iMotorhome Magazine – June 2019

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the r o f 0 $5 ter! t e l t s be

MAGAZINE

JUNE 2019

Spanish Lesson Benimar’s lesson in budget priced motorhoming…

Released

All-new Toyota HiAce!

Reader Writes Troubles in Tassie

VW Caddy Beach

MobileTech

Aircamp’s excellent app

2 | About iMotorhome

iMotorhome Magazine is published monthly and available by subscription from www.imotorhome.com.au. Your letters and contributions are always welcome!

Editorial

Design & Production

Richard Robertson

Agnes Nielsen

Publisher/Managing Editor

Manager/Lead Designer

(+61) 0414 604 368

agnes@imotorhome.com.au

richard@imotorhome.com.au Christopher O’Hare Malcolm Street

Designer

Road Test Editor

chris@imotorhome.com.au

(+61) 0418 256 126 malcolm@imotorhome.com.au

Contributors Emily Barker Sharon Hollamby Allan Whiting Ian Pedly Phillip McLeod

Published by iMotorhome PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW 2776. Australia.

ABN: 34 142 547 719 T: +614 14 604 368 E: info@imotorhome.com.au W: www.imotorhome.com.au Follow us on Facebook and Twitter , Facebook “f ” Logo

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Legal ©2 019 iMotorhome Pty Ltd. All content of iMotorhome Magazine and website is copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content, however no responsibility is accepted for any inconvenience and/or loss arising from reading and/or acting upon information contained within iMotorhome Magazine or on the iMotorhome website.

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4 | On My Mind

Our Own Private Idaho

U

nless you have been hiding under a warm rock, winter has arrived in the southern states – finally, but irrefutably.

On the Southern Highlands of NSW we went from 21ºC on Saturday 25 May to 8.5ºC on the Monday, plus daytime windchill approaching -10ºC. Brrr…

As an RVer, winter brings special challenges, especially if you don’t flock north. Colder temperatures impact the life of batteries – especially older ones – while longer hours of darkness means more use of lights, which can tax marginal electrical systems. There’s also an increased chance of animal strikes due to more driving being done around dusk and even dawn. And if you’re taking your vehicle into snow-prone areas, or just places with very low temperatures, be sure to fill up there with diesel. It will be a winter formula not found in big cities and it resists the formation of fuel system-clogging waxes. If cold enough, diesel basically turns to jelly and cleaning it out is costly as well as inconvenient.

Having said all that, winter touring can be a delight. With crowds gone it can be like having the world to yourself. And with a good dieselfired heater, freedom camping can be snug and fun. If you’re tossing up what to do this winter and don’t feel like joining the pilgrimage north, stay south and enjoy your own private Idaho – right here in Australia.

When You Gotta Go… I don’t often agree with the Chinese Government, but its accusation that President Trump is committing economic terrorism rings true (although it’s a bit rich, considering how Beijing economically cajoles and bullies smaller

nations around the world). The thing is, if it was just between the U.S. and China that would be fine, but of course it’s not: their actions impact the world.

Domestically, the (unexpected) return of a conservative government will increase business confidence and hopefully improve consumer confidence. Those things are vital to stabilise housing values and retirement funding/ investments, and I’m sure a large number of retirees will have breathed a huge sigh of relief the morning after election day. Fingers crossed activities abroad don’t drag us down…

What all this is leading to is that the older we become, the smaller the window of opportunity to get out and do the things we want to. If ‘living the dream’ requires downsizing you can only wait so long for house prices to stabilise or improve. Ditto even selling an RV after your big trip: there’s only so long your should hang on if prices are ‘depressed’, because if you need the money you need the money, and whatever you get is better than having a depreciating asset sitting on the drive.

The bottom line is that regardless of what’s happening on the economic front, internationally or domestically, when you gotta go, you gotta go. Regret is a bitter thing to live with and as nobody on their deathbed ever said, “I wish I’d spent more time in the office”, so few people probably ever regretted hitting the road too soon. If you’re still waiting, check your plan and reassess, because when you gotta go, you gotta go…

Richard

6 | Contents

8

4

On my Mind

10

On Your Mind

30

Tested: VW Caddy Beach

40

Tested: Benimar Primero 331

52

Released: Toyota HiAce

58

Future Tech

64

Reader Writes

70

SheDrives

82

Mobile Tech

Own Private Idaho

Share your thoughts for the chance to win $50!

14

Street View Haera Mai!

News What’s happening in the wider RV world and beyond

Allan Whiting checks out the VW factory’s baby camper…

Malcolm Street reports on this Spanish brand’s sub-6m C-class

The first new HiAce in 15 years is a quantum leap forward!

A new way to tackle the tech behind self-driving vehicles

Troubles in Tassie for these unsuspecting adventurers…

Moments from the road

AirCamps

88

Next Issue What’s coming up!

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8 | Street View

Haera Mai!

A

I write this, a very mild Autumn has suddenly turned into a very cool start to winter, with snow falling in all kinds of places. A couple of days ago I was not in New Zealand, but driving from Outback Queensland into New South Wales.

In Queensland I had been wearing shorts and sandals but almost as soon I as crossed the border, it was like somebody turned the temperature switch down 10ºC. What was I doing in Queensland, you might ask? I was actually in Barcaldine (a central western town) for two Guinness World Record attempts: One being the Longest Parade of Recreational Vehicles and the other the Longest Line of Rope Lights. I do wonder how the Italians obtained their 672 vehicle record in the first place, because you require a considerable amount of road space – thinking about 15 km – to achieve it. As a consequence of my brief trip I thought I’d share a few insights on Australian Outback travel for those from NZ who might be considering an extended Aussie trip.

about 1600 km from Sydney to Barcaldine and because I was on my own, I burned through about 4 talking books. If you have never tried listening to a talking book then I recommend it as a great way to pass the time. It’s quite simple, just load them on to an iPod or your smart phone and hook it into the vehicle’s sound system If contemplating a little trip across or around Australia, then fuel isn’t cheap. I was paying about A$1.56 per litre, but it’s even more expensive further west. I usually carry a packet of disposable gloves, which are great not only for emptying the toilet cassette tank but also for filling diesel tanks. Oily outback bowsers are not always as clean as city ones!

There is sometimes a temptation to travel in early evening times or early morning, if long drives are planned. However, there’s a

For starters, distances are long and centres of population – where they exist – can be quite small. You can also travel a long way without actually turning at an intersection.

My trip started in Sydney and I had borrowed a Jayco Conquest six-berth motorhome from Let’s Go rentals, spending some considerable time behind the wheel. It’s

continued...

Street View | 9

serious wildlife hazard in Australia, particularly late afternoon/early evening time when kangaroos, wallabies and even cattle wander on to roads. It’s messy all round if contact is made at speed and at worst can even be fatal for humans, apart from being expensive. It’s best to be parked up an hour or so before sunset I have found.

Headlights on in daytime, particularly on long straight roads, is the way to go. On a couple of grey days I found it much easier to see vehicles at a long distance when overtaking –

something very important when passing long road trains.

Finally, always keep a camera handy. Even when you’re out back of nowhere, you never know what might be just over the horizon (or around the corner, if you can find one)!

Haere ra!

Malcolm

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10 | On your mind

WIN $50 FOR THE BEST LETTER! It’s only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind, you should be able to have yours too. letters@imotorhome.com.au and we’ll If you have anything to say – or ask – just drop a line to share it with our readers. We’ll also reward the most interesting, useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way.

City Escapes Finally getting around to read the May iMotorhome. Like you, life is hectic. I believe one thing that often hits those of us who are city-dwellers is how to escape the rat-race when time is limited. In Adelaide, we escape in our Wanda to Brownhill Creek Caravan Park, adjoining the Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. It’s only about 7 km from the centre of Adelaide and 5 minutes from various pubs and a shopping centre, but once there, you really feel like you have gone bush. Waking up to kookaburras singing, sometimes listening to boobooks overnight or watching the yellowtailed black cockatoos fly overhead, one can really feel like you have gone bush, but without going too far.

this park – just don’t take the fig-tree site when we are coming!

I’m sure other cities have similar hidden gems.

Maybe other iMotorhome readers can share them with us? We all need that quick escape when time is limited.

Regards, Eric.

Good to hear from you and thanks for the heads-up on your secret city escape. It’s also a great idea if other readers would share their favourite places. I did smile at waking up to kookaburras, yellow tailed cockatoos, etc, because it’s a standard part of the day at our place! Please accept this issue’s $50 prize for sharing your secret and hopefully inspiring While this park has all the usual types of others to do the same. Safe travels, I’ll let you accommodation – ensuite, powered and know when we’re coming to Adelaide so we unpowered sites, cabins, etc, there is one semidon’t steal the fig tree site… isolated powered site in the park we always grab when available, known as the fig-tree site.

Located under a large fig-tree and surrounded by old river red-gums, it is the ideal escape. If any travellers come to Adelaide I recommend

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12 | On your mind

Flat Towing Info I’m looking at purchasing a 2014 Suzuki Grand Vitara Sports 4x4 Manual to tow behind our Motorhome. Is flat towing this vehicle OK? Thanks, Dave.

email enquiries@northcoach.com.au or call 0409 581 471. They also have an app for iOS and Android devices with lots of information – just search the App Store or Google Play.

