmart carpark...

Walmart is a massive (what else?) chain that sells everything from fresh food and wine to clothes, shoes, sporting goods, computers, phones and even have a small RV section in their auto aisles.

You can also buy guns and knives, but don’t try to buy wine before 12 on a Sunday (in Missouri), or anytime on a

Sunday on Navaho land on a Sunday. Heaven forbid...

By and large, Walmart stores welcome overnight RVers of every denomination, as long as you stay on the periphery of their massive carparks and don’t get in the way. Some stores are off limits, usually due to local community objections or small carpark size, but unless signposted otherwise you’re free to stay. Many even have 24-hour security that drive around all day and night making sure no bad asses hassle you. We even had a meet-and-greet in Amarillo as we pulled up, welcoming us to ‘his patch’ and assuring us

he’d be on duty all through the night to keep us (and the other four RVs) safe. Now THAT’s service!

Of course it’s a win-win for Walmart because it’s almost impossible not to go inside and spend a few dollars – or even a lot of dollars. Many have Subways or McDonald’s outlets inside and we did all our food and wine shopping, bought toilet chemicals for the RV, kids clothes to take back to the neighbours, a coffee bodum (middle America still doesn’t ‘get’ good coffee) and various essentials. Finding RVfriendly Walmarts is easy too, via the Allstays app. Of course!

Feature: USA Update

34

Walmart carpark overnights can produce strange bedfellows. This homemade conversion attracted a lot of attention; not easy in a land where almost anything goes!

It seems everyone in America is towing something – even the bikes.

It costs about $10 but is money very well spent (Allstays also do an RV Park app).

fill 'er up!

U

nlike Australia, the Interstates (freeways) don’t have any services on them, save the

This RV dump point cost $10, or $5 with a free loyalty card.

We got the card.

occasional rest area. You have to go off at one of the regular junctions, where you’ll usually find a myriad of gas stations, fast-food outlets and accommodation options.

Early on I found the Flying J/ Pilot brand of gas stations/ truck stops, which offer a 2c/

gallon discount loyalty card plus special RV lanes with their own fuel pumps, drinking water and dump points. These are invaluable! Not every stop has full RV facilities but most do, and it’s good to be away from the trucks and cars (although you might have to queue).

Feature: USA Update

35

Everything in America is big! Giant cows, horses, signs, car dealers, shopping malls and parking lots litter the land and seem to never end.

The Big Texas Steak Ranch in Amarillo offers a free 72 oz (2 kg) steak if you can eat it and all its side trimmings in an hour.

Many people do, but if you fail it will set you back $72. At least they throw in a free t-shirt and a doggy bag.

Because American RVs use black water tanks for toilet waste you regularly need to find dump points when free camping (there are websites, of course!), but most Flying J/ Pilot gas stations have them.

You’ll pay $10 for a dump (if you know what I mean) or $5

if you have the aforementioned loyalty card. Every three or four days, it’s a small price to pay.

All gas stations take credit cards to pay at the pump, but there’s a catch: you have to enter an American zip code to authorise the purchase.

Otherwise, you need to pre-

pay, which is a bit of a hassle (prepay something like $150 and then go back in and get a refund if the fill costs less).

So from the second fill I tried entering the only US zip code I know: 90210 (Beverley Hills) – and it worked! Ironically, the zip code is supposed to match

Feature: USA Update

36

The Colorado River below Hoover Dam, snapped on the road to Las Vegas. Simply stunning.

Roadside free camping in Arizona. your billing address to verify security. Go figure.

nike!

A

merica is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, friendly people

and is geared up for RV travel.

Try a rental relocation as we have to get a taste for it and see how you go. It’s a huge adventure that’s not for the feint hearted, to be sure, but it’s greatly rewarding and will

also help you appreciate just how special Australia and New Zealand are too.

A Message from CMCA

RV Friendly

Towns

38

A Message from CMCA

39

Towns benefit considerably when RVs come and stay, especially when there are this many!

W

hen planning a trip across Australia in a self-contained recreational vehicle (RV), one of the things people look forward to most is the idea of being able to stop wherever you like, whenever you like. Once they hit the road, travellers all too soon discover the unfortunate reality that you cannot always stop wherever you like, whenever you like, as access to non-commercial accommodation has become restricted in many places.

emerge when low-cost parking is chosen instead of paying for commercial accommodation.

The fact is that RV tourists, generally travelling for months at a time, are not always going to succumb to the appeal of commercial accommodation which, quite correctly, demands a premium fee for access to their swimming pools, jumping castles and family BBQs.

