iMotorhome eMagazine Issue 9 - Sep 1 2012

iMotorhome

9: September 01 2012

.com.au

Issue

because getting there is half the fun...

ROAD TRIP! Touring in Talvor’s midsize Murana...

Border RV Expo

A wellie good time was had by all!

Eyes on the Pies!

Quinty Bakehouse is worth a detour

On my mind...

S

orry we’re late, but when a mate of 20-plus years got married on a scheduled publication day something had to give (and it wasn’t going to be his fiancé).

Welcome to a big test issue; big because I write a lot. Can’t help myself. I’m a gabbler.

This issue we have two comparable C-Class motorhomes for you, both built on a VW Crafter cabchassis and both suitable for short or long-term living.

It was interesting comparing the different approaches Winnebago and Talvor have taken to what are, essentially, rental-style vehicles. It was also an interesting comparison because both vehicles had

between about 44 and 55,000 km on the clock and both drove like new, which bodes well for the VW’s longevity – even at the hands of renters, staff and worse: journalists. I hope you enjoy the reviews.

The good Mrs iMotorhome and I had the pleasure of meeting Collyn and Maarit Rivers in their beautiful home just last week.

Having heard so much about Collyn, who is almost a chronic underachiever compared with his lovely Finnish wife, we had a fascinating time and talked about all-things RV. One of the many things that came from the conversation is Collyn’s enthusiasm and support for the newly-formed (if ill-named) Caravan Council

of Australia (CCA), which we reported on in the News section last issue. Collyn is actually its head technical boffin and the CCA’s manager is another Colin, Colin Young, who was formerly a major figure in the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia (RVMMA). The CCA has been established to cover all types of recreational vehicles and is intended as a professional certifying body that will work with manufacturers, importers and owners to verify vehicle compliance and seek solutions to questions and disputes that arise within this industry.

Without wishing to become embroiled in a political stoush,

• Campervans • Motorhomes • Caravans • Hobby Haulers

• Campervans • Motorhomes • 4x4 Campers • Caravans

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

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

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On my mind... ...Continued

suffice to say there is a widespread level of discontent with the RVMMA and the CCA is seeking to address that.

Collyn also introduced me to RV forums and the new OZERV forum (www.ozerv. com), which has sprung up since the CMCA suddenly closed its members’ forum recently. It’s certainly given iMotorhome great exposure

and our website hits and new subscriptions have gone crazy. It also lead me to the New Zealand Caravan and Motorhome Forum (www. nzmotorhomes.co.nz) and I’d like to extend a warm welcome to our new readers from across the Tasman.

The forums have shown many motorhomers are deeply concerned about over-weight

The iMotorhome Team

vehicles and the availability of after-sales service and support when touring Australia. We’ll tackle these issues as we’re able, but rest assured we stand by the editorial freedom and integrity of our reviews and that we NEVER write advertorial.

Enjoy the issue!

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

TOP 10 REASONS TO BUY FROM BCMC...

1 2 3 4 5 6

Superior vehicles ‘Satisfaction built-in’ is BCMC’s bi-line. We are the only retailer in Australia focused solely on the sales and support of ‘built-in’ recreational motorhomes and campervans.

Deal direct with the manufacturer It’s great to know that the people that sold you your motorhome, also built it. Most of our staff have spent extensive time in built-in recreational vehicles, tap into their experience and their handy travel hints.

Proven track record Since 1988 BCMC have seen many companies come and go.

With no big city overheads, you’ll realise that the total on-road prices represent the best value in Australia.

Research & development BCMC are constantly testing and improving all aspects of vehicles in line with customer expectations and demands. Horizon and Frontline vehicles are at the leading edge of design.

Large range of new & pre-loved ‘The range of Horizon Motorhomes and Frontline Campervans on display is substantial, so too is our fine range of pre-loved vehicles.

Horizon models are designed and built by BCMC in Ballina.

Accessories galore Full inventory of spare parts and accessories. Our staff will explain the value of optional add-ons such as air conditioning, solar power, or fly screens to make your touring even more pleasurable.

7 8 9 10

p.02 6681 1555 www.ballinacampers.com.au 299 River Street Ballina NSW 2478

After sales service BCMC are industry leaders in their approach to servicing your vehicle. Totally professional, always prompt. Complete diagnostic and maintenance programmes.

Visit our factory You are invited to inspect our modern Ballina factory where our skilled craftsmen work to achieve Horizon’s ‘satisfaction built-in’

Australian family owned Since 1988, MD Clayton Kearney has strived to produce the very best product at the most affordable price. Clayton knows repeat and referral business comes from very satisfied customers.

Country courtesy BCMC pride themselves in giving the best delivery service. We spend time to orientate you with your new camper and give you free nights at local parks to be on hand if you need further advice.

INSIDE EDISNI

2 ON MY MIND Ed chews more cud...

7 NEWS

The latest happenings in the RV world

11 TESTED

Back to the Future – Richard reviews Winnebago’s Ceduna

28 BORDER RV SHOW

17

There was mud to see at this year’s show...

34 TESTED

21

C for Yourself – Richard tours and tests the Talvor Murana

50 ROADSIDE EATS 23 If you like good pies be sure to try Quinty Bakehouse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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News...

IMOTORHOME NOW ON ISSUU

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vailable to read on-line in full magazine style as well as for free download, iMotorhome can now also be found at www.issu.com. Issuu is a global e-publishing site and has thousands of titles across a seemingly limitless variety of topics.

We are progressively uploading back issues and the Issuu software cleverly stitches our single pages

together to make a ‘proper’ magazine. With this in mind, from this issue of iMotorhome forwards we are designing the layout as a conventional magazine, minus images and heading spread across two pages.

This will make its transition to Issuu better and provide a more traditional readership experience if you want to read us on a big computer screen.

RENTAL, PARTS AND SERVICE SAVINGS

rental vehicles, which include Talvor, Sunliner and Avan models. Unlike traditional rental companies, AWRV World’s rental w the all new Sunliner Monte Carlo M74 today.

Available for immediate delivery!! vehicles are regular production lbury Wodonga RV models that the company keeps World (AWRV World) for about 60,000 km before is offering iMotorhome selling them on as low mileage readers a ten percent discount on and well cared for used vehicles. motorhome rental, spare parts They also offer secure parking and servicing. if you’re driving to their yard to collect your rental vehicle. ose Dr, Wodonga 3690 • Ph: 02 6024 4222but • awrvworld.com.au The company runs a small up-to-date fleet of fully equipped

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The parts and service offer is great for campervan or motorhome owners in the Albury Wodonga district, and those just passing through with a little time to spare.