The best person to talk to about all-things flat/ A-frame towing is Mark Blyton at Northcoach RV Equipment. You can find the website here,

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Together with our agents, we are Australia’s specialist in Aframe towing

Agents: Loganholme Custom Towbars & Trailers Phone: (07) 3209 7669

Ringwood Locsed Products Phone: (03) 9879 3545

Bundaberg A2Z 4x4 Phone: 1300 229 494

Wodonga Brooks Motor Cars Phone: (02) 6055 8555

Hatton Vale Lockyer RV Pty Ltd Phone: (07) 3333 1806

Victor Harbour Victor Steel & Engineering Phone: (08) 8552 1010

Newcastle Australian Motorhomes Phone: (02) 4948 0433

Salisbury SA Salisbury Towbar Service Phone: (08) 8258 2638

Sydney Sydney RV Phone: (02) 4722 3444

Perth Total RV Sales Phone: (08) 9453 1493

Terrey Hills RVGO Phone: (02) 9986 2952

Launceston Carswells Phone: (03) 6331 2511

www.northcoach.com.au

PO Box 5231, Daisy Hill QLD 4127 Phone: 0409 581 471 Email: enquiries@northcoach.com.au ABN: 30 615 270 678

14 | On your mind / News

Caring and Sharing?

Just got back from a week in North East Victoria in our little Hiace camper, where we made the most of the endless summer. But the trouble was there were lots of others doing the same and some of them made my blood boil! We were coming out of Wangaratta and heading back to the freeway when a 4x4 and caravan pulled out in front just ahead of us on an 80 kph road. We had to slow down but it eventually wound up to 80 but by that time the road was 100 kph, but they just sat there on 80. When we finally got to the freeway ramp and the limit went to 110 kph they still just sat on 80, all the way on to the freeway. We passed them as soon as we could and sailed off into the distance, but I gave them a toot as we went past. Some time later, after stopping for coffee and a bite to eat, we passed them coming off the freeway and we going back on – and they waved! I wonder if they thought my toot was friendly, or if they just wave at everyone? It did get me thinking though that maybe I should chill and not be in

such a hurry but that’s hard when you’re driving a sports car!

Cheers, Mike Thanks for the chuckle Mike – I’ve never before heard anyone call a HiAce a sports car!

But seriously, I feel your frustration. In NSW there was a road safety campaign a while back with the tag line, “The road is there to share”.

At the time I thought it pretty insipid, but it must have done its job as it has stuck in my brain. Like you I tend to drive in a bit of a hurry and would also have fumed at the slowcoach.

But the road is there to share and the speed limit is a maximum, not a minimum. Well, that’s what I tell myself when trying to remain calm. Of course, if I ever dawdle and someone races up behind and gets impatient, they’re a maniac. Don’t they know the road is there to share?

VALE DAVE BERRY

J

ust as we go to press, the tragic news of the death of Trakka co-founder Dave Berry, just five years since the passing of his wife Sally. The following is a post from Trakka’s Facebook page: “It’s with our deepest sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our fearless leader, Dave Berry, likely from heart attack or brain aneurysm.

While we come to terms with our loss, in honour of Dave & Sal’s legacy, the strong TRAKKA Team will be at HQ on Monday. We thank all

our community for their continued support and understanding.

Alex, Olivia & Alister.”

From all of us at iMotorhome, our deepest, heart-felt sympathies to Alex, Olivia and Alister, plus the whole Trakka team. This is a tragic day for all of us…

Calling All Wilderness Explorers

trakka.com.au

16 | News

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT

C

ongratulations are in order to the organisers of the Australian Motorhoming Lions Club (AMLC) for what appears to be two successful world record attempts: The longest continuous image made of LED lights and the longest parade of RVs. The following is a quote from the AMLC Facebook page:

After 15 months of planning, it’s all over.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone that participated in our event. Without your involvement we couldn’t have achieved these amazing results. Some 930 vehicles registered from every state and territory in Australia, 3 couples came across the ditch from the Land of the Long White Cloud (NZ) and we even had 1 couple come all the way from UK! Our volunteers did an amazing job over the five days, working tirelessly to ensure everyone had a great time. And what a team they were! We are so privileged to have such an wonderful group of people in our club. Many thanks to the others that put their hand up to help (you know who you are). Your help was invaluable and gratefully received. Thanks must also go to the local police, business people and community members that put their hands up to be independent witnesses (a requirement from GWR). I guess you are all dying to know what the end result was: The Longest Continuous Image made of LED Lights: 5,974.66 metres The Longest Parade of RVs: 863 Vehicles (to be confirmed) We are quietly confident that we have achieved both new records, however we must now wait for official sanction from Guinness World

Records. This can take up to 10 weeks. Once we’ve had time to regroup and pay the bills we will be able to let you know to whom the funds raised are being distributed. Thank you one and all for your generosity.

e r o M ee S in a

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Phone: 1300 416 854 for a free info pack or to book your factory tour today! www.suncampermotorhomes.com.au

18 | News

SMARTRV CHRISTCHURCH EXPO

S

martRV says a selection of the latest 2019 models from German motorhome brands Bürstner and Carado will be part of the upcoming SmartRV Christchurch Motorhome Expo from 5-7 July.

T449 four-berth models, as well as four new Bürstner Lyseo Harmony Line models. Three of these new Lyseos feature a larger redesigned entertaining area with a couch/couch layout, while the fourth

“Following the success of the inaugural event in 2018, the Expo will once again showcase a wide range of new and used motorhomes from HYMER, Bürstner and Carado at SmartRV’s Christchurch Sales Centre in Harewood.

has a groundbreaking new island drop-down bed at the rear of the vehicle for easier access from both sides,” a SmartRV representative said.

“The new 2019 models recently arrived in New Zealand and include the Carado T447 and

“The Expo will also showcase other new motorhomes from across the SmartRV core range, as well as seven refurbished ex-rental

continued...

5–7 July 2019

This is living Just arrived. The latest in premium motorhoming with the 2019 Bürstner Lyseo Harmony Line. New features of the range include a more spacious entertaining area with twin couch layout, and a groundbreaking dropdown island bed. Create your ‘apartment on the road’ with a choice of interior styles in Bürstner’s innovative wohnfühlen design combined with premium fittings for a modern, comfortable home away from home.

Come and see the new Lyseo range at our sales centre in Auckland and Christchurch.

Or visit smartrv.co.nz Motorhome in photo: Carado T449

Exclusively distributed in New Zealand by

11 Pavilion Drive, Airport Oaks, Auckland | 3 Export Ave, Harewood, Christchurch | 0800 005 312 (NZ) | imotorhome@smartrv.co.nz | smartrv.co.nz

20 | News continued...

fleet models from SmartRV’s sister company Wilderness Motorhomes. The second hand RVs have undergone full mechanical checks and come with a warranty and support from SmartRV’s specialist After Sales and Service teams, making them a very accessible entry to motorhoming”.

Register to attend at EventBrite.co.nz, find out more at smartrv.co.nz or for more information call SmartRV on 0800 005 312. The address and times are as follows: SmartRV, 3 Export Ave, Harewood.

Friday 5 & Saturday 6 July - 9am-4pm Sunday 7 July - 9am-3pm

22 | News

RV OCEANSIDE STEAMS AHEAD

I

t’s full steam ahead at RV Lifestyle Village Oceanside in Burnett Heads, Qld, with major earthworks now underway.

“The team has been busily working on all the finer details of our community facility plans and we can’t wait to show you some new concept photos shortly. We also have terrific new facades for the two bedroom Daintree design and you can view all of our two bedroom home facades here. Meanwhile, deposits are now being taken to secure sites

in Stage one. Not sure if you’re ready to commit? Site deposits are fully refundable, no questions asked. To register your interest, contact our sales team. Finally, make sure you’re following us on Facebook for all the latest construction news and photos as they happen,” said Sales & Marketing Manager, Amy Boyd.

News | 23

NSW’S FIRST RAIL TRAIL UNDERWAY

A

fter more than 15 years of effort from rail trail supporters, construction has finally started on the first rail trail in NSW on the formation of a former government railway. Recently, Member for Albury Justin Clancy and former Member for Albury Greg Aplin joined Snowy Valleys Council Mayor Cr James Hayes in turning the first sod to celebrate the official commencement of construction. Long time rail trail group chairperson Owen Fitzgerald also assisted.

Greg Aplin was instrumental in securing funding of $4.9M for the project, provided under the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Regional Tourism Infrastructure fund, plus an additional $800,000 from NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Round 2 grants. Mayor Hayes thanked the NSW Government for its contribution and says the rail trail is expected

to be a boon for the region, putting the Snowy Valleys on the national cycling map and attracting more cycling events and tourism.

“Once completed, the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail will cement our region as a premium cycling destination and the benefits will be felt for years to come,” he said.