RV tourism has remained one of the most resilient markets during the recent economic Those who have travelled downturn and is only expected throughout Australia are to increase further over the undoubtedly all too familiar with coming years, particularly as unfriendly attitudes that can the ‘baby boomer’ generation

continues to retire. There are still numerous showgrounds, racecourses and reserves that are currently being under-utilised as overnight accommodation access is being restricted due to government legislation.

The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) supports freedom of choice when camping overnight and believes that RV tourists should have access to an appropriate accommodation mix which includes both low cost and commercial options. This includes greater access to state and national parks, the

A Message from CMCA

40

Free camping is what makes motorhoming so attractive and towns that allow and encourage it are reaping the economic benefits.

development of regional and rural rest areas, and access to community land.

With this in mind, CMCA developed the RV Friendly Town™ (RVFT) Scheme; an initiative aimed at assisting RV tourists as they journey throughout this wonderful country.

An RVFT is one that has met a set of guidelines that ensures they provide adequate amenities, and a certain level of service for these travellers.

RV tourists can feel confident visiting an RVFT, knowing that they will be welcomed,

a variety of services will be provided for them that may not be available elsewhere, and there will be access to a safe place to stay overnight.

Before any town can be included in the Scheme, there is a set of criteria that must be met:

from the post office or agency.

• Access to potable water.

• Access to a free dump point within town precinct.

• Provision of appropriate parking within the town centre, including access to a general shopping area with groceries or fresh produce.

There are desirable attributes that CMCA also looks for when selecting an RVFT and these include access to medical facilities, long-term parking and a visitor information centre that can provide appropriate parking and a town map.

• Provision of short term (24 hour or 48 hour) parking for self-contained vehicles, no more than five kilometres

CMCA will always look at the general attitude of the council and the business people before granting the RVFT

A Message from CMCA

41

Room with a view and no neighbours – gotta love that! status. After all, it is called the RV ‘Friendly’ Town™ Scheme. The Scheme offers town business owners the opportunity to be innovative in meeting the needs of these travellers, while at the same time growing their businesses.

Numerous CMCA surveys have revealed that RV travellers who have access to noncommercial accommodation will be more likely to stay for longer periods of time in one area, and will also spend more money with the local

businesses. To increase visitation from passing travellers CMCA offer roadside ‘RV Friendly’ signs to councils who participate in the Scheme and a subsidy program also exists to assist with the town’s cost of installing a dump point (if one is not already installed).

We encourage Members to let CMCA know about any town they consider exceptionally ‘friendly’, and we also want to know about towns that are not ‘friendly’. The RV travellers’ grapevine is one of

the most valuable tools used to determine suitable RVFTs; of course towns themselves can express interest in gaining RV Friendly status and we encourage them to do so by contacting the CMCA Member Services Team on 02 4978 8788 or by emailing.

Mobile Tech

42

DISASTER WATCH

The Federal Government’s app to keep you safe wherever you are...

Mobile Tech

A

ustralia is a country regularly ravaged by natural disasters – from bushfires and floods to cyclones, storms and even occasional earthquakes.

43

earthquakes, floods, lightning, storms and Tsunamis, plus offers advice and information on handling your pets in emergencies.

It’s important to remember Disaster Watch is an Australian that Disaster Watch is not Federal Government initiative an emergency alert service: that brings together warnings it provides mobile access to and current condition reports available emergency news and for bushfires, cyclones, information.

The app is a simple one, with a map of Australia that lets you select each State and Territory and then choose Priority messages or All messages; the latter of which might contain non-disaster information. Information is updated every 15 minutes and is drawn from the key authorised Emergency

Mobile Tech

44

Some information is generic and basic, but contact numbers are handy.

Services websites around Australia.

Apart from allowing you to see what’s going on right across Australia, Disaster Watch lets you keep a set of favourites, which is particularly handy in times of trouble or just if you’re

type of emergency. Most of it is pretty generic but some of the Guides also have links to Action! specific emergency services ach of the seven Action and/or other organisations Guides offers varying that can provide detailed degrees of advice on how information and help. You can to prepare for and what to do also email each Guide and the if confronted by that specific links it contains, which could travelling through areas prone to problems.

E

Mobile Tech

45

During ‘situations’, live information updates are added every 15 minutes.

However, it’s not an alert service and it’s up to you to check for information.

prove useful in an emergency.

While the app is very handy it also stresses that it alone shouldn’t be relied upon as your sole source of emergency information. It says local radio, TV and other online sources should also be consulted

(probably the Federal Government trying to cover itself). In reality, unless they have people on the ground this app is likely to be as good as it gets in keeping you up-todate on unfolding emergencies in your area. Use it wisely and stay safe!

More information can be found at www.em.gov.au.

