Issuu

What’ s in

ISSUE 110: FEBRUARY 2017

the Box? Win!

$50 for the! best letter

THL’s Discovery 4 is quite all white… Reader Report Our Bespoke Sunliner…

Project Polly

Garmin GPS gives the big picture!

Travel

All aboard the Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry

Roadside Eats

All Smiles Sorrento!

2 | About iMotorhome

iMotorhome Magazine is published monthly and available by free subscription from www.imotorhome.com.au. Your letters and contributions are always welcome! Facebook “f ” Logo

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Contributors

Published by iMotorhome

Emily Barker, Sharon Hollamby, Collyn Rivers and Allan Whiting

PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW 2776. Australia. ABN: 34 142 547 719

Design and Production Design & Production Manager

T: +614 14 604 368

Agnes Nielsen

E: info@imotorhome.com.au

E: agnes@imotorhome.com.au

W: www.imotorhome.com.au Editorial Publisher/Managing Editor Richard Robertson T: 0414 604 368 E: richard@imotorhome.com.au Roadtest Editor Malcolm Street T: 0418 256 126 E: malcolm@imotorhome.com.au

Legal All content of iMotorhome Magazine and website is copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form without the 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 eMagazine or the iMotorhome website.

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4 | On my mind

This and That…

ur switch to monthly publishing has provided welcome respite from the week-on week-off schedule of the last four and three quarter years. The reality is, however, now we have iMotorhome New Zealand all that’s really happened is we get a longer break after publishing. We’re still producing two magazines a month, just crammed into a shorter period. I’ve long suspected publishing two issues of iMotorhome Australia a month was too much and that many people skipped issues because there’d be another one along in two weeks. It’s early days yet, but looking at our download figures since we effectively went monthly in December could be backing up that idea. December/January has always been our quietest time due to the festive season and summer holidays. For that reason we used to publish two issues in December as normal, but skip the first one in January (with the expected drop in January downloads). This time around we did a single issue in both months and guess what – December 2016 was a gnat’s whisker short of December 2015’s figures, while January this year was about 30% up on January last year (and higher than any preceding December)! Perhaps absence really does make the heart grow fonder? Time will tell… Now, a question for you: What have I promised to write about or report on over the last years that I haven’t delivered? I’m sure there are many things that have slipped off my to-do list over time and if you’re still waiting patiently to see your request in print I do apologise! So here’s the new deal: Send me a reminder for anything from the past, or if you have a new question or suggestion, remind me in a couple of months if nothing appears!

Finally, I’m closing the bookings on our inaugural Route 66 Tour on February 14 (see NEWS). We still have two vehicles left and it would be great to fill them, not only financially of course, but also to run the tour at capacity to make sure our logistics work. I realise we put this tour together at short notice and quite a few people have said 2018 is looking much better, time wise, but if you’d like to join us please let me know now. I think this inaugural tour will be something special and Mrs iMotorhome and I can’t wait to retrace the steps of our first adventure down the Mother Road in 2013! Speaking of tours, planning is finally underway on our 14 day Taste of New Zealand adventure from Auckland to Christchurch from 2 to 15 October. The dates are tentative but are unlikely to change much, now all I’ve got to do is fill in the details and price it! Breathtaking scenery aside the emphasis will be on experiences of culture, food and wine/ beer. And like Route 66 the tour will be limited to six customer vehicles to ensure exclusivity and personal service. I already have about half a dozen expressions of interest, but if you’re interested please drop me a line and I’ll add you to the advanced notice list. Now that 2017 is well under way, school is back and our relentlessly hot summer only has one month to officially run, here’s wishing you safe travels and all the best for the year ahead. See you in autumn!

Richard

A GAME CHANGING RV IS COMING

Coming to a Sunliner Dealer near you. February 2017

www.sunliner.com.au

6 | Contents

About Us

Resources

Who we are, where and other legal stuff

Find back issues and more on our website

On my Mind This and That…

On Your Mind

Marketplace

Share your thoughts for the chance to win $50!