To claim your discount simply call AWRV World General Manager, Matt Sears, on (02) 6024 4222 or email him at matt@awrvworld.com.au.

DUCATO CLARIFICATION

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ast issue we wondered if Fiat had kicked an own goal by seeming to drop its hero 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine from the 2012 Ducato line-up. Fiat’s PR person was on a plane at press time and

the engine was nowhere to be seen in the specifications list, but early the following week everything was clarified: The 3.0-litre engine is available to motorhome manufacturers only, not the general public. So Fiat

fans can breathe easy and so can many motorhome manufacturers, who literally have a lot riding on the back of the popular Italian vehicles.

News...

WINNEBAGO APPEALS COURT DECISION

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n 29 August Winnebago Industries announced it would appeal a recent Federal Court ruling barring its continued use of the “Winnebago” name in Australia.

The ruling followed an action brought in 2010 by Winnebago Industries, Inc. of Iowa USA, in which they sought to prevent Winnebago Industries Australia from using the “Winnebago” name in Australia.

Winnebago Industries Director, Ben Binns, said the company had considered its options carefully and concluded the grounds were sufficiently strong to lodge an appeal.

“Ours is a family-owned business that has been trading as Winnebago since we first acquired the business name in Australia in 1978,” Mr Binns said.

“We truly believed we were able to use the Winnebago name in Australia given the written agreement we had with

TRAKKA FINALISTS

IN NSW AWARDS

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rakka is a finalist in four categories for the Motor Industry State Awards staged by the Motor Trader’s Association of NSW (MTA) and is also a finalist in the NSW Group Training Awards staged by The Group Training Association of NSW and ACT (GTA).

As finalists in the MTA Awards, Trakka is positioned in the top 10% of NSW motor dealerships in four categories including New Vehicle Dealer of the Year, Commercial Vehicle Business of the Year, Workplace Health and Safety Member of the Year and Green Stamp Member of the Year.

Finalists in the MTA Awards are assessed by a panel of independent industry judges on strict criteria including relevance and commitment to the motor industry, profile within the local community, premises presentation, continued business development, commitment to training and staff development, commitment to good environmental practices, keeping up to date with technology and new innovations.

With more focus on team members, the GTA Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in apprenticeships, traineeships, group training and employment,

Winnebago Industries Inc of Iowa USA,” he said.

“As an Australian manufacturing business employing over 160 people, we rely on the reputation and goodwill we have built up over more than three decades. Appealing the Court decision is necessary to protect our legitimate commercial interests. In doing so we are encouraged by the support expressed by our customers since the original Court ruling.”

with Trakka confirmed as finalists in the NSW Group Training Host Employer of the Year category.

Martin Poate, General Manager, believes Trakka’s strong market position is reflective of years of commitment to team development and business management.

“We are one of the market leaders in the RV industry today because of our great team. We have expert engineers, precise craftsmen and a knowledgeable sales team that truly believe in the Trakka brand. We are pleased to have achieved the finalist stage in these prestigious awards and to have our team’s efforts recognised by our MTA and GTA peers.”

The MTA and GTA award winners will be announced on 22 September 2012 and 26 October 2012, respectively.

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News...

GREAT USA RELOCATION RENTAL DEAL! night for May and June. A $1000 bond is payable on collection from the factory in Decatur and is refunded if the vehicle is delivered undamaged, but there is no other insurance charge. A small booking fee applies in Australia.

G

ot some time to spare in 2013? Standbyrelocs. com is offering 14-night one-way rentals from Decatur, Indiana to Las Vegas, Los Angeles or San Francisco in brand-new motorhomes on their delivery

runs for Apollo Motorhomes US operations.

Available from March to June for pick-ups between the 1st and 5th of each month, prices are just $20/ night for March and April and $50/

You’re allowed 3000 miles for the journey, which is about 2000 miles direct to LA, and extra miles are 40 cents each. The rental includes bedding and an amenities pack and these are C-Class petrol vehicles up to 31 feet long, so work on about 10 miles per gallon and get packing! Visit www.standbyrelocs. com and click on the United States tab. See you over there!

Tested: Winnebago Ceduna

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11

back & future

Winnebagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ceduna: something old, something new...

Review and Images by Richard Robertson

Tested: Winnebago Ceduna

Ceduna’s body sits wide on the VW Crafter cab-chassis.

W

innebago’s Leisure Seeker was Australia’s archetypal C-Class Motorhome: a space efficient box-on-wheels design that could easily be adapted from vehicle to vehicle with a minimum of redesign work.

Winnebago made a million of them, figuratively speaking, and when production ceased it left a hole in the Company’s expanding line-up that it decided to fill with the sixthberth Ceduna.

Essentially a re-born Leisure Seeker with a different roofline (so I’m advised), the Winnebago Ceduna continues the tradition of bang-for-your-

buck real estate, but without any real innovation. It’s something of an anachronism, given Winnebago makes some very stylish and up-todate motorhomes, but as they say: horses for courses.

Crafty VW

T

he test Ceduna rode on Volkswagen’s Crafter 50 LWB cab-chassis, which seems to have become the Euro workhorse-of-choice amongst manufacturers

Tested: Winnebago Ceduna looking for an appealing, lower-cost entry model: witness its popularity amongst rental fleets.

This is a smart move because Crafter is a twin-under-theskin with the considerably more expensive Mercedes Benz Sprinter. In essence you get Mercedes’ design, engineering and quality at a VW price; because they all come down the same assembly line until they need their engine, gearbox and sundry bits fitted, at which point they are shipped off to VW for finishing. It’s a curious arrangement that obviously has commercial advantages for both companies, but savvy motorhome manufacturers and buyers are the real winners.

Under the bonnet is where Crafters and Sprinters diverge most noticeably, and VW’s workhorse engine is its 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo-diesel, producing a modest 100 kW and 300 Nm. In other guises this same engine produces significantly more power, meaning as a motorhome it should be suitably under-stressed.

Mated to this is Volkswagen’s six-speed automated-manual transmission (AMT) – another major point of difference with

At home on country roads, the Crafter’s automated manual gearbox is less happy in the cut-and-thrust of city traffic.

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Tested: Winnebago Ceduna

There’s much to like about the Crafter, which basically provides Mercedes Benz engineering at a Volkswagen price. It’s a canny choice by Winnebago. the Sprinter, which uses a full automatic gearbox.

If this all sounds a little tame you can have a Ceduna on a Sprinter 519 cab-chassis, complete with thumping 140 kW/440 Nm 3.0-litre

V6 turbo-diesel and the full auto transmission, but at a considerable price premium.

