iMotorhome
8: August 18 2012
.com.au
Issue
because getting there is half the fun...
Sixy Kea A rental with an accent on comfort... Coromandel Coasting Malcolm cruises an NZ favourite
Be Prepared!
CMCA advice on avoiding trouble
On my mind...
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f you’re one of our many keen readers who download the latest copy of iMotorhome as soon as our email arrives, then as you read this my wife and I will be making a beeline for Wodonga Racecourse and the 2012 Border RV & Camping Expo. They tell me it’s bigger than Ben-Hur and it will be interesting and fun to attend what is basically a big country fair, after the hustle and bustle of the Big City show circuit this year. Malcolm is heading down tomorrow (Sunday) and after the show we’re picking up a couple of late model rental motorhomes from our good friend Matt Sears at Albury
Wodonga RV World and heading into Victoria’s wine country. Insert appropriate tough-job cliché here. Watch for our reviews and the travel story over the next few issues, if we ever return the vehicles... It will be interesting to look at AWRV World’s operation, too. It’s a big set-up for a regional centre and having a rental fleet of late-model motorhomes from Sunliner, Talvor and Avan – complete with online reservations – marks Matt and his team as innovative and progressive thinkers. You’ll notice a few changes creeping in to the magazine, staring with this issue. Firstly, we welcome the CMCA as a regular contributor, bringing
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motorhome-specific and clubrelated topics to the fore, in a readable and interesting format. If you’re not aware, the CMCA is Australia’s largest RV club and has more than 60,000 members. Motorhome and campervan-specific – with a sprinkling of fifth-wheelers for reasons I’ve never quite understood – it’s a powerful organisation with considerable political clout across Australia, giving all RVers a voice that wouldn’t otherwise be heard. It also provides worthwhile member benefits, including excellent insurance, and both Malcolm and I have been members for many years. To find out more visit www. cmca.net.au.
Continued...
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On my mind... ...Continued
Secondly, we’re starting to include travel stories in response to your requests and we kick off with Malcolm taking you for a wander down the Coromandel Coast in NZ. I’ll bring you a story about the remarkable Joadja Creek historic site soon, but in the mean time you can check it out at www.joadjatown.com.au. Thirdly, we had such a positive
response to last issue’s Green ‘N Gold story that we’d like to cover some more custom RVs, especially bus conversions or things out-of-the-ordinary. So if you have one, or know of one, please drop me a line and let’s see if we can make it famous! We’d also like more input from you in the way of comments, suggestions and feedback, so we can tailor iMotorhome
The iMotorhome Team
more closely to what interests you. Finally, we have a new guest writer coming soon who will specialise in motorhomespecific technical things, so stay tuned! In the mean time, hope to see you at the Expo!
d r a h c Ri
Richard Robertson
Malcolm Street
Allan Whiting
Publisher & Managing Editor
Consulting Editor
Technical Editor
A long-time freelance RV, motoring and travel writer, Richard is a dedicated, longterm motorhome enthusiast.
Unquestionably Australia and New Zealand’s best known RV journalist, Malcolm is a fixture at CMCA rallies and RV shows and is now in his second decade as a specialist RV writer.
An experienced motoring writer when Japanese cars were a novelty, Allan’s career read’s like Australian motor writing royalty.
richard@imotorhome.com.au
He has held senior editorial positions with some of the best know recreational vehicle magazines in Australia. Richard also has a passion for lifestyleenhancing technology, which is why he is the driving force behind the new iMotorhome eMagazine.
malcolm@imotorhome.com.au
If it’s available on either side of the Tasman, Malcolm has probably driven it, slept in it, reported on it, knows how it’s made and can tell you just how good it really is.
allan@imotorhome.com.au
Highly experienced in or on everything from motorcycles to B-doubles, Allan also runs www.outbacktravelaustralia. com – an invaluable free resource for anyone into four-wheel driving or touring remote corners of Australia.
©2012 iMotorhome. All rights reserved. Published by iMotorhome. ABN 34 142 547 719. PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW. 2576. Contact us on 0414 604 368 or Email: info@imotorhome.com.au
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www.ballinacampers.com.au
INSIDE EDISNI
2 ON MY MIND Ed chews the cud
7 NEWS
The latest happenings in the RV world
11 TESTED
6 of the Best – Malcolm Street reviews KEA NZ’s 6-berth
24 MOTORHOME 101 Hire Calling – Rental is a good option before you buy
31 TRAVEL
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Coromandel Coasting – Escaping down NZ’s lesser-known coastline
39 TECHNICAL
21 43 CMCA CLUB PAGES Emissions Impossible – the evolution of diesel emission controls
Be Prepared – What would you do if it all went wrong?