News

Day Test: THL Discovery 4

Reader Report: Our Bespoke Sunliner

Project Polly: The Big Picture!

Travel: Ferry Good Alternative?

Road-Side Eats

MobileTech

Advertisers’ Index

What’s happening in the wider RV world and beyond

The latest Marketplace offers

Malcolm checks out an interesting near-new ex-rental from New Zealand…

Grab some inspiration from these clever DIY mods…

Road testing the huge Garmin 760LMT RV-specific GPS

Is the ferry a good alternative when transiting Melbourne?

All Smiles Sorrento

Sleep apps to help you zzzzzzz

An A to Z of who’s in this issue!

Events

What’s On?

Next Issue

Macedon Ranges Music Festival

Australia-wide events over the next three months!

What’s coming up and which shows are on soon!

View All Units O nline 24/7

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Resources | 9 resources

iMotorhome

Magazine Resources Just click any of the links below!

Issue

Win!

$50 for the best letter!

Dalgety Report! Project Polly

A little bit of spit ’n polish!

Travel

Three more RV Friendly Towns to consider…

Back Issues

Road Tests

User Guide

Marketplace

Subscription

106: NOV 05 2016

Deluxe Offering! Our reader weekend in Dalgety was a great success

Ask a Question

Suncamper’s Sovereign Deluxe offers comfort and some interesting features…

Reader Survey

Reader Review

On your mind | 11

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. If you have anything to say – or ask – just drop a line to letters@imotorhome.com.au and we’ll share it with our readers. We’ll also reward the most interesting, useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way.

Financial Wisdom

any readers of iMotorhome will be aware of the 1 January changes to Government Pension assets levels, as mentioned in Issue 109. I would like to remind all readers of the need to correctly report the value of assets to Centrelink, as this can affect pension amounts. The values that Centrelink require are what you would receive if you were to sell the asset. This would be particularly relevant to motorhome and caravan owners, as these are a major asset. Even if you have only recently purchased your motorhome, do not report the amount that it cost you. It is no longer worth that amount. Do not even report the amount that you would need to pay to replace it with the same model. Both of those

amounts are more than you would get if you were to sell it. Find out what you might receive as a trade-in; how much a dealer would pay to buy it from you or what commission they would charge to sell it for you. Take into account their fees, because they reduce the value it is to you. Work on the lowest value you can find, with evidence to support the value. Also, remember it is not the same as insurance value. Replacement cost is not selling value. If necessary, talk to your financial adviser. Regards, Eric Thanks Eric, that’s great advice. Please accept this issue’s $50 reward for clarifying this potentially confusing situation.

Matters of Class

irstly, may I congratulate you on taking what was possibly a very brave and certainly a major step viz. doing a bit of restructuring. I think it is an excellent idea to go monthly and I always marvelled at your ability to be able to keep the constant flow of quality material before our eyes on a fortnightly basis

and remain sane! You might now have a bit more time to go motorhoming in Polly. Your NZ iM appeals too, as we have a special love for that country having lived and worked there and having taken our own VW Camper on the ship with us just after we got married.

12 | On your mind I know that you have plenty on your plate but would like to raise a couple of the matters to ponder regarding motorhome classes. It seems the industry and some of the general motorhome public are changing the classifications.

out in me and wanting to be correct! There are many motorhomes out there now with a small lip over the windscreen and these I would consider low profile. The Brits are very busy as you know producing this style. Just food for thought or even comment if you have time.