One curiosity of the Crafter/ Sprinter’s Euro-heritage is its small 75-litre fuel tank. Larger tanks are optionally available,

but 100-litres should be the minimum for Australian touring conditions – especially when lugging a big body on the back.

Ceduna comes with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4490

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Tested: Winnebago Ceduna

The upright steering wheel provides a car-like driving position while the stubby dash-mounted gear lever keeps nicely out of the way.

kg, meaning it can be driven on a standard car licence and it can tow another 2000 kg.

However, its tare weight is a not-inconsiderable 3756 kg, so with a full load of people, fuel and water you’d need to be very circumspect about what else you could carry. Do the maths and you’ll see what I mean.

The Ceduna is 7.11 meters long, 2.472 metres wide and 3.235 meters tall, and

is equipped with dual air bags, disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control (ESP) and the usual array of powered features like windows, mirrors, locking and steering. Semi-automatic Climatic airconditioning is standard, too.

Ze Drive

T

ypically Germanic, the Crafter is solid and capable if uninspiring to drive.

You’d never call a Crafter fun (unlike a Fiat Ducato, for example), but where it shines is in its relentless ability to cover miles comfortably

Tested: Winnebago Ceduna

Side-mirror indicator repeaters are a valuable safety feature. and with a minimum of fuss.

Aiding this is Mercedes Benz’s terrific wand-operated combination cruise-control and speed limiter. This allows you to choose to let the Crafter maintain your speed automatically (great on open roads) or stop you exceeding a pre-set speed (great in traffic or on unfamiliar roads). Very useful...

You sit deep inside the Crafter’s cab, with excellent visibility forwards and to the sides. The seats seem unremarkable but are as comfortable at the end of the day as they are to begin with.

The multi-adjustable steering

wheel sits upright, like a car, rather than bus-like, as in many commercial vehicles and although the instruments are easy to read, you’ll need to spend time with the owner’s manual to fully decipher the workings of all the minor controls.

Perhaps the Crafter’s greatest on-road attribute is its absolute rock-solid front end. Never fazed by road irregularities, potholes, passing trucks or whatever, it causes neither steering kick-back nor wander and inspires great confidence in all situations. It also has a terrific turning circle – another benefit

of its Mercedes’ heritage.

The Ceduna body does contribute to general body roll, as you’d expect, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary.

Being rear-wheel-drive helps steering feel, while dual rear wheels enhances stability and towing ability, too.

On the down side, performance is leisurely at best, due to the shifting pattern of the AMT gearbox.

Reluctant to up-shift at times (especially from first gear at low speeds) and with a considerable lag when it does, getting to know this gearbox takes time, but

Tested: Winnebago Ceduna once familiar its foibles are quickly accommodated and forgotten. So don’t be put-off from what you might read, or from a brief, initial driving experience. And remember, you can always manually override when the terrain/ situation/mood takes you.

The test Ceduna had about 44,000 km on the clock as a Winnebago demonstrator and loan vehicle and had obviously been well used. Despite that it drove well and no more shakes and rattles than I’d expected. Winnebago backs its new motorhomes with a 5-year/1 million kilometre structural warranty in addition to VW’s 3 year/Unlimited km vehicle warranty. While the 1 million km allowance might seem more gimmick than useful, in reality it all amounts to substantial security, backed by a national dealer network.

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Tested: Winnebago Ceduna

Slab-sided and boxy, the Ceduna eschews looks for functionality.

Body Beautiful? nly a died-in-theInsulwool Winnebago fan would call the Ceduna’s boxy body beautiful, but it’s functional and it works. It’s really quite a juxtaposition to the out-there looks of the Crafter.

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To reduce wind resistance the Luton-peak over the cab has a low roof line, but this compromises interior overbed headroom. There’s a good-sized through-boot at the rear, which is also the only external storage locker, apart from the one near the driver’s door that hold the 2 x 4-kg gas bottles and has room for cables, hoses and other hook-up essentials.

Tested: Winnebago Ceduna

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The Ceduna has adequate external storage and good access to utilities and connections.

The body sits on a steel floor plate and has a onepiece internal plywood floor, separated by insulation. Wall panels are fully insulated, as you’d expect, and the roof is a one-piece rubber design, to reduce the chance of water ingress. Herr-brand louvered wind-out hopper windows on both sides (the rear window is fixed) look old fashioned and have a real rental feel, but work well and

can be left open in the rain – unlike sliders and some more modern designs. They’re also very secure. Speaking of which, a Herr dead-bolt entry door with flyscreen is fitted, but the screen-door section isn’t lockable and affords no security whatsoever, which is mystifying on a motorhome.

Capacity-wise, the Ceduna comes with 100 litres capacity for its fresh and grey water tanks. The removable toilet

cassette holds 17 litres of stuff you don’t want to read about, while the Suburban gas and electric hot water system holds 23 litres. A single 100 amp house battery looks after electrical duties when away from mains power.

Oh yes, LED clearance lights are fitted but it’s a pity the LED theme doesn’t extend to the tail lights or outside lights, which would make them far more durable and efficient.

Tested: Winnebago Kea NZ 6-Berth Ceduna

You can leave the rear table and side cushions in place if you don’t lower the rear electric bed too far.

A Living Thing n electric entry step affords easy access to the Ceduna’s quite cavernous interior. The layout has the bathroom right behind the driver and a wardrobe behind the passenger, the kitchen on the nearside and a rear u-shaped lounge (or New Zealand Back as Malcolm calls them) with an electric bed that lowers from the ceiling. There’s also the second bed in the Luton Peak, above the cab.

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Stepping inside will be a

trip down memory lane for previous Leisure Seeker owners – because it seems little, if anything, has changed. Flat-faced timber cupboards and matching brown upholstery are a real blast from the past, as are the beige curtains and timber-look

flooring. On the plus side this means the design works and is durable; on the down side it’s like buying an early 90s Commodore when Holden is also selling 2012 models: If you’re a function-over-form kind of person you’ll probably love it.

Tested: Winnebago Ceduna

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There’s certainly room to dance in the ‘entry lobby’ and there’s plenty of room down the centre of the vehicle (which means the bathroom could be wider). At the rear the u-shaped lounge has seatbelts for four and an approved child restraint anchor point, plus plenty of windows, so be sure to reverse into any spot to get the best views. The roof-top airconditioner also doubles as a heater, while interior lighting is mainly old-school: A mixture of 12-volt fluoro and halogen, plus a few LEDs. The rear-only sideways seating with lap seatbelts, for those not lucky enough to be riding up front, is another concession to old design habits. The trend now is to have a cafe-style dinette behind the driver with forward and aft-facing seats equipped with lap-sash seatbelts: Far safer and far better for on-theroad communication.