The Tumbarumba Friends of Rail Trail and Historical Society were also acknowledged for their passion and commitment in partnering with Snowy Valleys Council to develop the project to construction stage. A pilot for NSW and a working model for future NSW rail trails, the approximately 22 kilometre rail trail will run between Tumbarumba and Rosewood in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains. The rail trail is expected to be completed by the end of February 2020.

24 | News

AUSTRALIAN MILK BREAKTHROUGH

A

ustralian company Naturo has revealed the development of a breakthrough milk processing technique that is heat-free, eliminates more pathogens than pasteurisation and leaves the milk with a refrigerated shelf life of up to 90 days, opening up fresh milk products to new markets, such as those that currently rely on UHT milk – including RVers.

Until the broad implementation of milk pasteurisation in the early 20th century, milk products were often dangerous. Often harbouring harmful microbes and bacteria, the process of pasteurisation, which involves slow heating at 60°C (140°F) for 20 minutes, was found to eliminate the majority of lifethreatening contaminants and increase the product’s shelf life up to several weeks.

forceful pasteurisation process has been found to alter the product’s protein structure and reduce its nutritional content.

What Naturo’s process entails is unclear at this point. In an interview with the ABC, CEO Jeff Hastings says the process harnesses, “a series of existing technologies.” Exactly what those existing technologies are hasn’t been revealed, but might involve Naturo’s previous major innovation, a machine that utilises air pressure to prevent cut avocados from turning brown and eliminates pathogens introduced through the process of cutting the fruit.

Despite the ambitious claims and the oblique process, Hastings says his company has worked for over two years with independent scientists and regulatory bodies in Australia In the 1960s, more aggressive milk processing to validate the process. Dairy Food Safety techniques, such as ultra-heat treatment Victoria, a government authority that monitors (UHT), were developed, and when combined safety standards, is reported to have validated with sterile packaging techniques, could result Naturo’s claims, saying, “it’s equivalent to or in unrefrigerated milk keeping for up to nine actually better than pasteurisation”. months. UHT milk, while convenient for many, tastes different from fresh milk and the more

News | 25

U.S. RV SHIPMENTS PLUMMET

I

n America, the RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) April survey of manufacturers found total RV shipments ended the month with 40,243 wholesale shipments, a decrease of 15.2% from the 47,442 units shipped last April.

Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers (caravans), totalled 35,718 units for the month, a decrease of 13.7% compared to last April’s total of 41,411. Motorhomes finished the month with 4525 units, down 25.0% compared to the April 2018 total of 6031 units.

Through April, overall RV shipments reached 140,219 units, down 24.0% from the 184,528 units at the same time last year. However, the RVIA has said it anticipates a slight recovery of RV sales later in 2019 and on into 2020, based on improving U.S. economic statistics.

That’s in contrast to many commentator’s opinions that America is headed for recession due to the China/U.S. trade war.

26 | iMotorhome Marketplace

POWER CHOICE

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Hitting the great outdoors this year?

Book a check-up appointment at motorhomedoctor.com.au All makes all models

28 | iMotorhome Marketplace

The Duvalay Memory Foam Sleeping System – No lifting, no tucking, no fighting over the doona and bedding that stays put.

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Store those additional items up and out of the way using our adjustable, transportable and modular storage system!

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An Authorised Repco Service Centre just off the Hume Highway at Mittagong.

Auto electrical and mechanical service specialists happy to look after your motorhome or campervan! Call Mark or Sharon and tell them iMotorhome sent you!

T: (02) 4872 2822 E: mwauto@hinet.net.au

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iMotorhome Marketplace | 29

Airbag Man

Battery Traders Super Store

Taronga Western Plains Zoo

We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes.

Easy to install they let you ‘level up’ for stability and safety.

Batteries, solar panels, inverters, alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome! We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V power specialists.

Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary, home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth. Explore by foot, bike, electric cart or in your motorhome!

T: 1800 AIRBAG W: airbagman.com.au

T: (07) 3209 3144 W: batterytraders.com.au

T: (02) 6881 1400 W: taronga.org.au

Nomadic Solutions

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Find power anywhere with a REDARC Inverter

America’s favourite motorhome is now available in Australia! Tiffin Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the Australian market. Click through to find out why they’re fast becoming Australia’s favourite too!

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The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS

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30 | Tested: VW Caddy Beach

Life’s a Beach?

We didn’t think the VW Caddy light commercial van would be a candidate for a camper conversion, but the VW factory thought otherwise. The end result is a surprisingly useful little travel machine…

by Allan Whiting of OutbackTravelAustralia.com.au

Tested | 31

VW’s Caddy van has been around for a while and is now in its third generation. Available as a delivery van or five seat people-mover/SUV alternative, the little VW has carved a small but loyal following in Australia.

The Beach conversion is a VW factory attempt to cash in on the burgeoning lifestyle market and for a basic camper that can double as a small family wagon they’ve done a surprisingly good job.

F

or Volkswagen’s smallest campervan, the name Beach is somewhat optimistic.

That’s because the front-wheel drive Caddy is one of the last vehicles we’d drive onto a soft sandy beach. Beaches – apart from a few that have hard-packed sand – are strictly for 4WDs, in my opinion. Backing up that opinion are years of experience pulling stranded 2WDs off beaches and out of boggings all around Australia.

That said, the 2WD Caddy comes with traction and stability controls and an off-road oriented differential lock, so it’s certainly capable of handling rough-ground campsites and mild fire trails. Maybe Beachfront or Beachview would have been more appropriate monikers?

Other off-road issues with the Caddy start with limited ground clearance of only 175mm and a 3-metre wheelbase. That makes for vulnerable belly clearance plus approach and departure angles of only 15 degrees.

The other downside is the fitment of low-profile 50-series street tyres, but the Caddy at least come with a full sized spare on an aluminium road wheel. The rubber could probably be swapped for reinforced 205/60R17s, with 5 percent more rolling radius and that would increase ground clearance by around 18 mm, as well as providing more puncture resistance and sidewall flex for rough road use.

32 | Tested Caddy Facts

T

he proven Caddy has been around for many years and the current version is state-of-the-art. VW has neatly sidestepped the Dieselgate issue it created in the USA by fitting the Beach with a transversely-mounted 1.4-litre turbocharged, direct-injection petrol engine, with decidedly ‘undersquare’ bore and stroke dimensions of 74.5 mm x 80 mm and an efficient 10.5:1 compression ratio. Those characteristics are diesel-like, which is why the little 1.4-litre petrol donk puts out a respectable 92 kW at 4800rpm and 220 Nm of torque in the 15003500rpm band.

The grunt goes into a new-generation sevenspeed DSG transmission that is hopefully much more reliable than early units, which

suffered from well-publicised failures. A DSG gearbox has twin torque paths and the next ratio is already pre-selected before it’s required. Automatic shifts are smooth and lightning fast, compared with a torqueconverter transmission, while economy is better in most circumstances. Our test vehicle did town and country driving on secondary roads and freeways and averaged 6.5L/100km (43.5 mpg), running on 95-octane petrol.

The partly-loaded Beach tipped the scales at just on two tonnes (GVM is 2280 kg) and performed very well. Acceleration was brisk and shifts jerk-free. The downside of a small engine is that it has virtually no engine braking, even when manually downshifted and revved to around 4000 rpm, but the all-disc braking was powerful.

The interior is standard VW fare and very car like. Comfort favours the front seat occupants and the Caddy comes with all the expected safety features and a five star crash test rating.

Tested | 33 The Caddy was designed as a light commercial van, so its rear suspension’s primary task is load carrying. The tubular beam rear axle, mounted on long taper-leaf springs with hollow rubber assist springs, ensures it can handle its rated 600 kg payload, of which 100kg can be on the roof and another 100 kg on the tow ball.

It’s rated to tow 1300 kg of braked trailer and the turbo engine would be more than capable of handling that imposed load. However, ball weight is limited to the very sensible EEC limit of 100 kg, which is plenty to haul a small boat trailer.

Front suspension is an independent Macpherson strut design and both front and rear dampers are tuned for Euro-style handling.

The little Caddy embarrassed some sports sedans through the twisty bits, sitting flat and

responding well to its electric steering system.

It handled gravel roads better than its beam axle/leaf spring rear setup suggested and would be even better with more tyre flex available. We also poked it up a couple of fire trails and only backed off when rock shelves threatened the mechanicals underneath.

Traction and stability controls helped with grip and the electronic diff-lock limited wheel spin on loose surfaces. However, a rock scrambler it ain’t.

The Beach Home

H

aving established that the VW Caddy Beach had sufficient cred’ for consideration as a bush tourer by a single person or a couple, we checked out the Euro-designed camping kit and found it

The outdoor furniture setting is included, as is the easily erected and versatile tailgate tent. However, it lacks a floor, making a mat of some kind essential.

34 | Tested

VW has done a very neat job of providing soft storage on both sides at the rear, in place of the usual van windows.

very well sorted. The all-important bed was double-sized and simply rolled forward into place, over the folded second-row seat backs.

Colour-keyed vinyl bags housed the tailgate-hung tent, camping table and two chairs, tent pegs (including sand pegs), window shades and a meshed, louvered panel that popped into one of the sliding window panes and allowed ventilation in the bed area.