• A-class is easy – in simple terms a ‘bus’ that’s built from chassis up. The Tiffin as just reviewed is an excellent example

I have also noticed many manufacturers seem to skimp on window size or even the lack thereof – especially European imports. One of the reasons we love our KEA Dreamtime is • C-class – although the Brits I find tend to its large windows. It’s just an observation, but refer to it as Cab Over. It’s fairly easy too, everyone without exception remarks on how being coach built on a light-truck chassis and light, airy and roomy our KEA is when they first with room for bedding or storage above the enter and it’s a credit to our NZ neighbours! cab Finally, one of our KEA - MAG members lost • B-class – this is the sticky one! 6th gear in his Ford Transit and was offered a reconditioned gear box for $4500. Ouch! Having studied motorhoming now for nearly He contacted me and we were able, through 60 years; motorhomed in some 25 countries Mick at Fordtransit Parts, to get him a brand and watched the growth in the US, Britain, new genuine Ford unit for $3200, with 20,000 West Europe and here Down Under I feel km or two years warranty. No small saving! I have gained a bit of knowledge. In all my As your Polly is in the same stable its worth presentations ‘Introduction to Motorhoming’ being aware of the service Mick provides. Our that I conducted at shows and rallies for many, member was very impressed too with the help many years, I made a strong point about the he gave arranging all transport and including two distinct styles of build – Coach Builts and offering to advise the garage carrying out the Van Conversion and the three Classes A B C. work on how to achieve a top result. The Americans refer to all van conversions as you know as B-class and most others do too, Sorry this is longer than I intended – wishing but have rarely seen a coach-built B-class in you and Mrs iMotorhome a very happy, healthy that part of the world other than a couple of and really great rewarding year. And enjoy specialist manufacturers. When coach-built Route 66!!!!! B-class started to emerge they had the same Regards, Bill. profile as a van, where the roofline ran down smoothly to the top of the windscreen (e.g. Thanks Bill, you’ve covered quite a bit there! Yes, it most Paradise motorhomes). is a brave step to go monthly, but the reality is we In the last 10 even 15 years the concept of low profile started to emerge, with lower rooflines as a result of the front-wheel drive Ducato married to the AL-KO chassis. The Trakka on page 60 of Issue 109, for example, is not a B-class from my humble understanding, but low profile. This is no criticism of the vehicle nor of Trakka who produce a great product. I guess it is the old pedantic teacher coming

still have two magazines a month so there’s still no more time than we had pre-New Zealand, just a rearrangement of it! Interesting thoughts on the classification of vehicles and I agree, the boundaries are certainly clear as mud. I believe Americans have never had a B-class coachbuilt classification because coachbuilts always had an over-cab bed and were therefore always C-class. Van conversions are

On your mind | 13 relatively new to them, apart from small campers, and so they applied B-class to them. Coachbuilts without an over-cab bed are very new in the US (really only since the recent introduction of European base vehicles) and I’ll have to check-up to see what they’re calling them. As far as Australia is concerned, I’m sticking with A, B, C and Van Conversions as we currently use. Therefore the Trakka is a B-class because it’s coachbuilt but lacks an over-cab bed, not because of any shape or angle of body/cab integration. I also believe the over-cab bed/no over-cab bed qualification is an easy one for people to get their heads around. Van conversions are just that and distinct from campervans because they have a bathroom and are therefore still motorhomes. Every market has its own classifications and terminologies, but to me keeping things simple as

possible creates the easiest understanding. Re window sizes, I guess that has to do with the product sizes available from European manufacturers that most local manufacturers use. Interestingly, American motorhome have even smaller windows for their vehicle sizes and nothing as sophisticated as the double-glazed acrylic European units, complete with integrated insect and privacy screens. I suspect it’s to do with their travel habits as they mostly just seem to go from RV park to RV park, where they plug into power to run the ACs and TVs, and use their towed cars for sightseeing. Thanks for the heads-up on the Transit parts. For any Ford owners out there Mick’s number is 0420 927 633 and his email is fordtransitparts@ hotmail.com. Safe travels and I look forward to a chinwag at a rally in the not-to-distant future!