Come and Get it! ith room to seat six at dinner time in this sixberth motorhome, it will be a fight to see who gets to use the table and who eats off their laps. I’d say two will miss out, but to its credit the table is highly adjustable and can also be lowered when it’s time to lower the overhead bed. Best to eat while it’s light, too, as the bed precludes any direct overhead lighting.

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The rear overhead cupboards are attached to the bed unit, but clear the seat-back cushions.

Tested: Winnebago Ceduna The flat-screen TV with integrated DVD sits on a swivel mount on top of the wardrobe unit, behind the front passenger’s seat. It’s a long way from the lounge but is designed so it can be watched from there (with binoculars, perhaps?) or from the over-cab bed.

The kitchen is well equipped

but bench space is at a premium, despite a small flip-up extension by the door.

You’ll probably need to use the dining table when catering for larger numbers.

Standard equipment includes a sizable 150-litre Dometic 3-way fridge/freezer with automatic energy switching (AES), meaning it will choose

The rear lounge has good seating capacity but limited table space for meals.

between gas, vehicle 12-volt (while the ignition’s on) and mains power. This sits at floor level between the bathroom and rear lounge, on the offside, with the stainless steel microwave above it.

Across from these, between the entry door and rear lounge, is the working heart of the kitchen. There you’ll

Tested: Winnebago Ceduna

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The kitchen is well equipped and the Ceduna’s wide body means there’s almost room to dance while waiting for the kettle to boil! find a glass-lidded stainless steel cooker with an oven and grill, plus two gas hobs and a single electric element on top. Above it is a stainless steel range hood, while a glass-lidded single-bowl sink with integrated drainer shares the smallish bench top and is positioned closest to the entry door. There’s good drawer and cupboard space, plus decent over-bench cupboard storage and an extra cupboard above the microwave.

Most electrical operations are controlled from a single panel above the end of the kitchen bench, by the entry door, which also includes an internal and external thermometer.

You can check the batteries and water tank level, amongst

other things, but the hot water system switch is beneath the sink, as is the rear electric bed switch. Why the latter wouldn’t be down by the bed is a mystery.

Sweet Dreams! he Ceduna’s six overnight occupants sleep in two double beds and two singles.

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Access to the over-cab bed is via a reasonably wide and secure aluminium ladder, but once up there over-bed headroom is adequate rather than brilliant. There’s a single reading light at both ends and a safety net to stop kids from unexpectedly experiencing the terrifying effects of gravity in the night.

The Ceduna’s party trick is

its electrically-operated roof bed, which is about queen size and which stores away unobtrusively above the rear lounge when not in use. It’s a great idea that works well and is truly space efficient.

The rear lounge converts to two lengthways single beds, but you’ll need to ensure those occupying them aren’t claustrophobic, as they will be sleeping beneath the partially-lowered overhead bed.

Conversely, if the rear roof bed can’t be lowered right down you might need a step or two or three to access it. As with everything in a motorhome, compromise reigns supreme. At least you can leave the rear roof bed made-up when not in use and its pretty much out of sight.

Tested: Winnebago Ceduna

Clean Machine ntering the Ceduna’s bathroom brings you into a small powder/change room featuring an angled benchtop with a corner hand basin and mixer tap. There’s good cupboard space and a well lit makeup mirror, plus a big side window fitted with a venetian blind a little too long for it.

What’s that they say about the devil and detail?

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It’s good to have a private dressing room, especially when there are potentially up to six people aboard, but it could be a bit of a

The Bathroom is relatively spacious, with a change area and vanity, plus a walk-through shower with the loo at the rear.

It has its own screen door to keep it and the loo roll dry. Nice! squeeze – especially for larger occupants.

The shower set-up is quite unusual in that the cubicle has the toilet at the rear;

with its own screen door to keep it and the loo roll dry.

When standing in the shower you’re really between a bog and a dry place (sorry), so

Tested: Winnebago Ceduna just remember to close both screen doors and you’ll keep everyone happy!

Final Thoughts innebago’s Ceduna is a capable motorhome that should provide years of reliable service. It’s neither exciting nor innovative, yet it obviously appeals to a range of buyers who value proven practicality above all else.

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As a six-berth motorhome it has great room for two people and acceptable room for four, but the rear bed arrangement could cause issues when used to capacity, not to mention the lack of dining-table space for six people. Payload capacity with six adults aboard would be an issue requiring careful management, too.

VW’s Crafter is the bright spot in the equation, providing proven engineering with comfort and convenience, plus quite reasonable fuel consumption. I averaged a gnat’s whisker less than 15 l/100 km on test, although I did only cruise at 100 km/h on the freeway and there was only me on board.

The Ceduna is a solid motorhome, but it reminds me of how far motorhome designs have come in the last decade – in a thousand little ways. It really needs a makeover to bring it back to the future.

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Tested: Winnebago Ceduna

Specifications Manufacturer

Winnebago Industries

Model

Ceduna

Base Vehicle

VW Crafter 50 LWB

Engine

2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

100 kW @ 3500 rpm

Torque

300 Nm @ 2000 rpm

Gearbox

AMT – 6 speed

Brakes

Disc ABS

Tare Weight

3756 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

4490 kg

Licence

Car

Passengers

6

External Length

7.110 m (23 ft 4 in)

External Width

2.472 m (8 ft 1 in)

External Height

3.235 m (10 ft 7 in)

Internal Height

1.990 m (6 ft 6 in)

Single bed size

1.83 m x 0.60 m (6 ft 0 in x 1 ft 11 in)

Luton bed size

2.0 m x 1.35 m (6 ft 7 in x 4 ft 5 in)

Roof bed size

1.94 m x 1.48 m (6 ft 4 in x 4 ft 10 in)

Cooktop

Spinflo 3 burner

Fridge

Dometic 3-way 150 litre

Microwave

LG

Gas

2 x 4.0 kg

Lighting

12V Fluoro/halogen/LED

Batteries

1 x 100 AH

Solar panels

Optional

Air conditioner

Standard

Hot water

Suburban 23 litres

Toilet

Thetford cassette

Shower

Flexible hose, variable height

Diesel Heater

Optional

Fresh water tank

100-litres

Grey water tank

100-litres

Price

$134,990 + ORC

Pros • VW Crafter cab-chassis • Electric roof bed • Spacious interior • Spacious rear lounge • Panoramic views • Clever bathroom

Cons • Payload limitations • Limited dining capacity • Limited kitchen bench space • Inefficient internal lighting • Only one house battery • Small gas bottles