The tent slipped into place easily and was secured to the rear door opening by snap fasteners and to the ground by pegs, through elastic straps. There was no tent flooring, so a mat would be a necessary

Tested | 35 addition to pack. As with all tailgate tents the Beach’s fitted snugly, but wouldn’t be mossy or midge-proof. Bring repellent!

The nighttime privacy window shades for the windscreen and front windows were shaped cloth, with magnets inserted into their hemmed edges: simple, quick and effective. The rear windows were already covered, being fitted with tailored bags for stowing clothes and personal belongings.

The table and chairs were good quality and unfolded easily. There was sufficient space in the cargo area to stow sleeping bags or Duvalays, plus a compact stove and small portable fridge, for which a 12 V power point was already installed, along with two more 12 V points up front.

What I Think

T

he VW Caddy Beach proved to be an excellent compact camper – the smallest we’ve ever tested – and at an ask of just under $50K is good value for money, I reckon. What I want, VW, is a hybrid version, with an auxiliary electric motor drive in the rear axle, underbody protection, better ground clearance and more suitable tyres. Then it could live up to its name and small campervan life really could be a beach!

Top to bottom: Alloy wheels are a stylish touch; The bed is basic but surprisingly roomy; Second row seating is a versatile mix-and-match arrangement for up to three, but with folding/removable capabilities to maximise internal space.

36 | Tested

Specs GENERAL Make

Volkswagen

Model

Caddy Beach

Type

Campervan

Berths

2

Approved Seating

5

Licence

Car

LICENCE Make/Model

Volkswagen Caddy

Engine

1.4-litre TSI220 4-cylinder turbo-petrol with stop/start

Power

92 @ 4800 rpm

Torque

220 @ 1500-3500 rpm

Gearbox

7-speed auto (DSG)

Safety

ABS, ESP, driver and passenger air bags & more

Fuel

55 L

WEIGHTS Tare Weight

1653 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

2280 kg

Max Payload

627 kg

Braked Towing Capacity

1300 kg

DIMENSIONS Overall Length

4.88 m (16')

Overall Width

2.07 m (6' 9")

Overall Height

1.87 m (6' 2")

Internal Height

1.12 m (3' 8")

Bed

2.00 m x 1.1 m (6' 3" x 3’ 7")

Tested | 37

Specs EQUIPMENT Slide-Out

No

Awning

Tailgate tent

Entry Steps

No

Hob

No

Rangehood

No

Sink

No

Fridge

No

Microwave

No

Lighting

Rechargeable torch

12 V Sockets/USB Outlets

Yes

Air Conditioner

Cab

Space Heater

No

Hot Water System

No

Toilet

No

Shower

No

Pros…

• Quality • Power and economy • Well thought out • Good fun!

CONs… • Not beach suitable • Limited rough-road ability • Small inside • Tent has no floor.

CAPACITIES Batteries

Vehicle only

Solar

No

Supplied by:

LPG

No

Volkswagen Australia

Fresh Water

No

Grey Water

No

Hot Water

No

Toilet

No

Info:

PRICE - ON ROAD As tested

$46,990

Warranty

5-years/Unlimited Km

Dealers:

Click for Google Maps

Click for Google Maps

38 | Tested

“The VW Caddy Beach has proven to be an excellent compact camper – and at an ask of just under 50 K is good value for money….”

40 | Tested: Benimar Primero 331

Spanish Lesson Benimar’s tiny Primero 331 is a Spanish-made lesson in budget motorhoming‌

By Malcolm Street

Tested | 41

The Benimar Primero 331 is proof you can pack a lot into a small space. At just 5.9 m it’s short enough to fit in a standard car space, yet it manages to include seating and sleeping space for 4 – preferably 2 adults and 2 kids. Note there is only a window on one side for those sleeping above the cab, which seems a bit odd.

S

ince late 2015 Traillite has been NZ’s importer of Benimar motorhomes. The company started cautiously, with just Fiat Ducato-based Mileos and then added Ford Transit-based Tessaros. Now they have two new motorhomes: the Primero and Benivan.

The aptly named Benivans are a large van conversion – something not all that common in NZ – but the Primeros, of which there are three models, are a more budget version of its coachbuilt stablemates.

For this review I borrowed a Primero 331, which is a 4-berth C-class that has an external length of just 5.9 m (19’ 4”), meaning it’s short enough for a standard car space. As with most of the Benimar range it has Fiat Ducato underpinnings: the Multijet 130 with a 2.3 litre, 96 kW/320 Nm turbo-diesel.

Build wise, the Primero is a combination of fibreglass composite walls and mouldings.

The Luton peak does give the Motorhome a somewhat less than streamlined look, but the

42 | Tested

swept back roof line softens the front ‘bump’.

Insulation is well handled, with 25 mm of XPS (styrofoam) in the walls and more than twice as much (53 mm) in the roof. Dometic windows are used all ‘round while the door is Euro-style, complete with a top half window and a garbage bin below. Apart from the gas cylinder locker and the toilet cassette door, the only external storage is the door on the rear wall that gives access to the internal under-bed area.

With a fresh water capacity of 120 litres and a 100 AH deep cycle battery charged-up by a 150 W solar panel, the Primero is good for a few days freedom camping, but for longer stretches sans mains power, a second battery might be a consideration.

A Bordo The interior is typically European, making good use of the swivelling cab seats as part of the living area. Note the over-cab bed tilts up out of the way for easy cab access.

Combined with the tall roof line it adds a genuine sense of spaciousness.

S

tepping aboard reveals that this Spanish built motorhome has what is known as a French bed layout: A double bed in the rear driver’s-side corner. There’s also a toilet/ shower cubicle in the rear kerbside side corner,

Tested | 43

a mid positioned kitchen and the lounge/ dining area up front.

The overall colour scheme definitely has a beige and brown theme about it, one that’s nicely offset by the cream and white of the upper areas. Even though it is a fairly small motorhome, the rising roof does give it a spacious feel. There is one disadvantage to the high roof line though – one of the hatches is very difficult to reach!

All the electrical controls, like the touch panel and the Truma iNet control, are located in a handy position by the entry door. While there is a reasonable number of light fittings, the mains power points are a little less prolific and there were no USB outlets.

Por Adelantado

T

he Primero 331 is a four-seat motorhome, with swivelling cab seats plus a two-person forward facing seat behind the driver. In addition, there’s a small sideways facing seat between the

Despite its short dimensions there is good living space in the front of the vehicle. The slide-out table extension is a useful feature, allowing you to make the most of the five seat dining area.

44 | Tested

entry door and cab, meaning the front area is fairly spacious and will accommodate four or five people without too much trouble. This is helped by the table, which is clipped to the wall, having an swing-out extension leaf that easily reaches the left hand side seat.

A little surprisingly, given that this is more of a budget motorhome, is the wine glass holder above the sideways seat! In addition, there’s a small compartment behind the seat that could be used for wine bottles, as long as a bit of packing material was used. Under the aforesaid seat is where the mains power circuit breakers are found and also the 12 volt fuses.

On the opposite side, the forward facing seat has two lockers above and the water tank under the seat cushions. That might sound like an odd place but there is less chance of the water freezing, while a large bung gives access for cleaning and flushing should that be necessary.

Top: The kitchen is tiny, but has adequate storage and a full oven, which is a nice touch. Above: Despite its budget price point, Benimnar has included a wineglass holder – a move sure to be appreciated in a land blessed with so many excellent wineries!

Tested | 45

Concina

F

or whipping up a quick paella, the kitchen bench comes with the necessaries like a three burner hob and grill/oven, plus a stainless steel sink. To say the least, the kitchen bench is quite short and has just two drawers – one large and one small – a cupboard and a couple of overhead lockers. There’s no fan extractor, but the large window can be opened to remove cooking fumes. Built into the cabinet opposite is an 81-litre Thetford fridge set at floor level, plus a wardrobe above. In fact there are two wardrobes, with the second one occupying the air space above the foot of bed, a nice use of an otherwise empty area.

Bano

T

he bathroom is a variation on a theme, to be sure. It’s a bit of a squeeze to get through the door, but once inside you find the vanity, complete with wash basin, plus cupboards above and below. Next is the shower cubicle and finally, on the rear wall, is the Thetford cassette toilet, complete with a window, cupboard and shelf space. While it could be described as a ‘dry’ bathroom – the

The bathroom is on the squeezy side and while the shower is separate from the toilet, you have to walk through the former to get to the latter. That still means wet feet and it makes you wonder why they couldn’t have reversed the setup.

46 | Tested shower has curtains on both ends – you’ll still get wet feet on the way to the loo. I liked the whole concept but did wonder if there’s a good reason why the shower and toilet areas couldn’t be switched around.

Dormitorio

M

easuring 1.85 m x 1.32 m (6’ 1” x 4’ 4”) the French bed looks quite closedin, but the side window is large and there’s a roof hatch to provide good crossflow ventilation. Overhead lockers are fitted on both the side and rear wall.

Lifting the bed base to get to the generous storage area underneath is quite easy, but it would be handy if there were struts to hold it up. The under-bed area is compartmented to keep things neat. It is also double tiered and removing the first base level gives access to the Truma water/air heater underneath.