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14 | On your mind

Fiat Service

y husband Nigel and I took a 4 month trip from Melbourne to Western Australia last year in our new Avan Ovation, christened “Aphrodite”. We had a great time, but with some fairly average weather. Eventually we decided it was time to turn east again and headed out of Perth towards Bunbury. The weather turned so feral we had to stay around there until things calmed down again. Eventually we set off and got as far as Kojonup, about 250 km south east of Perth. We had just booked into the caravan park and were setting out to view some wildflowers when a red light flashed onto the dashboard accompanied by beeps and a notice saying ‘check transmission’. We immediately stopped and in due course started the engine again and drove back to the caravan park. The warning did not reappear. The next morning (Monday) we rang Fiat Roadside Assist in Sydney to ask their advice, which was, “Don’t go anywhere. We will get a tow truck to take you to the nearest Fiat garage.” Firstly Bunbury was suggested, but on further investigation we discovered they no longer serviced Fiats. Then Mandurah, but when we rang them they said that was fine but they couldn’t even look at it until Thursday! We pointed out to Fiat that that would involve an unacceptable delay (and consequently expense). It was finally agreed and at the recommendation of the tow truck company (which was already on its way from Perth some 250 km away) that Aphrodite would be trucked back to Kewdale in Perth. By this time it was midday and in the meantime we thought we should try to find some accommodation in Perth while we were off the road. As luck would have it we got the last cabin in a caravan park not far from the garage. Dave from Swan Towing turned up about 3.30 pm and loaded Aphrodite onto his flatbed truck and we climbed in beside him and set off back to Perth. Dave was great, we stopped for something to eat halfway there and he even dropped us off at

the caravan park (at about 7.30pm) on his way to drop Aphrodite at Kewdale Fiat. The next morning Kewdale Fiat sent a car for us and we discussed what was likely to be wrong with our vehicle and what to do about it. They were totally professional and obviously very experienced as it was a large garage servicing a wide range of trucks. Kewdale Fiat lent us a car to use while we were off the road, which was great as we were obviously going to be stuck there for some days. Eventually on Wednesday they decided the problem was caused by a microswitch in the braking system and the part would have to be flown in from Sydney, scheduled to arrive on Friday morning. This all went to plan and by mid afternoon on Friday we were back on the road again. What could have been a complete disaster was saved by the professionalism and competence of all involved and what is more, we didn’t have to pay a cent. Fiat Roadside Assist paid for Aphrodite to be trucked to Kewdale in Perth, they covered all of the repairs and paid for all of our accommodation while we were off the road. We can’t recommend their service highly enough We thought you might like to hear a positive story about a large multinational company. Regards, Stevie. Thanks for sharing that great story, Stevie. I’m sure our readers (and Fiat) will be very happy to hear what a positive experience you had. It’s good to know Fiat really stands behind its products in Australia now. Safe travels and all the best!

The eagerly awaited MY17 Breeze from Tiffin Motorhomes Australia is here! A number of changes have been made from last years model. Front and rear caps have been redesigned with a much more modern approach. The coach is now taller overall and features a completely flat floor inside. This has also increased basement bin storage considerably! It also features an all new dash, new V8 turbo diesel engine by Cummins and an independent front suspension setup! Full information can be found on our all new website. Along with details of pre-owned units also for sale. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook too!

www.tiffinmotorhomes.com.au ww Murray 0416 080 127 – murray@tiffinmotorhomes.com.au Alex 0411 616 617 – alex@tiffinmotorhomes.com.au 8 Energy Cres, Molendinar, Gold Coast QLD 4214

16 | On your mind

Hey Charger – Again!

e your question in On Your Mind -– Hey Charger! – in Issue 109. Below is a clip from the top right of page 2 in the Ctek D250S Dual owners manual:

The feature does work and we leave our motorhome unused, without a start, for periods of over six months most years. As with all modern vehicles Fiats use power from the starter battery even when fully switched off. The remote control door lock receivers are always on and waiting for a signal; the radio memory is always on and all of the engine control computers are on standby. If the starter battery was not also being maintained by the Ctek charger the battery would be flat in a few weeks. Regards, Bob. Thanks for the update Bob and good to know it works! It’s a shame Redarc can’t introduce a similar feature.