Contact Winnebago Industries 32 David Road, Emu Plains. NSW. 2750

Click for Google Maps

Ph: 1800 102 201 (Aus) Ph: 0800 946 643 (NZ) W: www.winnebago.com.au

BeTTer BUILT 4 meTaL UnDerBODY prOTecTIOn 4 meTaL STrUcTUraL BODY Frame 4 FULLY InSULaTeD BODY 4 THIcKer STrOnGer FLOOrS 4 STrOnG WeIGHT BearInG rOOFS 4 DOmeD prOFILe rOOFS (most models) 4 FUrnITUre IS ScreWeD nOT STapLeD 4 2 Year Or 1,000,000 Km WarranTY 4 5 Year STrUcTUraL GUaranTee 4 nrma prOven FUeL eFFIcIencY 4 aDvanceD BUILDInG prOceSSeS 4 45 YearS experIence BUILDInG rvS 4 naTIOnaL aFTerSaLeS neTWOrK 4 FULL SaFeTY cOmpLIance

IT’S WHaT YOU DOn’T See THaT cOUnTS

See for yourself, just call 1800

102 201 for your nearest Winnebago Dealer www.winnebago.com.au

Feature: Border RV & Camping Expo

WELLIE

GOOD EFFORT! Gumboots and brollies were all the rage at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Border RV & Camping Expo...

Review and Images by Richard Robertson

Feature: Border RV & Camping Expo

R

egional RV shows are gaining favour by providing a chance for vendors to showcase their products in a more relaxed (and cheaper) environment than the Big City shows, while also making it easier for country customers to take a closer look at what's available.

The Border RV and Camping Expo, held at Wodonga Racecourse two weekends ago (18-20 August), was the second running of what appears to be an

enthusiastically run and well received show. The inaugural event in 2011 apparently attracted a huge turnout beneath blue skies and in warm sunshine, but this year's event was dogged by some appalling weather.

Consequently, numbers were down but enthusiasm was still high.

The opening Friday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; traditionally the day when serious buyers attend â&#x20AC;&#x201C; saw just 850-odd hardy souls brave torrential rain

29

and bone-numbing cold to traipse from display to display through ankle-deep mud.

Chequebooks were opened and business was done, but the crowds stayed away and it was an inauspicious start to the event.

By Sunday, when the iMotorhome team arrived, the sun was out and the crowds had arrived. Fortunately, Alex from Trakka had posted on Facebook to bring gumboots and we were well prepared for what was, by then, a first-

Mud and enthusiasm where in great supply but the weather played havoc with the first two days. Thank goodness we took our wellies!

Feature: Border RV & Camping Expo

rate mud fest! Still, crowds of people sloshed their way around and if nothing else, exhibited typical country stoicism and humour in the process.

Caravans made up the bulk of the show on the vehicle front, as you'd expect, but motorhomes were surprisingly well represented â&#x20AC;&#x201C; along with all the usual traders selling every must have gadget and fast food type.

Our friends from Albury Wodonga RV World were well set-up, with offerings from Talvor, Sunliner and Avan on display and attracting good interest. Winnebago's local dealer had a strong presence and Trakka made a late decision to attend and were, unfortunately, relegated to the cheap seats by the back

Feature: Border RV & Camping Expo

31

fence, which made them very difficult to find. Jayco had a good motorhome display, while Trail Blazers brought along a wide selection of slide-ons and fifth-wheelers.

The Wodonga Racecourse isn't an ideal venue for such a show as it forces exhibitors to be spread out amongst the various buildings, making navigation difficult â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially for out-of-towners. Still, there was plenty of parking and it was easy to locate on the GPS. We plan to revisit next year and, like all those in attendance this year, will keep our fingers crossed for blue skies and plenty of sunshine.

But we'll pack our Wellies, just in case.

Matt and Ben from Albury Wodonga RV World, who had a great show and a great display set up.

Feature: Border RV & Camping Expo

Feature: Border RV & Camping Expo

33

Tested: Talvor Murana

C forYourself

This is one motorhome you can try before you buy...

Review and images by Richard Robertson

Tested: Talvor Murana

F

ew motorhome manufacturers have the wherewithal to run demonstrator vehicles that you can truly try before you buy. Mostly itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a drive around the block or maybe a few hours out-and-about, while the dealer anxiously awaits your safe return. The problem for dealers is that, unlike a caravan, putting test miles on a motorhome devalues it.

Talvor might not be a household name amongst campervan and motorhome buyers, but that is changing.

The Company is the name behind Apollo Motorhome Rentals and started out manufacturing basic vehicles for its growing rental fleet back in the mid 80s. Today,

The Murana is very manoeuvrable thanks to the VW Crafterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excellent steering lock.

35

Tested: Talvor Murana

“Yack” Holiday Park is a great little place that’s well worth a visit.

Talvor is branching out and manufactures a wide range of vehicles – some quite upmarket – as well as caravans, and has plans to become a major player on both sides of the Tasman.

Rental vehicles are usually far from glamorous as they need to be tough and as idiot-proof as possible. The problem with trying to make anything idiot proof, or course, is that idiots are so ingenuitive. For the most part, rental vehicles seem to survive with varying degrees of success before appearing on the second hand market.

Levelling ramps are part of the rental kit.

Tested: Talvor Murana

37

We had to park on the slab, the ground was so wet.

Heavy Hauler he Talvor Murana is a fairly typical four-berth C-Class motorhome and clearly has rental DNA. It’s also very similar in size and specs to the Winnebago Ceduna tested elsewhere in this issue and the two make an interesting comparison.

T

The Murana, which is longer, is also the heaviest and weighs in with a tare of 4040 kg (the Ceduna is 3756 kg), from a GVM of 4490 kg. The thing is, by deadline time I was unable to ascertain if that includes fuel and water. If so, it would put the tare weight around 3830 kg, which is in line with the slightly shorter Winnebago’s figures, which are based on a little fuel and empty water tanks.

The bottom line is you need to watch weights very carefully in all motorhomes, especially those aimed at the rental market. These require a gross weight below 4500 kg so they can be driven on a standard car licence. Remember, the driver is always responsible for a vehicle’s weight and ignorance is no excuse if you’re pulled over for a spot check.

Moving on, the Murana rides on a VW Crafter cab-chassis, just like the Ceduna. I’m going to cut-and-paste from the Ceduna test here, although I will update a few things along the way. So please bear with me if the next few hundred words sound rather familiar.

The Murana rides on Volkswagen’s Crafter 50 LWB

cab-chassis, which seems to have become the Euro workhorse-of-choice amongst manufacturers looking for an appealing, lower-cost entry model: witness its popularity amongst rental fleets.