Roadside Eats

Over

Bearing?

The 4-Bears Cafe is a bit over the top, but a lot of fun...

by Richard Robertson

46

Roadside Eats

47

The Cafe get’s a bit crowded in places...

O

n our recent adventure to Melbourne in Trakka’s Trakkaway 860 we found ourselves on the back roads of South Eastern NSW and in the tiny but pretty township of Tumbarumba. It was lunchtime and right in the middle of town we found a place that was really pumping.

Seriously. And it was only a Tuesday.

The place in question – the 4 Bears Cafe – is bright red and has indoor and outdoor seating; the latter on the somewhat sloping-but-wide footpath beneath a shady verandah. You can’t miss it:

Bear – started the original business. Along with his three other Bears (Momma and two babies), he moved the business to Tumbarumba a few years back and the whole bear thing Bear Facts has really gotten out of control: nside, the cafe is wall-to-wall there are more than 400 in stuffed bears of every shape residence now and the count and size. Literally. The largest continues to grow. would probably kill you if it fell To its credit the 4 Bears Cafe on you. It’s kitsch for sure, but won the 2010 Best Tourism in a small town struggling to Operation in Tumbarumba while attract visitors it’s something one of its staff won Trainee of out of the ordinary and well the Year and it’s been positively worth a detour. rated on Tripadvisor.com.

The Cafe’s origins date back to Wagga Wagga in 2003 when the owner – nicknamed There’s a bright red 1950s Chrysler Royal parked out front, with bears asleep on the roof and bonnet – something of a giveaway!

I

Roadside Eats

48

You can’t miss the bear-covered bright red Chrysler Royal parked out the front!

Silly photo opportunities abound, too...

The Goldilocks’ Factor don’t remember seeing porridge on the menu (Goldilocks would be disappointed!) but otherwise the menu is quite comprehensive.

I

We settled on a ham and salad wrap and a nachos and both were delicious, although the service was somewhat glacial due to an influx of cyclists and their non-riding partners for a lunch break on a long crosscountry ride.

Lunch (inc two coffees) was $31, which I thought seemed a little on the steep side for a small country town cafe, but Mrs iMotorhome says $15 each is average and to stop

Roadside Eats

Nachos and a ham and salad wrap. Yum!

49

Roadside Eats

50

Tumbarumba is a quiet, pretty town and well worth taking the time to explore..

being such a tight arse (I’m paraphrasing). I also know pets cost a lot to keep, so who am I to quibble?

The 4 Bears Cafe is a bright spot in a sleepy town, although Tumbarumba itself has a quiet charm and is well worth exploring. Founded during the 1850s gold rush, the Town’s fortunes now rely on agriculture and, of course, tourism. It’s a little out of the way, but that’s part of its charm.

Autumn in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains is a lovely time of year, so if you have

a penchant for bears, a love of country towns and are in need of breakfast, lunch and possibly dinner, put the 4 Bears in your GPS and get cracking. Just hope the cyclists aren’t there on their return ride when you arrive...

4 Bears Cafe 32 The Parade Tumbarumba. NSW. 2653 Ph: (02) 6948 3228 4bearscafe.com.au

Google Maps 2013

Click for Google Maps

Roadside Eats

51

This is one cafe you don’t have to search hard to find...

Next Issue

52 THE STATES OF THINGS hurry to come home. Who can blame them?

M

r & Mrs iMotorhome are back from their travels and will (hopefully) be reporting on their excellent Route 66 adventure. It’s been a big trip and learning curve and by all reports they weren't in any

MAY

April 20-28 24-26

MAY

11-12

APR

20-28

NSW Caravan, Camping, RV & Holiday Supershow 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

www.supershow.com.au Click for Google Maps

Malcolm is STILL trying to track down and report on the elusive Yeti, aka the Avida Esperance. One has to wonder how difficult it can be for a manufacturer to get its act together to let the media review and (hopefully) help promote its new products?

May 11-12

MAY

24-26

MAY

11-12

Darwin 4WD, Caravan & Camping Expo Darwin Showgrounds, Stuart Highway, Winnellie. NT. • Open daily 10:00-6:00 (closes Sunday 5:00) • Free parking TBA • Adults TBA • Seniors TBA • Kids TBA

http://darwin4wdcampingexpo.com.au/index.html Click for Google Maps

We’ll continue with app reviews, great places to eat and whatever else we can find to bring you, and pack it all into our next exciting issue on Saturday, May 4.

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

Keep safe!

APR

20-28 May

24-26

MAY

24-26

Hunter Valley Caravan Camping 4WD & Fish Show Maitland Showground, Maitland. NSW. 2320.

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

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.

MAY

11-12