At 2.05 m x 1.55 m (6’ 8” x 5’ 1”) the over-cab bed is considerably larger than its downstairs ‘compatriota’ and lifts up out of the way when not needed. For the occupants there’s a window on the driver’s

Things get crowded aft of the entry door, with the kitchen, bed and bathroom vying for positions. The French bed is just a double in size, but easily accessed and with good natural light and ventilation.

Tested | 47 side and a small bedhead with a couple of compartments and two reading lights.

What I Thinko

T

raillite has certainly done well with the Benimar range – it reckons one in ten motorhomes sold in NZ is a Benimar – which tells you something. It’s also no doubt why the Primero range has been introduced.

Clearly aimed at the budget end of the market and lacking some of the sophistication and nice touches of the Mileo and Tessaro range, the Primero is still a fully equipped motorhome ready to roll and perhaps help increase market share to two in ten!

Right: Maximum space utilisation means a secondary wardrobe in the ‘air space’ above the foot of the bed. It’s clever and effectively doubles clothes storage space. Below: This unusual unit at the foot of the over-cab bed is in place of a window and while it provides a useful ‘bedside’ storage, it’s down by your feet. I think most users would simply prefer a window and the option to sleep either way across the vehicle.

48 | Tested

Specs GENERAL Model

Primero 331

Type

C-class

Berths

4

Approved Seating

4

Licence

Car

Registration

WOF

Approved Seating

4

LICENCE Make/Model

Fiat Ducato Multijet 130

Engine

2.3 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

96 kW @ 3600 rpm

Torque

320 Nm@1800 rpm

Gearbox

6 speed Auto (AMT)

Safety

ABS, ESP, driver and passenger air bags

Fuel

90 L

WEIGHTS Tare Weight

2650 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

3500 kg

Max Payload

850 kg

Braked Towing Capacity

2000kg

DIMENSIONS Overall Length

5.90 m (19' 4")

Overall Width

2.30 m (7' 6")

Overall Height

3.00 m (9' 10")

Internal Height

2.16 m (7' 1")

Rear bed

1.85 m x 1.32 m (6' 1" x 4' 4")

Luton bed

2.05 m x 1.55 m (6’ 8” x 5’ 1”)

Tested | 49

Specs EQUIPMENT Slide-Out

No

Awning

No

Entry Steps

Moulded

Hob

4 burner Thetford Triplex & grill

Rangehood

No

Sink

Round stainless steel

Fridge

81 L Thetford N3080 3-way

Microwave

No

Lighting

12 V LED

12 V Sockets/USB Outlets

Cab

Air Conditioner

No

Space Heater

Truma Combi 4E

Hot Water System

Truma Combi 4E

Toilet

Thetford cassette

Shower

Separate cubicle

Pros…

• Four berth motorhome • Well set up lounge/dining area • Plenty of internal cupboard space • High roof line • Under 6m/20’ body length

CONs… • Limited exterior bin storage • Bathroom door a bit squeezy • Lack of struts on the bed base • Minimal number of power points.

CAPACITIES Batteries

1 x 100 AH

Solar

1 x 150 W

CONTACT:

LPG

2 x 9.0 kg

Fresh Water

120 L

Grey Water

105 L

Hot Water

10 L

Toilet

19 L

North Island TrailLite Auckland 77 Paerata Road Pukekohe. 2120 T: 0800 872 455 W: www.TrailLite.co.nz

PRICE - ON ROAD NZ As Tested

$129,000

Warranty – Vehicle

3 years

Warranty – Body

5 years

Warranty – Appliances

1 year

South Island TrailLite Christchurch 61 Hayton Road, Wigram, Christchurch 8042 T: 0800 872 455 W: www.TrailLite.co.nz

Click for Google Maps

Click for Google Maps

50 | Tested

“The Luton Peak does give the motorhome a somewhat less than streamlined look, but the swept back roofline softens the front ‘bump.’”

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52 | Released: Toyota HiAce

The new HiAce range comes in van, crew van and minibus variants.

The HiAce Has Landed It seems this one small delivery van will be one giant leap forward for vankind‌

by Richard Robertson

Released | 53

Toyota has returned to what it calls a “short bonneted” design, which puts the engine upfront. That not only increases safety, it provides walk-through cab access, which is perfect for a campervan conversion.

I

t’s difficult to overstate the importance of the sixth generation HiAce to the global light commercial vehicle (LCV) market – and Toyota. Never a company to rush into things, new HiAce finally gives the Japanese auto giant the ability to fully tap into North America’s enormous and lucrative LCV market thanks to its class leading safety and clean sheet design.

At a local level, for the campervan market the new HiAce has its engine up front, twin cab seats and walk-through access – at last!

Actually, I should say ‘again’, as there used to

be a HiAce SBV (Short Bonneted Vehicle) with the same layout, but it disappeared from local market many years ago.

That aside, new HiAce brings Toyota’s boxy parcel carrier into the 21st century, and not a moment too soon. Having owned a HiAcebased campervan I’ve long been critical of what I considered it to be: an underdeveloped base for budget campervans; one that compromised safety, comfort and the driving experience in the name of cargo capacity. Whilst that might be fine in Asia’s crowded cities, where space is at a premium

54 | Released

and occupant concerns aren’t, in markets like Australia and New Zealand, the ubiquitous appliance-on-wheels has come to represent all that is wrong with peoplesecond engineering. Fortunately, all that appears to have changed…

The new HiAce is a quantum leap forward in all the important areas. It’s also the first van I’m aware of to achieve a fivestar safety rating based on local (ANCAP) testing, up from the four-star result its predecessor gained under a lesser scoring system back in 2011.

The new HiAce range comes with new and more powerful 3.5-litre V6 petrol and 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine options, driving the rear wheels via either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The models start with the long wheelbase Van (LWB) and Crew Van, through to the super long wheelbase (SLWB) Van and Commuter, but it’s really the SLWB Van that will be of interest to campervaners, especially as it

Above: Despite being all new, it appears Toyota forgot the gear shift and just tacked it on at the end. It truly appears to be an afterthought – and an unsightly one at that.

Below: Minimal wheel arch intrusion will be appreciated by campervan conversion companies, in the same way customers will appreciate walk-through cab access.

Released | 55 comes standard with the auto transmission.

Importantly, the SLWB model is 5.92 m long, meaning it will (just) fit in a standard car space. At 2.28 m tall – before any pop-top conversion – it should also fit many shopping centre car parks.

Wider and Longer

U

nderpinning the new line-up is an allnew chassis, with all models now longer and wider. Specifically, the SLWB van is now 535 mm longer, with a 750 mm longer wheelbase that now measures 3.86 m. All models are 1.95 m wide overall – up 70 mm for SLWB variant – but interestingly, the SLWB is now 5 mm lower than its predecessor.

New HiAce vans now sport dual sliding side doors as standard, with increased side openings in SLWB van models to accommodate a standard Australian pallet. All models also have extra room between their rear wheel-arches, again with enough space for a standard Australian pallet. However, all is not as rosy as it sounds, because Toyota claims a load space of 9.3 cubic metres for the new SLWB van, compared to 9.8 cubic metres for the outgoing model – probably a result of increased cab space and the extra side door. Kerb weights have increased by around 315 to 415 kg, depending on variant, but Toyota says payload limits remain unchanged for the new platform.

More Power & Economy

T

oyota claims the new HiAce’s 3.5-litre petrol V6 produces 207 kW at 6000 rpm and 351 Nm at 4600 rpm. Meantime, the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel produces 130 kW at 3400rpm and 450 Nm at 1600-2400rpm in SLWB automatic guise. That means the new 2.8-litre delivers 30 kW and 150 Nm more than its 3.0-litre predecessor, while the petrol V6’s output is boosted by 89 kW and 108 Nm over the old 2.7-litre 4-cylinder donk.

Everything about the sixth generation HiAce is new, from the engines and transmissions to the design, interior and a full suite of active and passive safety technology.

56 | Released For the diesel, Toyota claims a Combined Cycle fuel economy as low as 8.4 L/100 km for the auto-only SLWB Van, with consumption reduced through the use of an idle-stop system. The equivalent figure for the petrol V6 is 12 L/100 km. Braked towing capacity has increased 100 kg to 1500 kg for both versions.

steering), road sign recognition (certain speed zone signs only) and auto high-beam assist.

That’s on top of fundamentals like stability and traction controls, anti-lock brakes and cruise control (unfortunately, not adaptive), plus systems like blind-spot monitoring, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and seven

Safety Finally Standard

T

he semi-bonneted design affords far easier cab access than the old cabover-engine format, while boosting safety through increased crumple zones. It also dramatically improves engine access for maintenance and is claimed to deliver a more refined and comfortable ride.

The HiAce’s dynamics are also aided by increased front and rear tracks, plus the new MacPherson strut/leaf-spring suspension set-up. Comfort is further enhanced by new and more supportive seating, a driver’s seat with six-way adjustment and a steering column adjustable for tilt and reach.