This is a smart move because Crafter is a twin-under-theskin with the considerably more expensive Mercedes Benz Sprinter. In essence you get Mercedes’ design, engineering and quality at a VW price; because they all come down the same assembly line until they need their engine, gearbox and sundry bits fitted, at which point they are shipped off to VW for finishing. It’s a curious arrangement that obviously has commercial advantages for both companies, but savvy

Tested: Talvor Murana motorhome manufacturers and buyers are the real winners.

Under the bonnet is where Crafters and Sprinters diverge most noticeably, and VW’s workhorse engine is its 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo-diesel, producing a modest 100 kW and 300 Nm. In other guises this same engine produces significantly more power, meaning as a motorhome it should be suitably under-stressed.

Mated to this is Volkswagen’s

six-speed automated-manual transmission (AMT) – another major point of difference with the Sprinter, which uses a full automatic gearbox.

One curiosity of the Crafter/ Sprinter’s Euro-heritage is its small 75-litre fuel tank. Larger tanks are optionally available, but 100-litres should be the minimum for Australian touring conditions – weight limits permitting!

Murana is 7.7 meters long, 2.33 metres wide and 3.23

meters tall, and is equipped with dual air bags, disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control (ESP) and the usual array of powered features like windows, mirrors, locking and steering. Semi-automatic Climatic airconditioning is standard, too.

Ze Drive ypically Germanic, the Crafter is solid and capable if uninspiring to drive.

You’d never call a Crafter fun (unlike a Fiat Ducato, for example), but where it shines

T

The Murana is a four berth motorhome that’s a great size for two people with ‘stuff’. The bulbous Luton peak is not to everyone’s taste but provides masses of over-bed headroom.

Tested: Talvor Murana

39

is in its relentless ability to cover miles comfortably and with a minimum of fuss.

Aiding this is Mercedes Benzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terrific wand-operated combination cruise-control and speed limiter. This allows you to choose to let the Crafter maintain your speed automatically (great on open roads) or stop you exceeding a pre-set speed (great in traffic or on unfamiliar roads).

Very useful...

You sit deep inside the Crafterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cab, with excellent visibility forwards and to the sides. The seats seem unremarkable but are as comfortable at the end of the day as they are to begin with. The multi-adjustable steering wheel sits upright, like a car, rather than buslike, as in many commercial

Tested: Talvor Murana vehicles and although the instruments are easy to read, you’ll need to spend time with the owner’s manual to fully decipher the workings of all the minor controls.

Perhaps the Crafter’s greatest on-road attribute

is its absolute rock-solid front end. Never fazed by road irregularities, potholes, passing trucks or whatever, it causes neither steering kick-back nor wander and inspires great confidence in all situations. It also has a terrific turning circle – another benefit

of its Mercedes’ heritage.

The Murana body does contribute to general body roll, as you’d expect, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary.

Being rear-wheel-drive helps steering feel, while dual rear wheels enhances stability

Tootling around the countryside is what motorhoming is all about and the Murana certainly made it easy. Victoria’s High County wineries made it all the more worthwhile.

Tested: Talvor Murana

Another day another winery. No wonder Grey Nomads always look so happy... and towing ability, too. The bulbous Luton-peak above the cab provides great overbed head room, but does look a little odd to some people.

On the down side, performance is leisurely at best, due to the shifting pattern of the AMT gearbox.

Reluctant to up-shift at times (especially from first gear at low speeds) and with a considerable lag when it does, getting to know this gearbox takes time, but once familiar its foibles are quickly accommodated and forgotten. So donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be put-off from what you might read, or from a brief, initial driving experience. And remember,

41

Tested: Talvor Murana

The slide-out outdoor barbecue with entertainment centre is a beauty! you can always manually override when the terrain/ situation/mood takes you.

The test Murana had about 55,000 km on the clock as an Albury Wodonga RV World (AWRV World) rental vehicle and to be honest, you’d have been hard placed to pick it from new. It looked and drove like new and exhibited no more shakes and rattles than expected. It was both a credit to the dealership and to the vehicle’s design and during the course of the test we only found a few minor-wearand-tear items that were not noticeable at first glance.

Talvor covers all its new motorhomes with a 24-month

limited warranty of the motorhome itself, plus (in this case) VW’s 3 year/ Unlimited km warranty of the base vehicle. Individual motorhome components like appliances, the airconditioner, etc, all come with their own manufacturers’ warranties.

Body Image hey say beauty is in the eye of the beholder – or beer holder – and who am I to disagree? I don’t mind the Murana’s bulbous nose and slab-sides, but during the test I did have a couple of comments suggesting otherwise.

T

Narrower than the Ceduna by 142 mm (there’s that rental

DNA), the Murana seems conventionally constructed with fibreglass sides and roof and also uses the same Herrbrand entry door and louvered hopper-style windows. A decent-sized rear throughboot is provided, along with two small but handy side storage lockers. We found the one near the entry door ideal for muddy gumboots A nice standard feature is the roll-out gas barbecue that hides behind the dropdown hatch door, directly above the gumboot storage bin. The hatch door reveals the tucked-away barbecue and also doubles as a handy table for plates, cooking implements and so on. It also

Tested: Talvor Murana

43

reveals an outdoor radio/CD player and a pair of speakers, plus a double power point, a TV lead connector and a 12v power outlet. The barbecue’s gas line plugs into a bayonet connector just ahead of the rear wheel arch and there’s a small storage compartment between the radio/electrical switches and the barbecue.

It’s a great set-up that’s a real boon to find as a standard inclusion.

Murana comes with a pair of 9 kg gas bottles, 150-litres of fresh and 100-litres of grey water storage, a pair of 100 amp house batteries, an external shower, Winegard TV aerial, electric entry step, colour reversing camera and a roof-top, reversecycle airconditioner. It’s a comprehensive package that covers most bases, while solar panels, a generator, and a towbar are all available options.

Stepping Inside ntering the Murana you find yourself facing a fourseat cafe-style dinette, with seatbelts for the two forwardfacing seats. Aft of that is the bathroom and at the rear is a generous u-shaped lounge that for some reason lacks a table. Opposite the dinette is the kitchen, which runs through to the rear lounge.

E

See, it really was a work trip...

Above the Crafter’s cab is a large Queen-ish sized bed and above the rear lounge is a slightly smaller bed that stores up by the ceiling during the day and lowers, electrically, at night.

Although the Murana has older-style flat-faced cupboard, they have a modern high-gloss finish and

the look and feel of the interior is quite contemporary. It’s also bright and quite airy, especially at the rear, with good window space and a mirror-finish bathroom door. Night time illumination is good, with LEDs the major type of lighting employed.