23 47 MOBILE TECH Cheap Tracks – Hema’s amazing 4wd Australia app
51 NEXT ISSUE What’s coming up, plus our show calendar
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News...
DUCATO DEVELOPMENTS
Fiat’s popular Ducato seems to have lost its hero engine in a quiet 2012 make-over.
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iat has released an evolutionary update of the Ducato for 2012, with the big news being the apparent demise of its much-loved 3.0-litre 115 kW/400 Nm engine!
II and the 109 kW/350 Nm 150 Multijet II (tested last issue in the Horizon Banksia), both of which meet Euro-V emissions standards and are claimed to cut fuel consumption by up to 15 percent.
Tom portable SatNav which is fully integrated with the Blue&Me telematics system.” This is an interesting move and one we’re looking forward to seeing in the flesh.
At the time of writing no comment was available from Fiat, but the engine’s lack of inclusion in the 2012 spec’s list is either an oversight (hopefully), an ill-judged marketing decision or the result of the big engine’s inability to meet Euro-V emission standards.
If the 3.0-litre engine has been quietly dropped it will be a blow for manufacturers like Trakka, who use it to power big C-Class motorhomes, and a big win for arch rivals Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen.
Fiat’s operations in Australia recently underwent a significant transformation, passing from a long-standing importer (Ateco, which also looks after Ferrari and Maserati) to full factory control. Now that Fiat owns Chrysler, the two brands have joined forces and with significant financial backing are set to become bigger players locally.
A press release dated 9 August says the Ducato range has gained a new choice of engines for 2012: the 96 kw/320 Nm 130 Multijet
The press release goes on to say, “Further helping operational efficiency, all Ducatos are fitted as standard with the Tom Tom SatNav docking station and Tom
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News...
EUROPEAN WILDERNESS
proper mattresses can’t be used. These Buerstner vehicles feature permanent double beds, making for a much better sleep. It’s a complete paradigm shift in style and comfort.” Wilderness is the first New Zealand campervan rental company to include Buerstners in its fleet.
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iwi company Wilderness Motorhomes has announced the introduction of 30 motorhomes designed by German manufacturer Buerstner into its rental fleet in time for summer.
features two permanent double beds, wraparound lounge and separate dining area with swivel front seats, huge bathroom, stylish kitchen and a storage area in the rear designed to hold plenty of toys,” according to a press release.
The Buerstner Ixeo four-berth motorhomes are joining the fleet under the brand name Wilderness Escape, built on the Fiat Ducato with 2.3-litre turbo-diesels with 6-speed automated manual transmissions.
“This is a real game-changer for the Kiwi campervan rental industry,” said Wilderness Marketing Director, Mary Hamilton. “Traditionally, people hiring a motorhomes have had to compromise on features such as beds – the living area is made into a bed at night, meaning
“The innovative European design
“This is a very exciting time for Wilderness,” said Mary. “It’s the first time a rental company has had such a significant number of high-end European vehicles in its fleet at one time. At a time when other companies are downsizing, we are extending our product offering. And we’re proud to introduce Buerstner motorhomes to the market – they are truly stunning vehicles that will really set the benchmark for New Zealand motorhome rentals.” The new motorhomes are available to book now for rentals from September 2012. For further information visit www.wilderness. co.nz.
GUMNUT MEN
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rakka was recently presented with a Silver Gumnut Award in recognition of its commitment to sustainable business practices at the 2012 Caravan and Camping Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner. “To achieve a Silver Gumnut Award, Trakka undertook
formal training and successfully developed and implemented an Environmental Management Plan identifying specific goals in ten categories including energy efficiency, water and wastewater, biodiversity and local community”.
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News...
NEW RV ASSOCIATION
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he Caravan Council of Australia (CCA) is an organisation registered with ASIC that has been formed to assist the local Recreational Vehicle Industry and provide professional independent services to all RV clients. General Manager Colin Young, a well-respected figure in the Australian RV industry, worked for nearly seven years with the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia (RVMAA) prior to leaving to establish the CCA. He said the new Victorianbased organisation, “Aimed to raise the level of compliance, safety,
quality and professionalism in the Australian RV industry.� Colin says the CCA says it will assist owners, dealers and potential buyers of both locally-made and imported recreational vehicles. Vehicle compliance, safety and quality are its prime areas of interest and action, but it will not be involved in State Association issues, Parks or RV lifestyle-promotional activities. CCA defines recreational vehicles as including caravans, motorhomes and campervans, camper/tent trailers, slide-ons and fifth-wheelers. It says only professional, qualified
and experienced engineers will be authorised to conduct audits/ assessments and assist with technical issues. You can contact Colin at caravancouncil@optusnet.com.au for further information.