The new HiAce also benefits from niceties like new instrumentation and a seveninch multimedia touch-screen, which comes standard with satellite navigation with live traffic updates, digital radio, CD player, Bluetooth connectivity and voice commands. Toyota says Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will (finally!) be available for the multimedia system in the last quarter of this year, and as a no-cost retrofit option.

However, the biggest boost in technology lies with the HiAce’s enhanced safety tech. As standard, Toyota’s Safety Sense suite packages autonomous emergency braking (with day/night pedestrian detection and daytime cyclist detection) with lane departure warning (with dynamic

New HiAce is the first van we’re aware of to achieve a five-star safety rating in local ANCAP tests. That’s no mean feat and Toyota deserves praise for making the humble delivery van the safest possible working environment.

Released | 57

Given this is an all new design, don’t expect to see any campervan conversions before the end of 2019 at the earliest. airbags in the SLWB. And in what Toyota says is a first for Australia, the HiAce can be optioned with a digital rear-view centre mirror that provides an unobstructed rear view even when the load bay is full The full Toyota HiAce range is now backed by a 5-year/160,000 km factory warranty.

Toyota’s Service Advantage capped-price servicing scheme is also available for up to 3 years or 60,000 km, but most disappointedly, service intervals remain pegged at every 6 months or 10,000km. Servicing of petrolengined models costs $180, while it’s $240 for the diesel.

Colour choices are French Vanilla across the range, with selected variants also available in Quicksilver Mica, Light Blue Armour and Goldrush. Pricing is $48,640 for the SWLB petrol auto and $52,140 for the diesel auto, excluding on-road costs.

We’re trying to get hold of a SLWB diesel auto van for review as it has the potential to be a real game changer in the campervan market. We also look forward to seeing the first conversions come through a little later in the year and will bring you full tests when available. It looks like new HiAce could indeed be Toyota’s Neil Armstrong moment – one giant leap forward for vankind…

58 | Future Tech

Driving Miss Daisy

Whether your motorhome is Miss Daisy, Sunshine or Polly, autonomous driving is taking giant steps towards becoming a reality‌

by Richard Robertson

Future Tech | 59

T

here’s no doubt fully self-driving cars – and therefore campervans and motorhomes – are on the way.

Mercedes-Benz recently announced fully autonomous cars are still a decade away, although U.S. electric car manufacturer Tesla is far more bullish: It basically claims its cars are already autonomous-capable and it’s legislation (and insurance) that need to catch up. Either way, self-driving vehicles have the potential to truly revolutionise personal travel.

In the RV sphere, a self-driving vehicle will allow less confident, older and even physically disabled drivers to travel. It will also be a godsend to tired drivers and even potentially allow overnight travel, if beds could be certified for use when moving.

That’s the good news. However, the very nature of RV travel – often away from well

marked and signposted roads and including negotiating campsites – raises a range of problems that machines still need to conquer.

In the U.S. the fabled Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is working on a new way for self-driving cars to get around in unfamiliar areas by imitating the way human drivers navigate. Called Variational End-to-End Navigation and Localisation, it uses basic maps and video cameras to analyse and navigate a new location for which it hasn’t been programmed with detailed databases.

The development of autonomous vehicles has demonstrated how difficult the task of developing self-driving capabilities is and shed light on the vast gulf between human and machine intelligence – not just in terms

In 2017 Apple released this concept of an autonomous, electric RV.

60 | Future Tech of computing power, but also in how each one solves problems.

For example, humans find it very easy to navigate in strange, complex locations with little more than a rough map and their eyes to go on. Conversely, even in familiar areas autonomous vehicles tend to rely on complex arrays of sensors to generate detailed maps and databases for localisation, mapping, object detection, motion planning and steering control. Such maps can be as large as four terabytes for a city the size of Sydney!

Humans can work with very basic information and then apply this to very complex situations.

All we need is a simple map, such as that on a GPS device, and it’s possible to relate this to

what we see around us. Seemingly irrelevant data can also be disregarded or incorporated into navigation depending on the situation – like someone who can walk from Trafalgar Square to Liverpool Street Station in London by noting the pubs along the way.

According to the MIT team, Variational End-toEnd Navigation and Localisation is designed to mimic the human approach by learning from a human driver and then using that information to adapt to new situations with only a simple map and video cameras. The idea is that the machine will be able to take the approximations of the map and correct them, fill in the details, and determine its position so it can correct its course to the desired destination.

Autonomous vehicle operation is much more complex than simply following streets via GPS. Learning to interact with its environment in real-time in a practical and affordable way is the holy grail still being pursued.

Future Tech | 61

To teach the computer, the team had a human driver operate an automated Toyota Prius, while several cameras and a basic GPS collected data about suburban streets, their road structures and obstacles. Unlike the more conventional approach that relies on very complex machine reasoning and databases, the MIT approach learns from visual cues. This means it doesn’t need detailed instructions when it goes into a new area – it just needs a basic map.

Led by Daniela Rus, director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL),

Eventually, all vehicles will communicate with each other, relaying information on everything from speed and braking to destination and everything in between. One day, road accidents will become a thing of the past – and that day isn’t too far away.

62 | Future Tech

Imagine having the choice of driving or letting the machine do it. the MIT team has developed an end-to-end navigation system that differs in that, like a human, it is designed specifically to seek a destination rather than concentrating on just following the road. It does this by taking what it has learned from the human driver, then applying a statistical method to predict a full probability distribution taking into account all the possible steering commands at a particular point in time.

MIT says that this prediction is based on a machine learning model called a convolutional neural network (CNN), which learns how to steer by processing images collected during training with the human driver. This way, it knows how to handle different kinds of roads and junctions, including T-intersections.

“Initially, at a T-intersection, there are many different directions the car could turn,” says Rus. “The model starts by thinking about all those directions, but as it sees more and more data about what people do, it will see that some

people turn left and some turn right, but nobody goes straight. Straight ahead is ruled out as a possible direction, and the model learns that, at T-shaped intersections, it can only move left or right”.

Variational End-to-End Navigation and Localisation also allows the car to take into account other visual clues like signs, road lines and other markers. This helps it figure out what kind of road it’s on and predict crossings, as well as how to steer in a particular situation. In addition, it can analyse street patterns to help it determine where it is. A line of high-probability matches with what it sees and what’s on the map indicates a correct fix on its location. In this way the four-terabyte maps for one medium city can be reduced to a forty-gigabyte database for the entire planet.

It’s also a system that is much more forgiving when there is a mismatch of data; it being able to handle sensor failures and noisy inputs.

Future Tech | 63 “Our objective is to achieve autonomous navigation that is robust for driving in new environments,” says Rus. “For example, if we train an autonomous vehicle to drive in an urban setting such as the streets of Cambridge, the system should also be able to drive smoothly in the woods, even if that is an environment it has never seen before.”

That last statement is key to the method’s RV potential. To watch a video on how it works in practice, click HERE.

Tesla’s Autopilot is already operational to varying degrees, but for some it’s a scary experience learning to let go!

Mercedes-Benz released this concept of an autonomous, electric van complete with roof-docking delivery drones.

While it’s certainly in the ‘out-there’ category it shows major manufacturers are taking autonomous driving seriously and see it as a natural package with all-electric vehicle operation.

64 | Reader Writes – Part 1

The way it ought to be – in Ulverstone, Tasmania.

What Can Possibly Go Wrong?

After an easy lap of Australia, a trip to Tassie should have been a doddle – part 1!

by Phil McLeod

Reader Writes – Part 1 | 65

A

fter a very successful and trouble-free circumnavigation of Australia in our motorhome in 2018, we decided that a trip to Tasmania would be not only a logical next trip, but also a doddle by comparison. We had been to Tassie a couple of times before, hiring a car and staying in motels or B&Bs, but only ever spending a couple of weeks. This was an opportunity to explore the island state properly.

What could possibly go wrong?

Clack! Clack! That’s what! It happened at Arthur River, a tiny settlement on the rugged northwest coast of Tasmania, only a week or so after we arrived. The sound was the engine, with just 124,000 km on the clock, destroying itself. Apparently, the timing gear had gone horribly wrong, but I didn’t know it at the time of course. Suffice to say that after that bad sound the starter motor would crank happily, but the engine didn’t even look like starting. I’m a civil engineer, so I can claim only a rudimentary understanding of the inner workings of engines, diesel or otherwise. But I knew enough to

know that when the timing gear fails the internal workings of the motor are not properly synchronised, so various bits and pieces like valves and pistons start to bang into one another, destroying themselves in the process!

Background

G

oing back a few steps, our motorhome is a 2001 Ford Transit-based Sunliner Isle and whilst ageing gracefully, it still has very low mileage on the odometer. Being an engineer, I tend to be fastidious about maintenance – some would perhaps say obsessive. So before the big ‘round Australia trip last year, at about 100,000km it got new brakes, a new fuel injection pump and a new turbocharger (but that’s another story). We also had the timing gear done. Interestingly, the ‘expert’ diesel mechanic who did that work replaced the timing tensioner and guides, but not the timing chain itself as, “It didn’t need it”. I can see the eyebrows of knowledgeable readers being raised in surprise at this decision. But,

Boarding the Spirit of Tasmania. Seems we weren’t the only ones with this idea!