NORTHCOACH EQUIPMENT PTY LTD

News | 17

LAST CHANCE FOR ROUTE 66 TOUR!

ime is rapidly running out if you’re thinking about joining us on our inaugural Route 66 Tour, which departs 29 March and returns on 22 April. Bookings close on Valentines Day (that’s 14 Feb guys), which is appropriate because we’d love to have you along! This is your last chance to be a part of iMotorhome history and travel the legendary Mother Road from Chicago to Los Angeles (with a few detours thrown in for good measure). Our exclusive 27-day small-group tour of just six customer vehicles is personally escorted by Mr & Mrs iMotorhome plus Road Test Editor Malcolm and his lovely wife. Included are return economy airfares with Qantas, two internal flights with American Airlines, quality Marriott hotels (two nights Fort Worth, two nights Chicago, and one night each in Minneapolis and Los Angeles), and 18 nights motorhome

hire with insurance, extra driver, extra mileage allowance and unlimited generator usage. Also included is a long list of fabulous tours such as a private walking tour of Chicago with a specialist Route 66 guide, a tour of the world famous Winnebago factory, a day trip to the Grand Canyon in first class aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway, a Mississippi riverboat sightseeing cruise, mighty Hoover Dam powerplant tour, and a private gourmet food tour of historic downtown Las Vegas. And they’re just some of the highlights from a very long list! Cost is $9750 pp so to secure your spot email richard@imotorhome.com.au now, because there will never be another inaugural iMotorhome Route 66 Tour – and everyone wants to be a part of history!

18 | News

MOTORHOMES UP CARAVANS DOWN motorhome and campervan production was up 8.75% on 2015’s total figure, with a month still to go. As of 30 November 1168 motorised recreational vehicles had been produced, compared with 1074 for all of 2015.

igures from the Caravan Industry Association of Australia to the end of November 2016 show that while overall RV production was down 3.4% year-to-date,

The result is excellent news for the campervan and motorhome business, but it seems slideons have taken a hit – just 12 made in 11 months – which is still better than A-class motorhomes (3) and fifth-wheelers (0). iMotorhome finds it interesting that a quick mental tally of the units Australia’s campervan and motorhome manufacturers claim to produce versus actual production is at least 2:1 and possibly higher!

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20 | News

FINE MESS?

reader made an interesting comment in relation to the exorbitant prices caravan parks in popular holiday spots charge in peak periods – prices up to$150 per night for a powered site for 2 people! They suggested freedom camping where you like – pick the best spot in town – and pay any fine you receive. Chances are the fine will be cheaper! While iMotorhome doesn’t condoning irresponsible freedom camping we can see the

logic behind this. Outrageous fees supposedly based on supply and demand but in reality driven by take-it-or-leave-it greed are ruining travel plans for many. The simplest solution is not to travel at these times, but for many that’s not an option. We’re interested to hear your comments, which you can send by clicking here. To read a letter to a newspaper about a similar situation click here.

MERCEDES CAMPERVAN CONFIRMED crosswind assist, attention assist, adaptive electronic stability program, adaptive brake lights, automatic headlights and wipers along with active parking assist with front and rear sensors. Additionally, emphasising its camper van status, the Marco Polo comes with a seperate house battery, handy when using the standard-fit diesel heater. The camper has a pop-top and comes standard with a roof bed that can take up to 200 kg. Naturally, the pop-top has zippered window flaps for view and ventilation.

ercedes-Benz Vans Australia has confirmed its luxury camper van, the Marco Polo Activity, will be available in Australia towards the end of the year, starting from $69,990 plus on-roads. The camper is based on the Brand’s people mover, the Valente, and can seat up to seven. Measuring 5.14 m long the Marco Polo Activity is powered by a 2.1-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel putting out 120 kW and 380Nm, and mated to Mercedes’ 7-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include satellite navigation, rear-view camera, driver and front passenger airbags, thorax-pelvis and curtain airbags,

Inside, the front seats can be swivelled while the three-seat rear bench can be removed to increase load capacity or, more importantly, folded down to form a bed measuring approximately 1.93 m by 1.35 m. Interestingly, apart from the heater, pop-top and bed the Marco Polo doesn’t appear to have any other ‘camping’ features, like a sink, cooker, cupboards, which seems to indicate it’s more a day vehicle and occasional overnighter. Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia says the Marco Polo Activity will be available in a choice of 12 colours and will go on sale in Australia in the third quarter of 2017.