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
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
6BEST!
OF THE
KEA’s six-berth flagship is surprisingly capable... Review and images by Malcolm Street
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Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
KEA’s distinctive Luton-peak profile provides headroom while reducing drag.
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or those who cannot afford a motorhome or just don’t have anywhere to park one, the rental option is definitely a good alternative. It’s one I exploit frequently for all kinds of travel – a recent occasion being a trip to the snow country around Wanaka and Queenstown on the south Island of New Zealand. My choice of travel was a Kea motorhome. Kea has a good range of rental motorhomes and up until quite recently that range was common to both New Zealand and Australia. There are some differences now, though, since the changes to Kea’s
Australian operation. Available in both countries are twoberth, four-berth and six-berth motorhomes, all based on Ford’s Transit chassis, with the two-berth being a van conversion. Additionally, in
NZ there is a VW T5 fliptop campervan and a (very) new three-berth motorhome (see iMotorhome Issue 7 NEWS), just slightly shorter at 6.2-metre than its larger siblings at 6.8-metres. For my
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth travels I’d actually asked for something that didn’t require the bed to be made up every night (interesting specification I know, but I’m a lazy traveller) and what Kea supplied me with was one of its six-berth motorhome (known as a Kea Six): nothing like slumming it! The Vehicle ea’s six-berth motorhome, at 6.8 m long by 2.2 m wide, happens to be the same external size as the company’s four-berth motorhome and for the uninitiated, both look almost identical: the clue being the lack of a window on the midoffside for the four-berth.
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Built from fibreglass composite and mouldings, the Kea Six, as mentioned above, is built on the venerable Ford Transit cab chassis, which comes with a GVM of 4990 kg. That, given the tare weight of 3372 kg, results in a very good load carrying capacity, albeit one most fly/drive travellers aren’t going to get close to. A point of note is the Keadesigned security door, which can be remotely locked by the same control that locks the Transit’s cab doors as well: What a joy that is! Windows are the standard
Whichever way you look at it, this is one practical motorhome.
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Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
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Storage space is always at a premium with motorhomes, especially rentals. This KEA is good, however, and even includes room for skis and poles. Just leave the big suitcases at home.
tinted-glass NZ style, with the lower section opening (except for the kitchen slider). The windows are actually one of the noted differences between Aussie and Kiwi motorhomes, with the former usually being hopper-style and fully
openable. Kea’s new threeberth, I’m interested to note, actually has those: The Seitz variety, with integrated blind and insect screen. External storage is often an issue on rental motorhomes
but this one isn’t badly equipped. Featuring a bindoor on the nearside at the rear that gives easy access to the under-seat areas, it also has a rod/pole/ski-holder across the rear and a hose/ power-cord compartment
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
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Well overdue for an update, Ford’s Transit is still comfortable and capable, but the lack of an auto hurts it. on the mid-nearside. On the opposite side at the rear is the gas locker, with two 4.5 kg cylinders, and like many rental motorhomes, the Kea Six does not have an awning. On the Road owered by a 103 kW 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, the Ford Transit certainly handled the stunning Highway 8 through the middle of the South Island without difficulty. Some of the more scenic sights included Lake Tekapo,
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Lake Pukaki and Lindis Pass. Whilst off the main drag, a detour through Wanaka and along the Cardrona Valley Road was not to be missed. Ford Transits only come with a six speed manual gearbox. The gear changing is very
smooth, which is especially useful in mountain terrain. Fuel consumption came in about 14.5 L/100 km, but cruising at a sedate 80 km/h would produce a much better result. Being a six-berth motorhome, all the passengers travel in
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
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Spacious rear lounge with wraparound windows is a Kiwi motorhome trademark.