66 | Reader Writes – Part 1

What a way to save diesel! as an ignorant civil engineer, I suppressed my scepticism and took notice of the expert. To have the total engine failure 25,000 km later as a result of the chain jumping links makes me regret not being more cynical at the time.

What to do?

F

ortunately, we were staying at Arthur River Cabin Park when the calamity struck, so we had the benefit of being able to use the site there as basecamp while we set about plotting our moves. The operators kindly allowed us to stay most of that day without extra charge, while we waited for our flatbed tow truck to get organised (our first instance of good people helping us in our crisis). This gave us toilets and showers as needed, and power to run the fridge and cook lunch. Of course, before the tow truck was confirmed as inevitable, we went through the RACT service call process: The poor patrolman spent about two hours before he declared the patient clinically dead.

Reader Writes – Part 1 | 67

A different view of a motorhome – from the tow truck cabin The tow truck was a very nice piece of kit – an immaculate Nissan UD flatbed from Brianna Towing in Burnie. It easily hauled “Sunny” (as we call our motorhome) aboard, and the two of us climbed up next to Eddie the operator. He was great, depositing the motorhome 160 km away in Burnie at our designated workshop and then delivering us to the motel that would become home for the next few days – our second example of a nice bloke going out of his way to help us.

In the meantime of course, I had had to find a workshop that could look at our engine, in a region where I had no experience or contacts.

First port of (phone) call was the Ford dealer in Burnie, then the more distant dealer in Devonport. They advised we were welcome to deliver Sunny to them, but they wouldn’t be able to look at it for two and four weeks, respectively – not hugely helpful and definitely not on my list of good people helping out.

Our substitute transport in Penguin

68 | Reader Writes – Part 1

A view no-one wants to see of their motorhome In arranging the tow, and almost as we were already in transit towards Burnie, the manager of Brianna Towing suggested I might try Burnie Fuel Injection Service. This turned out to be a fantastic piece of advice.

Success!

W

hen I rang Heath Shipley at Burnie Fuel Injection Service, he was apologetic that he wouldn’t have anyone available to look at the motor that day(!), but that he’d be able to look at it the next day to at least establish what might be wrong. After an uneasy night in our motel after piling some clothes and personal belongings into our outdoor-chair bags (who has suitcases on hand when in their motorhome?), we were pleased to hear from Heath the next day. He presented his diagnosis – the engine was completely terminal– and the options: a new motor, reconditioned motor or a re-build of my motor. Each had his best guess at the cost and time, together with the individual risks attached.

After due consideration and a bit of discussion we opted for a new long motor, which would be

freighted across from Melbourne in about four days, with the whole job completed in about two weeks. He rang the following day as promised to confirm the timeframe (having ordered the motor) and to firm up his quote. The following week, as I endlessly thought about everything that could possibly go wrong to derail the process, Heath rang.

Look mum, no engine!

Reader Writes – Part 1 | 69

All in and ready to go!

“Just thought you’d like to know your new engine has arrived, it’s the correct one and we’ll start installation tomorrow”. What’s this, a mechanic who actually communicates what’s going on? It was the third instance of someone actually doing the right thing to help us.

powered baby. The new engine looked and sounded brilliant, complete with my new fuel injection pump and turbo reinstalled along with the other ancillaries from the old motor (it has brought us home and done another 4000 km without protest).

Carrying On

Before leaving Tasmania we returned to Burnie so that we could have Burnie Fuel Injection carry out a 1000 km service on the new engine and check everything over before we returned to the mainland. As they’re on the western edge of the city, I enquired about whether buses operated between there and the city centre.

Their response? “They do, but don’t take the bus, here’s my keys – take my ute!” What nice people!

H

aving duly consigned Sunny to motorhome hospital, we hired a car and headed off to continue enjoying Tasmania the old-fashioned way – using motels and cabins. A couple of weeks doing that reminded us why we love the motorhome lifestyle: Each day cost $90 for the car, about $130-$150 for accommodation and then there were 3 meals a day to be purchased– all up a Next issue Phil recounts his post-Tassie battles much more expensive proposition (although some might say not as much as a new engine!). with bureaucracy and gives his tips on what to do if you’re ever unfortunate enough to go Our interim hire-car itinerary had to circle back through the same experience. Don’t miss it! to Burnie, of course, when Sunny was ready to resume duty. Reliable as ever, Burnie Fuel Injection called us when we arrived in Burnie to say we could come and collect our newly

70 | SheDrives

The Turns in the Road The surprises of a mobile life

by Marsha Hovey @someginger

Throwing rocks at other rocks, the ultimate South Dakota pastime.

SheDrives | 71

I crossed into Tennessee from Mississippi. Gas jumped from $1.87 to $1.90, but that was the only noticeable change. Confederate flags still spotted the landscape and the kudzu covered every street sign. State borders are funny that way. Sometimes the road surface of the highway will change after the imaginary line, but that tends to be the biggest milestone of crossing over.

My low tire pressure sensor came on almost immediately – thanks for the warm welcome Elvis. A local gas station told me the animal feed store actually had a tire shop that was very affordable. Sure, that makes sense. Google Maps could not find this elusive dog food mechanic building, so I had to rely on good old fashioned memorized directions of the spoken word variety. Did I mention that this spoken word was in a very thick southern accent? Perfect.

Dipping toes in a frigid Oregon River.

72 | SheDrives I have to be totally honest. I didn’t set out on the road in search of adventure only. I began my mission to live on the road so that I could also drive alongside my former partner, who at the time was working exclusively on the road and traveling from place to place. In a leap of faith I decided to make VanLife a reality to solve my problems of career stagnation and housing woes, and to be closer to him.

the crew while they worked and explore the tiny towns nearby, all of them rich with their own character and definitely not on any travel lists of must-see places. I was so in love, I was so ready to see it all and I was hungry for all the twists and turns of a mobile life. Until four months later when he left me, and the twists and turns of life became all too real.

Traveling solo was forced upon me. I’ve Life was perfect. I explored places I never always been independent, but for the first would have found on my own. His work time I felt truly alone. Suddenly, the road brought me to the middle of nowhere became a state of limbo that I was trapped Montana, Texas Hill Country and the everin. I didn’t have anywhere to return to, and I humid Deep South. My unemployment gave felt like I didn’t have anywhere to go. It was me all the time in the world to break off from a sense of uneasiness that was paralyzing.

The true roadside rest stops don’t involve fast food.

SheDrives | 73

Sunset over the Pacific Crest Trail.

I drove from Oregon to New York so fast that I practically got jet lag. Let me tell you, nothing really solidifies hitting rock bottom adulthood like showing up at your childhood home in your van; jobless, penniless and all out of tears. My parents received a whole world of emotions during those following weeks and I’m sorry they had to be on the receiving end of that pain, but there was a silver lining: I eventually realized life would go on, and my Dad, the master builder he is, helped me complete some necessary furniture upgrades inside the van. I was road ready again and with a new sense of purpose, hell bent on proving to myself that I alone could continue to have the adventures I dreamed of.

The past three years of travelling, in and

A very American table for one in Tennessee

out of a van, has had its fair share of twists and turns. Like most Americans, I longed for that road trip life. It’s built in to our cultural DNA, I’m pretty sure. For some people, a road trip is a highly planned, three hour drive out of New York City into the ‘country.’ For others, a road trip is an indefinite journey of self discovery. I suppose for me, the latter

74 | SheDrives

The still life of tiny forgotten towns.

is more fitting. No matter the length of your adventure or the reason you began it, all of them are worthwhile. Whether you’re searching for meaningful moments or not, they will eventually find you. You can always count on the road for that.

repeating what I had said, he repeated what he had said, and I still got nothing. Not one word. It was the thickest Southern Creole accent I had ever heard. He laughed at me, took my keys and fixed my tire while he talked a mile a minute. It was like a foreign language as it hit my ears. He handed me I made it to the feed store, still confused back my keys and very very slowly he spoke that this place would be able to fix my tire. to me again. After I apologized 100 more The teenager at the front counter apparently times and him saying it 3 more times, I finally knew what I was talking about and got it: I’d had a nail in my tire; one plug cost instructed me to go around back and talk to $8 and I had to pay the boy upfront. I shook one of the guys in the garage, and so I did. I my head in understanding. He grinned, I talked, he talked, and I couldn’t understand grinned, and we waved goodbye. a single word he said. I talked some more,

SheDrives | 75

Texas back roads lead to new friends in need of a jump.

It was the simplest of experiences, but one that I was yearning for. The kinds of things that only happen to you on the road. In a silly way, I was happy that I drove over that nail. I paid the kid $8 and set out again on the Tennessee back roads, by myself‌.

These boots are made for stepping on the brakes, and walking.