For a rental vehicle with 55,000-odd kilometres on the

Tested: Talvor Murana clock the interior was hard to pick from new. There were no scuff marks, nothing was chipped and there was no accumulated grit or grime to be seen, except around the fresh water tank beneath the rear lounge. That says good things about AWRV World’s

maintenance and attention to detail when cleaning, but also the inherent strength and durability of the design.

Matt Sears, AWRV World’s General Manager told me he only keeps vehicles in the rental fleet for a short time, up

The kitchen works well but a flip-up bench would be handy.

to about 60,000 km, before selling them on. That means the test Murana was nearing the end of its rental life and depending on the asking price it would make an attractive used offering.

Living Room ecause the dinette is directly opposite the entry door you can slip in and out without disturbing the chef, provided you don’t try and get to the fridge. The dining table has an odd leg arrangement that can get in the way of those sitting closest to the wall and it doesn’t provide a lot of support at the extremity.

Consequently, the dining

B

Tested: Talvor Murana

45

What’s missing from this picture? Something to put a computer, coffee and the paper on! table in our vehicle had a slight-but-noticeable droop.

I think I worked out how this had happened during the machine’s rental life, when Mrs iMotorhome (not her real name) went to climb the bed ladder and by instinct used the table corner as a hand support. The things you learn only by actually using a motorhome...

in the vehicle. The rear lounge is spacious, but the lack of somewhere to put your drink, computer or dine at is baffling.

As it stands it would be a great place for kids to play on the floor and in a four-berth rental that’s probably the idea.

Mrs iMotorhome liked the kitchen and cooked for three of us as Malcolm Street (his real name) was travelling with The table is also a little high for us in an Avan Applause – but my liking, but the dinette seats that’s another story. A flip-up are reasonably comfortable bench extension would be a and would be much better good idea as bench space with a little more back shaping is at a premium, although and lumbar support. Above there is room above the the fridge sits a good 19” HD generous 150-litre Dometic TV/DVD on a swivel arm and it fridge-freezer. The F/F has can be viewed from anywhere automatic energy switching

(AES), meaning it will choose between gas, vehicle 12-volt (while the ignition’s on) and mains power and it sits at floor level between the main kitchen area and rear lounge.

Other standard appliances include a Spinflo Triplex cooker with 2 x gas and a single electric element, plus a gas oven and grill. Above that is a Dometic rangehood (beneath the overhead cupboards) while an LG microwave is built into the cupboards, above the fridgefreezer. The sink is a singlebowl glass-lidded affair that lacks an integrated drainer, but comes with a removable plastic washing-up tub and

Tested: Talvor Murana

The bathroom is a squeeze. Hot water unit lives under rear lounge seat by bathroom wall. drainer board. Whilst a good idea in practice, they tended to get in the way and would probably be left in the boot locker for outdoor washing up (for example).

The Murana’s standard Air Command reverse-cycle airconditioner worked hard during our middle-of-winter test nights and, of course, required 240-volt mains power. It was also very noisy and for a private vehicle a diesel-fired central heating system would be the only way to go. Not only quieter and more efficient, it would allow you to free camp in colder weather: something we would have liked to have done.

After Hours he mid-mounted bathroom is a tight fit and a few extra centimetres all-round wouldn’t go astray. Neither would a medicine cabinet. A swivel-

T

headed Thetford cassette toilet greets you when you open the door (it’s very polite), but you need to find the right angle in order to close the door whilst seated. You turn

Tested: Talvor Murana

47

right, past the loo, to enter the shower and between them is a small hand basin on the back wall. Drying-off thoroughly is difficult, so make sure the curtains are closed and step into the rear lounge area. Hot water is supplied by a 14-litre Truma gas-only system, so be sure to shower wisely...

Despite a too-narrow ladder, the over-cab bed proved the largest and most favoured.

With excellent headroom there was no feeling of claustrophobia and it could easily be used as the main bed – especially with a wider ladder (is the message coming through?).

Rear bed is electrically operated, stores against the ceiling and can be left made-up.

The rear electric bed is far more than a gimmick and can be left made-up when raised.

Unlike the Ceduna, however, it does limit headroom slightly in the rear lounge for taller folk when it’s stowed. The bed itself is comfy enough, but does require a small degree of athleticism to access, so an inside step might be required by some.

Summin’ Up hree days in the Talvor Murana was more than enough to get to know this handy vehicle. Pleasant to drive, manoeuvrable and quite economical (16L/100km

T

Over-cab bed is spacious but ladder is too narrow.

Tested: Talvor Murana average in mixed terrain with no regard for economy), it’s also comfortable, practical and enjoyable.

The bathroom could do with more space and the rear lounge is crying out for a table, but all-in-all this is a highly competent motorhome capable of long-term use that won’t break the bank – or your marriage/significant

relationship/whatever. Most importantly, it proved itself a vehicle capable of enduing the rigours of the rental market and coming through with flying colours.

I’ll (hopefully) post an update on the tare weight situation next issue, but like all motorhomes you need to make careful and realistic weight calculations for your

specific situation when planning any new vehicle purchase.

That said, there’s a lot to like about the Talvor Murana. But don’t just take my word for it, C for Yourself. There’s nothing like trying before you buy.

Exterior lighting is good but it would be nice to have the cool handle light come-on on its own.

Special Thanks and a Special Deal!

Thanks to Albury Wodonga RV World for the loan of the rental Talvor Murana.

Mention iMotorhome and receive a 10% rental discount plus 10% off spare parts and service!

Find them at 5 Melrose Drive Wodonga, call (02) 6024 4222 or Click for Google Maps email Matt Sears at matt@awrvworld.com.au for details.

49

Tested: Talvor Murana

Specifications

Pros

Manufacturer

Talvor Motorhomes

Model

Murana

Base Vehicle

VW Crafter 50 LWB

Engine

2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

100 kW @ 3500 rpm

Torque

300 Nm @ 2000 rpm

Gearbox

AMT – 6 speed

Brakes

Disc ABS

Tare Weight

2250 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

4490 kg

Licence

Car

Passengers

4

External Length

7.70 m (25 ft 3 in)

External Width

2.33 m (7 ft 8 in)

External Height

3.23 m (10 ft 7 in)

Internal Height

2.01 m (6ft 7 in)

Rear bed size

1.90 m x 1.340 m (6ft 3 in x 4ft 5 in)

Luton bed size

2.13 m x 1.40 m (7 ft 0 in x 4 ft 7 in)

Cooktop

Spinflo 3 burner

Fridge

Dometic 3-way AES 150 litre

Microwave

LG

Gas

2 x 9.0 kg

Lighting

12V LED/Halogen

Batteries

2 x 100 AH

Solar panels

Optional

Air conditioner

Standard

Cnr Nudgee & Fraser Roads

Hot water

Truma 14-litres

Toilet

Thetford cassette

Northgate. QLD. 4013

Shower

Flexible hose, variable height

Diesel Heater

Optional

Fresh water tank

150-litres

Grey water tank

100-litres

Price

$142,750 + ORC

• VW Crafter cab-chassis • Electric roof bed • Modern interior • Outdoor barbecue standard • Well equipped • Durable!