Van Life

When Monday Doesnâ€™t Matter...

trakka.com.au

22 | News

VW CONSIDERING T6 CALIFORNIA

iven Mercedes-Benz commitment to launch the light-duty Marco Polo in Australia, it comes as no surprise to learn Volkswagen is seriously considering reintroducing the California version of the new T6 Transporter.

seats swivel and there are storage cupboards and drawers at the rear, as well as a pull-out dining table. There’s also an optional awning, while the manual pop-top roof (electrically operated in higher-spec models) houses the second bed.

In Europe there is a basic Beach model that goes without some of the comfort items you might want in a campervan, but the Ocean version features a two-burner cooktop and stainless steel sink, as well as low-energy LED lighting and a cool/warm box. Depending on the specification the Volkswagen California can offer seating for up to seven and beds for four, the beds measure 2.0 m by 1.5 m in the Beach, while the Ocean has a narrower bed at 1.2 m wide due to the kitchenette. The front

Drivetrain options will be standard T6 we’d image and it will be interesting to see how this market niche develops – if it does. The T5 California was an over-priced failure when it briefly appeared and it’s difficult to imagine how things will change this time, given the competition from Trakka’s excellent Trakkadu range and other dedicated campervan manufacturers. Watch this space!

Hitting the great outdoors this year? Book a check-up appointment at motorhomedoctor.com.au All makes all models.

24 | News

REDARC’S NEW FOLDING SOLAR

en Redarc says it is proud to extend its solar range with newly updated Monocrystalline Portable Folding Solar Panels. This new range further complements Redarc’s existing range of Folding Solar Blankets and Monocrystalline Solar Panels. The company says its engineers have spent a significant amount of time researching, developing and testing the next generation of solar panels that are lightweight, and have superior monocrystalline cells. The new folding panels are available in 120 and 160 watt power ratings, come with a 5 m Anderson-to-Anderson cable and feature highly efficient ‘A’ grade monocrystalline cell technology. Also, the panel’s lightweight legs are adjustable, to ensure they can be angled towards the sun and be moved as required. The improved folding panels have been added to Redarc’s successful range of solar blankets and accessories that were launched last August. The range includes three black Solar Blankets SunPower® Cells in 115, 150 and 190 watt power ratings and a flexible

112 watt red Solar Blanket Amorphous cell. This portable range is smaller and lighter than a comparable wattage portable glass panel. The range offers the ability to set up camp in a shady area but still get the most out of the sun. What’s more, they can be used with Redarc’s BCDC and Battery Management System range. Redarc has a solar calculator on its website to provide an indicative measure on how much power will be needed per day depending on the size of the auxiliary battery bank and appliances; allowing you to select the right solar panel based on your needs. The complete solar range is backed with a twoyear construction warranty and five years on the cells, and can be purchased through 4WD accessories outlets and auto electrical stores. For more information on the extensive range click here.

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26 | News

DON’T MISS RV BEGINNERS’ DAY

outhern Spirit Campervans in Brisbane is holding its second free Motorhome 101 – or Rookie – Day on Saturday 8 April at its Geebung facility. The first such day for newcomers to motorhoming was held last March and both Richard and Polly attended to lend support (this year Richard will be on Route 66 in the USA). The informal day was a great success and as well as providing a chance for attendees to familiarise themselves first-hand with RV systems, there was also plenty of time for questions. Structured to cover all aspects of campervan and motorhome operation, hosts Pia and Olli

also provide a comprehensive set of reference notes to keep, plus a free sausage sizzle at lunch time and cold drinks throughout the day. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone new to recreational vehicles to find out how all the systems work. It’s also a great opportunity for new owners to bring their vehicles along and ask questions about systems and/or accessories they’re not too familiar with. The Day runs from 9 AM to 4 PM and while free, bookings are essential. For more information or to book please call Pia on 0401 797-179, or email sscampervans@gmail.com.

KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOLIDAY PARK REDEVELOPMENT

weed Coast Holiday Parks in partnership with Tweed Shire Council has announced a $20 million redevelopment of the Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park and surrounding area. The project will result in the park size being reduced by a third, returning the rest of the land to the community and creating more recreation space for holiday makers and locals to enjoy. The decision by Tweed Coast Holiday Park’s unit coordinator Andrew Illingworth to develop the park comes after a change in demand of people holidaying in the town, including a rise in the region’s demand for caravan spaces. “The semi-permanent vans will be removed to make way for the redevelopment. We will be changing the entire orientation of the park including moving the entrance to the north end of the park and away from the town centre,

which will ease congestion. The change in orientation will also create more beachfront sites,” Andrew said. An update of the foreshore will see the introduction of a rock wall to protect the coastline, which comes after erosion six years ago resulted in the loss of eight cabins. A boardwalk will also be built between the rock wall and park, creating a leisurely space for people to wander and take in the picturesque beachfront views. The community area aims to bring people together and local businesses can expect a boost in customer engagement as a result. Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park closed on 30 January and will reopen on a date to be announced. For more information call (02) 6674 1311 or click here.

PARADISE RV

YOUR MOTORHOME & CARAVAN SALES & SERVICE SPECIALIST

We have a fully qualified team of service repairers that specialise in the service and repair of all brands of motorhomes and caravans We offer the following services:

• Service & Repairs for your RV & Caravan Drivetrain • Accessories & Spare Parts • Insurance Repairs • New and Used Sales • Consignment Sales • Trade-Ins.

Conveniently located on the Gold Coast PARADISE RV SALES & SERVICE PTY LTD - QUEENSLAND MOTOR DEALER 3463284 245 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Queensland 4216 www.paradisemotorhomes.com.au - info@paradisemotorhomes.com.au

(07) 5597 4400

28 | News

iMotorhome Marketplace | 29 Tax Time is fast approaching. Are you ready? For tax advice and assistance at competitive rates by a registered tax agent, send me an email.

Grey Nomad Tax Advisers

Southern Highlands Service Centre

Our office - 4 wheels and a Luton peak. • • • • • •

Eric Taylor, FIPA, CTA, Reg. Tax Agent ABN 76 114 458 058 Email: eric@greynomadtax.com.au www.greynomadtax.com.au

More Versatile Than Any Other RV Camp Anywhere - It’s Self Contained Large Bathroom With Shower & Toilet Easy To Operate With Electric Jacks Models For Single, Extra & Dual Cabs Plus! Famous Ozcape Quality & Support

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

Collyn Rivers’ books The all-new Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every aspect of buying, building, modifying and enjoying camper trailers, caravans, fifth wheelers, slide-ons, motor homes, coach conversions and off-road vehicles.

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Postage per book Australia $5.50, New Zealand A$7.50, all other countries A$12.50

Special Discount Offer = 10% of all books for two or more! To order (and full details) see: caravanandmotorhomebooks.com Caravan & Motorhome Books, PO Box 356, Church Point NSW 2015

30 | iMotorhome Marketplace

POWER CHOICE

Connect at home! Connect anywhere!

15Amp to 10Amp Adaptor with RCD and overload protection

www.ampfibian.com.au

iTech World

Wellington Shire

Australia’s leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers! We stock the revolutionary In Flex and Mini Flex panels, Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is perfect for motorhomes.

In the heart of Victoria’s Gippsland region. Come and enjoy our natural beauty, famous lakes, High Country and expansive beaches. Find ‘Experience 40 Great Things to Do’ on our website too!

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Roberts RV World

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Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes, Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA. We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can look after everything.

An official Avida motorhome dealer, with more than 50 new motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the Southern Hemisphere. Our service department is here for all your needs too.

Australia’s leading fifth wheelers, designed here in Australia and built to suit our demanding conditions. Fifth wheelers from 24’ to 36’ available. Call 02 4953 7141 for information!