76 | Travel

Airport Surprise There’s a world-class culinary surprise just five kilometres from Auckland Airport‌

by Richard Robertson

Travel | 77

“I started to make wine because I wanted to be part of the winemaking community and found the process extremely interesting. My passion for wine received a big boost when wines from my first vintage won second and third prizes at a wine competition…”

Sir George Fistonich

S

o here’s the situation: It’s late morning and you’ve dropped off your rental motorhome at one of the depots close to Auckland Airport. Your flight home doesn’t leave for ages and as check-in usually only opens three hours before departure and you don’t fancy hanging around the departure hall, what do you do? How about taking a winery tour, sampling vintages at the cellar door and relaxing over lunch at the famous Villa Maria winery? It’s just five kilometres from check-in and around the corner from most rental companies!

Villa Maria is a unique NZ wine success story. The company claims to be the most awarded wine producer in the country, with more than 250 permanent staff growing 28 grape varieties and exporting to more than 60 nations world-wide. In 2009 it’s founder, Sir George Fistonich, received NZ’s first knighthood for services to the wine industry and in 2015 Villa Maria was nominated fourth in the World’s 50 Most Admired Wine Brands,

by Drinks International UK. Today, Villa Maria operates wineries in Auckland, Marlborough and Hawkes Bay, but it all started back in 1961 on five leased acres close to Auckland

78 | Travel

Villa Maria’s dining experience is cafe-casual but restaurant quality.

Airport. The young George Fistonich had a dream, but just one leased acre under grapes.

Nevertheless, he mades wine under the Villa Maria name the very next year and for a decade worked with just the support of his wife, using grapes sourced from the Greater Auckland region. It took a decade until the first staff member was employed, but the rest, as they say, is a very drinkable history…

While it might seem odd to have a worldclass vineyard beside an international airport, of course things were rather quieter back in 1961. The good news is the airport’s proximity seems in no way to impact either the vineyard’s quality, productivity – nor its serenity. Due to the single runway’s positioning, aircraft movements are well away from Villa Maria and the vineyard feels like a hidden slice of paradise. Indeed it is, and with

a brilliant cafe open seven days that’s ideal for departing visitors, as well as locals, of course!

Mrs iM and I discovered Villa Maria Auckland quite by accident in October last year. We had time to kill and were doing some exploring in our rental car when we saw the sign.

“What the?” was the reaction and so we investigated. The grounds are beautiful and you drive past the vines to reach the rear-set winery complex. Even though Villa Maria’s entry is now off a road in an industrial estate, by the time you’re 50 metres in you’re in another world.

While it’s advisable to book ahead and you can do that online, on both visits – we recently popped in again – we’ve managed to snag a table. There is seating inside and out, but if the weather is kind and the sun shining,

Travel | 79 choose outside on the terrace. There’s something very special about dining while gazing over manicured lawns, a pond and seemingly endless rows of grape vines…

Although billed as a cafe this is a restaurant in my opinion, thanks to the diversity of the setting, menu and food quality. Open from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, the lunch menu is available from 11:30 am until 3:30 pm and it’s, dare I say, a ‘cracker’. Here’s a sample for the current menu: For starters think the likes of Tiger Prawns (curry tomato bisque, capelli d’angelo, chimichuri, garlic crumb, coriander oil, and crisp sage), Venison Pie (corn custard, rocket salad, and grilled Turkish bread) or Pork Belly (kumara puree, black pudding crumb, pickled daikon, seared scallop, apple jam, and syrah jus), each for $25.

For mains think Lamb Rack (sweet capsicum puree, lamb moussaka, curry labna, cashew nut, eggplant chutney, and syrah jus), Salmon (red curry risotto, green Thai salsa, lemon coconut cream, and seaweed salad), Duck Confit (Balinese duck, creamed parsnip, bok choy, pickled cherries, and Grandmarnier jus) or Beef Short Rib (onion puree, pickled wild mushroom, miso garlic chives, shallot crisp, and syrah jus), each for $38.

However, we’ve not managed to get past the all-day Platter menu, sharing the Kapiti Cheese Platter with accompaniments (Blue, Cheddar, Brie) on the first visit and the Winemaker’s Platter (cured meats,

The young George Fistonich at work in his tiny vineyard and later, sampling in the cellar.

80 | Travel

smoked salmon, olives, antipasto, Kapiti cheeses and salad) this time. The platters cost $25 and $55, respectively, and were complemented by a glass of Villa Maria’s excellent sparklings, including the unusual Lightly Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, at NZ$9 a ‘pop’ each.

Villa Maria Winery is an oasis of calm and contentment just a short drive or Uber ride from Auckland Airport and a must-dine on any visit to the North Island. In fact, I’ve checked the Qantas schedule and it’s doable as an extravagant day trip from Sydney if you want to burn some frequent flyer points and really impress your significant other. Now that would be an airport surprise!

Desserts are to diet for, while the share platters are simply outstanding.

Fast Facts Who: Villa Maria Winery What: Winery & cafe When: Daily 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Where: Mangere, NZ, 5 km for Auckland Airport Why: World-class wines and a brilliant terrace cafe/restaurant lurk just a few kilometres from Auckland Airport. It’s the ideal place to celebrate the end (or start!) of an NZ holiday and its just a stone’s throw from most motorhome rental company depots.

Travel | 81

Contact: 118 Montgomerie Road Mangere, Manukau.

New Zealand

Click for Google Maps

T: (+64) 9 255 0660 E: enquiries@villamaria.co.nz Book online Here

82 | Mobile Tech

Aircamp

Think Youcamp meets WikiCamps meets Zuckerberg. Sort of…

By Emily Barker

Mobile Tech | 83

For: iOS & Android

Over 8000 campsites and

Cost: Free

caravan parks in your pocket.

Size: 16.1MB

T

here’s yet another new player on the field of Australian camping apps, but this one has a coaching team with some impressive tech experience and big plans up their sleeves.

Described as Australia’s most friendly campsite finder, Aircamp is the brain-child of developers Mike and Marty; and like any good

story, this one involves a serendipitous chance encounter and a shared passion for camping, technology and the natural landscape. Each has an extensive background in front-end UX/UI software development and marketing, which ultimately means this app delivers a distinctly luxurious user experience – and the kicker is, it’s free!

84 | Mobile Tech Like many destination information apps, Aircamp is still reliant upon users’ contributions for ratings, photos and upto-the-minute data. However, its clear the intent is to supply a much more inclusive and comprehensive social experience in addition to the provision of solid facts. Similar in format to your typical infinite scroll socialmedia applications such as Facebook and Instagram; reviews and recent activity relevant to you appear in real time on the home page.

Alternative you can dive right in and search by location or via the map, filtering results as required. With a distinctly Google Maps meets Facebook feel to it, Aircamp app delivers a great user experience; it’s obviously still growing its community of users, but it’s clear that content is well regulated and those involved are active and enthusiastic. Reported to be the fastest growing camping and caravanning community in Australia, time will ultimately tell, but it’s looking good from this end!

Aircamp users can create customisable profiles and interact with others by liking reviews. Optionally, users can remain anonymous by simply logging in with a guest profile. If you do create your own public profile, points are awarded along the way for your contributions. What these points can eventually be used for still remains a mystery (even to the developers according to their website), but this just adds to the intrigue!

Book Direct!

S

earches can be filtered easily and each site comes with a rapid navigation bar across the top so you can quickly skip to the reviews, photos, features list, website details, prices or verification status of a property.

Mobile Tech | 85

Brilliantly, direct bookings are already available in-app for NRMA and Ingenia Holidays caravan parks. It’s a simple, intuitive process that takes away the pain of phone calls, email and a lot of inconvenience.

Aircamp is also poised to announce an important signing that will significantly increase users’ direct-booking opportunities.

Additionally, there is an option to ‘request to book’ on a lot of owner verified sites.

filters, Aircamp offers a ‘collections’ feature, which is a space where you can privately or publicly store a series of sites for future reference. Public collections are often featured on the home page and are usually categorised in many forms; ‘Free near water - SEQ’, ‘PetFriendly’, ‘On the way to…’. people certainly get creative with these and they are great starting point for any trip planning!

Already on update number three, this is certainly an app to watch. Aircamp is on a According to the details supplied on the quest to make it easier to spontaneously find website, Aircamp aims to work closely campsites near you and to book them on the with campsite and caravan park owners to spot. With bold statements and an optimistic optimise everyone’s experience and eventually vision, this millennial driven enterprise is commercialise the app from the advertisers’ aiming to change the camping tech game for end, leaving all content completely free for the good. It’s clear the developers are invested camping public. in more ways than one and they have plans, big ones, including offline maps, trip planners In addition to your standard search result

86 | Mobile Tech

and more efficient ways to create and managelists of campsites. In terms of usability, this app certainly kicks all competitors out of the ring; it’s simply up to the end users to vote with their thumbs and jump on-board!

Next Issue | 88

ELECTRIC DREAMS NZ at this stage, it’s still big news – and just a taste of things to come.

Closer to home, the Sydney and Brisbane shows have made motorhome availability for tests rather ‘testing’, but things will quickly settle back down. At this stage what will grace July’s cover is anyone’s guess, so watch out for it, because anything could happen…

N

ext issue Malcolm brings you the first review of an all-electric motorhome – the un-inspiringly named RVSC Evolve.

As far as we know it’s the first production electric motorhome anywhere in the world, and even though at present it’s only available in

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Stuart Highway, Winellie. NT

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