Cons • Potential payload limitations • No rear-lounge table • Somewhat cramped bathroom • Dining table leg needs redesign

Contact Talvor Motorhomes

Ph: 1800 825 867 (Aus) Ph: 0800 825 867 (NZ) E: sales@talvor.com W: www.talvor.com

Click for Google Maps

Roadside Eats...

Bakehouse Delights Eyes pie with my little, oh never mind...

By Richard Robertson

Roadside Eats...

51

S

traddling the Olympic Highway about 15 km south of Wagga Wagga, the tiny town of Uranquinty (pop 700ish) had its moments in the sun during and just after World War two. Back then it hosted the RAAF’s No 5 Service Flying Training School, followed by a migrant centre for displaced persons.

Today, Uranquinty is home to a $500 million gas-fired power station, an overgrown railway platform on the Wagga-Albury rail line, a dog named Bluey (probably) and the very country-style Quinty Bakehouse.

Tania and Paul Gillanders are the people behind Quinty Bakehouse, which has proven so popular with Wagga Wagga locals as well as passers-by

that they’ve opened a second Quinty Bakehouse, in Wagga itself.

The Gillanders are passionate about their bread and are much better bakers than copy writers, which is as it should be. To paraphrase from their

rather ordinary brochure, “their motto is ‘honouring the traditions of artisan baking’ while everyone who works with them is passionate about producing the perfect loaf.”

They say they have never compromised on the quality

Roadside Eats...

xxxx of ingredients, which are all organic, and every loaf is hand-made using centuriesold techniques.

We discovered Qunity Bakehouse rather by accident, zipping past the Uranquinty establishment enroute to Wagga to bring you a story on an award-winning bakery â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which sold-out to a national franchise the day before we arrived! The Wagga Wagga Tourist Information people recommended Quinty Bakehouse as a more-thanworthy substitute and pointed us in the direction of the Wagga outlet. See, every cloud does have a sourdough lining...

53

Roadside Eats...

I actually remembered the Uranquinty shop we passed by on the run into Wagga because a couple of mini buses had just pulled up and were disgorging hungry passengers in its direction. Brightly painted and with flags flying happily in a light breeze, Quinty Bakehouse was also the only sign of life in town.

Wagga’s Quinty Bakehouse is a smaller and more up-market looking establishment, situated at a roundabout on leafy, treelined streets. If you’re arriving by motorhome the Uranquinty ‘head office’ provides parking at the door, whereas in Wagga you’re in residential territory and it might prove more challenging.

Both outlets use an openkitchen layout where you can see what usually goes on behind the scenes (like secret baker’s business). Entering the Wagga shop we were greeted by delightful smells but precious few pies, because it was 1:00 pm and Waggerians are obviously a hungry lot. We did manage to secure the final two – Lamb and pumpkin sprinkled with rosemary – because the alternative was a quiche, and being a real man, well...

For dining-in our pies came with a choice of relish or sour cream, although a

The lamb and pumpkin pies were good enough to eat.

Which was just as well... small salad would have been more appreciated, if not as appealing. The bit-size pieces of lamb where as tender as any restaurant offering, while the rosemary provided a subtle

complement by both taste and smell. Yum! More pies appeared from the ovens while we were dining and in the half hour or so we

Roadside Eats...

11, and you’ll get the picture.

Additionally, they run cooking classes for kids (of all ages), including Baking with Brioche, an Artisan Baking Workshop and even a Birthday Cooking Class, plus coffee appreciation, team building days and high teas.

were there the shop had a steady stream of customers, both dine-in and take away.

Also worth noting: Quinty Bakehouses do particularly good coffee, which you can even order ahead via the 365Cups iPhone app.

You’ll find Quinty Bakehouses at 105 Forsyth St, Wagga Wagga (8:00 – 4:00 Mon-Sat) and 42 Morgan St Uranquinty Bread, pies and sausage rolls (7:30 – 4:30 Mon-Sat). They’re aside, Quinty bakehouses make also on the world-wide interweb cakes, pastries and a wide at www.qbakehouse.com range of other gourmet delights. when they’re website isn’t Think wagyu beef burgers, having conniptions or you can quiches, toasties, soups, salt call on (02) 6931 9931. Just and pepper squid, beer battered remember, they’re closed on fish and chips and a separate Sundays, public holidays and breakfast menu between 8 and all of January.

Roadside Eats...

55

Quinty Bakehouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wagga location is residential and might prove a challenging place to park, but the Uranquinty shop is ideal.

56

Next Issue...

THE LIGHT VAN TASTIC!

N

ext issue we bring you a double vanconversion edition.

Malcolm Street puts the Avan Applause through its paces while Richard Robertson checks out the 4WD Horizon Acacia. Don’t miss it!

We’ll hopefully find room for the Motorhome 101, Mobile Tech and Technology stories we simply couldn’t squeeze in this week, plus another

Roadside Eats review – and maybe a long-overdue travel story. Fingers crossed.

Next issue will be back on schedule on Saturday 15 September, but until then you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ and Twitter iMotorhome) (@iMotorhomeMag) As always, please drive safely!

Show Calendar...

SEP

SEPTEMBER 7-9 14-16

SEP

7-9

Penrith Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo Penrith Panthers, Mulgoa Rd, Penrith, NSW. • Open 09:00-5:00 daily (4:00 Sunday) • Free parking • Free admission • Website: www.penrith. supershow.com.au/Default.aspx

Click for Google Maps

OCT

26-28SEPTEMBER

SEP

14-16 14-16

SEP

OCT

SEP

SEP

7-9OCTOBER 26-2814-1626-28 7-9

OCT

26-28

Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor Supershow

Canberra Leisure, Caravan, 4WD & Camping Show

ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland. NZ.

Exhibition Park, Canberra. ACT. • Open 10:00-5:00 daily • Free parking • Adults $15 • Seniors $12

• Open 09:00-5:00 daily • Parking $6 • Adults $16/$25 multi-day pass • Kids free • Website: www.supershow.co.nz

Click for Google Maps

• Website: www.rncas.org. au/homeshow/site/

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.