T: (08) 9493 7933 W: parklandrv.com.au

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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

iMotorhome Marketplace | 31

Southern Spirit Campervans FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR MOTORHOME Full & part fitouts Hitop, Poptop and Reimo roofs True custommade conversions Repairs & improvements BYO van from Hiace to Sprinter

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The dawn of a new era in solar. Our vehicle-specific insulation screens are Australian made from specially designed and tested material to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. As featured in iMotorhome’s Project Polly!

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

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To ﬁnd out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email mje240@adam.com.au www.e-twow.com 1

Nomadic Solutions hitches fully ADR compliant no swaying increased towing safety easy reversing offroad vans available

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Tiffin Motorhomes

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!

T: 0411 616 617 W: tiffinmotorhomes.com.au

32 | Day Test: THL Discovery 4

VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY

THL tests the waters with little-used ex-rentals â€¦ by Malcolm Street

Day Test | 33

New Zealand motorhome conglomerate Tourism Holdings Limited (THL) is testing the waters by offering some of its very low mileage ex-rentals on the Australian Market. Only the length of our Project Polly the Discovery 4 offers quite a lot, including transport and accommodation for four. But the plain white finish without so much as a swirling graphic or hint of colour to break up its boxiness does it no favours in the appearance department…

ourism Holdings Limited (THL) – the parent company of rental outfits like Maui and Britz – seem to be using a new method of selling off a selection of their former rental fleet. Instead of keeping them two or three years and selling them off with hundreds of thousands of kilometres on the odometer, models like the Discovery 4 are being sold off much earlier at the 35,000 km mark. It’s an interesting move that lets them keep their rental fleets ‘fresh’ – nobody likes a tired, high-mileage vehicle when they’ve paid good money – and allows them to tailor fleet size to changing market conditions. It also provides more saleable, near-new vehicles with plenty of appeal and life left.

The Motorhome

ased on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter 313 CDI, the Discovery 4 is aptly named since it can both carry and sleep four people. At 6.7 m (22 ft) it’s built very much in the traditional THL style, with fibreglass composite walls and roof, and fibreglass mouldings for the curvy bits. It’s built in New Zealand with the giveaway being the windows, especially the larger rear ones with their opening lower halves. I’d seen the Discovery 4 layout before, but it was in NZ and built on a Chinese-built LDV cab-chassis. Although the LDV was adequate, there’s no doubt that the Benz is more sophisticated, but also more expensive of course.

34 | Day Test Often, rental motorhomes come with limited external storage, but this one has a tunnel boot across the rear that will do for all your camping essentials. There are of course the usual external doors for toilet cassette, Suburban hot water heater and the gas cylinder (itâ€™s large enough for a single nine kilogram cylinder). Another feature not found on all rental motorhomes is an awning, but the Discovery 4 has one: a New Zealandmade Cvana item. Impressively itâ€™s designed for the rigours of rental use and unusually doesnâ€™t need to be pegged out because it has no legs. As usual there are multiple keys for everything and as usual I split them up during my review, keeping just the ignition and entry door keys on one keyring and everything else on another. Right: The awning is an NZ-made Cvana-brand item. Note how the awning lacks legs and how the box winds out from the vehicle, where it acts as a gutter in wet weather. Below: A tunnel boot across the rear provides good storage for chairs and other outdoor equipment.

Day Test | 35

On the Road

roducing 95 kW and 360 Nm the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel powers the Discovery along well enough. Most of my time was spent on city and suburban streets but that, as many will know, can be more onerous than country driving. Indeed the prime test often is how well does the motorhome keep up with the traffic flow! On this case quite well as it turned out, with the seven-speed auto gearbox performing willingly. Being slightly narrower (2.21 m/7’ 3”) does of course help with general manoeuvring, plus in car parks. A little surprise was the tablet based sat nav system, which is a standard feature!

Built on the latest Mercedes Sprinter with 7-speed auto, the Discovery 4 provides an excellent driving experience even though it comes with the least powerful version of Benz’s 2.2-litre turbo-diesel. Note the dash-top tablet GPS.