the dinette behind the driver’s seat. The forward facing ones have the advantage of forward travel but all can communicate without shouting to those in the front cab. Living Inside ental motorhome layouts are often slightly different to those built for the private market, particularly those built for four and six-berth layouts. The Kea Six layout is still very user friendly and in my case
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having a rear lounge/bed, a front dinette/bed and the Luton over-cab bed offered considerable flexibility in use. Being on my own I used the Luton bed and therefore had one table for eating and the other as a mobile office. Filling the rest of the interior is the kitchen bench along the nearside and the bathroom located mid-offside. Beige and brown are the principal colours for the
interior – not going to win any contemporary décor awards – but certainly winners in the rental motorhome practicality department. Kea motorhomes are also available for the private market but those come with different colour schemes inside and out. The Roman Blinds are a different touch to many motorhome interiors and seem to work well without being fiddly. Electrics are quite simple but
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth functional, with a neat little 12V control panel (including a 12V socket) behind the driver’s seat and both fluorescent and halogen lights throughout. A second radio/CD unit is fitted in the rear, which might seem extravagant to some but it’s certainly handy, and better than the standard Ford radio as it comes with a 3.5 mm socket for MP3 players. Both a roof-mounted air conditioner and a gas-fired heater (which worked exceptionally well in the alpine areas) are standard inclusions. Lounging Around ne of the advantages of a six-berth motorhome is that there are two places to sit around: The more formal front dinette up front and the club lounge – aka the “New Zealand back” – in the rear.
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Nothing fancy, KEA’s 6-berth is spacious and practical.
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Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
Logically thought out, all controls are well placed and easily reached. The rear lounge is good for stretching out and the table can easily be moved in-andout as required. Overhead lockers and underseat areas provide good storage and the nearside area, as mentioned earlier, can be accessed from both inside and out. Mounting a TV in a layout like this is going to be tricky from a viewing point, but the end of kitchen bench location is okay for the rear area and partly okay for the front dinette. The various remotes and the satellite TV receiver are mounted under the overhead lockers, above the offside seat. The front table only seats four, so with six on board the rear
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Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
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The KEA’s kitchen is well equipped, but note the unusual moulded-in sink and drainer.
lounge area is going to have to be utilised. Above the dinette are a couple of small lockers and compartments, which are a little hard to reach but great for stashing small items. They also have both the hot water and the all-important heater controls mounted nearby. Time to Eat ental motorhome kitchens tend to be built for resilience and practicality
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rather than good looks, but this one wins on most counts. It’s of good size, with a generous amount of bench area and storage. With plenty of working space – always a good idea in a multi-berth motorhome – the bench moulding includes both the sink (tank and drinking water supplied) and drainer. Fitted neatly in is a Smev four-burner cooktop/grill, while
below is the Vitrifrigo 133-litre fridge. Being 12V compressordriven means independent camping time is a bit limited, but two 34-watt solar panels help a bit in keeping the 100ah battery up to speed. Set below overhead locker level, the Sharp microwave is at a user friendly height. Overhead lockers, cupboards and drawers are all generously supplied. Plates, cups and glasses are all stashed in
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Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
Luton (over-cab) bed is big and comfortable, with a sturdy ladder for secure access. the lower drawer, which has custom-made slots and holes to ensure minimal breakages. That does take a little bit of space, but for fast and secure packing it’s just great! An advantage of supplying all the essentials (kettles, toasters, et al) is that the cupboards can be designed exactly to fit everything in neatly.
good for general use. It comes with a moulded-in Thetford cassette toilet and a foldout wash basin and shaving cabinet. The shower faucet can either be used at the basin or as a conventional shower. Handy for travellers on the move is the fold-out drying rack and the mirror on the outside wall.
After Hours n a six-berth motorhome the bathroom isn’t going to be oversized, but it’s certainly
It’s mostly not a major issue, but ladders in motorhomes are often very basic and footunfriendly. Well, the Kea one is
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a bit of a winner! It’s not only light weight but folds out with nice wide steps – a gold star for that! Luton beds with adequate ceiling height are always a bit of a challenge for motorhome designers, but this one works quite well. For a start it’s a good size at 2.1 m x 1.8 m, with a ceiling height of 660 mm. To achieve a full-width bed, a fill-in where the cab walk-through is has to be slid into position. Being on
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth my own, I didn’t use it and retained the convenience of the driver’s cab access. Two moulded-in bedside shelves, two gooseneck reading lights and two storage nets on the front wall add greatly to the Luton bed area’s appeal and practicality, as it’s often just a mattress and little else.
In the rear, the club lounge bed (2.1 m x 1.5 m) can be made-up by removing the table-pole mount, using the table as bed base and filling in the space with seat cushions. Similarly, the front dinette makes up a bed measuring 1.9 m x 1.3 m. Despite the variety of beds, anyone looking for an island bed is
Translucent bathroom door makes bathroom feel bigger than it is. Folding sink is space-saving, too.
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