ISSUE 111: MARCH 2017
Flight of the
Concorde! Win!
$50 for the! best letter
It’s first class all the way... Reader Report Auto Trail Delaware
Event
Day On The Green – Clare Valley...
MobileTech
Free magazines for your mobile library!
Feature
M elbourne Show
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.
Van Life
When Monday Doesn’t Matter...
trakka.com.au
4 | On my mind
Fright of the Concorde…
T
his issue Malcolm reviews what must be the most expensive off-the-shelf motorhome you can buy in Australia: the luxurious A-class Concorde Liner Plus 1060 GMax. Built in Germany to full Australian specifications, it’s only direct local competitor is the American-built Tiffin Allegro Breeze. The two make an interesting comparison on a whole range of levels, because about the only thing they share in common is their size and A-class categorisation. If ever you needed proof that designs are a product of the market they’re born in, these two are it. But before I go into that it’s worth mentioning the market they’re both competing in here. Local manufacturers have been unable to sustain luxury A-class motorhome production essentially because of the costs involved – both in manufacturing and final selling price – for the tiny potential market. It seems that when you head north of $300,000 the already small pool of potential buyers dries up to a puddle. That the Tiffin guys have managed to establish a foothold in Australia and build a small but growing business is not only remarkable, it’s a credit to them and the product. Malcolm and I wonder how the Concorde team is faring, as the product has been around for a few years but seems to have made little impact. Coming back to design, the two vehicles really couldn’t be more different. The Tiffin rides on a purpose built, rear-engined motorhome chassis with air suspension. It also features two huge slide-outs that make living area into something approaching a one bedroom apartment. Typically American, it reflects the expectations of its home market in everything from drivetrain to living area and comes with all the bells and whistles standard. The Concorde takes a different and typically European approach. Because there are no rear-engined motorhome chassis available
(although there are plenty of coach chassis you’d think could easily be converted), the company has chosen a front-engined Mercedes-Benz truck chassis. Like the Tiffin it rides on air suspension but whips the Yankee’s arse in terms of power, torque and gearbox ratios. Malcolm described the driving experience as muted and refined, so it seems there’s no problem having the engine upfront. Inside it takes a very different tack, eschewing slide-outs because generally Europeans don’t do them (campsites are compact and neighbours close at hand), but upping the ante in terms of decor, climate control and technological sophistication. The result is a much smaller living area that will likely disappoint potential buyers – unless they’re European! On the subject of price, the Tiffin costs $429,000 on the road in Queensland. The Concorde literally soars above that. It starts at $598,000 and as-tested was a eye watering $687,000 – and those prices exclude on-roads! Yes, the Liner Plus has a garage for a car, but the car is extra (!) and I think Australia has enough space to make A-frame towing a viable alternative. And even at those prices, things like the awning and solar panels are extra cost options! Go figure. And then there’s the tiny 8.2-litre hot water system…. The bottom line is, if I thought Tiffin had its work cut out I can only wish the Concorde people the very best of luck. Interestingly, they have a range of smaller and, one would think, more affordable motorhomes in the yard but don’t seem as interested in promoting them. Perhaps they’re hoping for the halo effect from their hero model to rub off? Good luck, I’m thinking…
Richard
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6 | Contents
2
About Us
9
Resources
4
Who we are, where and other legal stuff
Find back issues and more on our website
On my Mind Fright of the Concorde…
10
On Your Mind
27
Marketplace
Share your thoughts for the chance to win $50!
14
News
30
Day Test: Concorde Liner Plus 1060 GMax
44
Reader Report: Auto Trail Delaware
50
Feature: Melbourne Show!
56
Travel: RVFT x 3
64
MobileTech
85
Advertisers’ Index
What’s happening in the wider RV world and beyond
The latest Marketplace offers
Malcolm Street takes off for the day in Australia’s most expensive motorhome!
It was love at first sight for these lucky owners…
A quick roundup of what was new and interesting…
Three more RV Friendly Towns
Zinnio for Libraries!
An A to Z of who’s in this issue!
60
Events: DOTG!
68
What’s On?
86
Next Issue
Day On The Green – Clare Valley
Australia-wide events over the next three months!
What’s coming up and which shows are on soon!
Go Further. Stay Longer We listened, and built a long range, multi-terrain, touring motorhome. The Habitat is loaded with freedom finding features including a long range fuel tank, an extensive power system, increased water capacity, massive storage, higher ground clearance and a thoughtful security system.
The Habitat has arrived
www.sunliner.com.au
View All Units O nline 24/7
awrvworld.com.au Experience the Difference Brands:
We are New Dealers for AVan and Sunliner campervans & motorhomes. We are confident in both of these brands and have been trialed & tested in our rental fleet with great feedback from our customers. We also offer a range of pre-owned campervans & motorhomes in a wide range of makes and models.
Expert Advice: Our team are experienced in the RV and Automotive
industry and can assist you with friendly, expert advice. We are avid campers ourselves and passionate about what we do.
Peace of Mind: Complete Mechanical and Techician checks on all pre-owned units. All pre-owned units are sold with a Roadworthy and Warranty* for your peace of mind. All New Campervans & Motorhomes come with Factory Warranty on the chassis, as well as the home.
Comprehensive handovers: We ensure you know the ins and
out of your new pride and joy before you take off on your adventures. Our team will complete a comprehensive personal handover with you when you take delivery. We can also equip you with a starter pack if required.
Your journey starts with us! *T&C’s apply
CAMPERS | CARAVANS | MOTORHOMES | 4X4 & TOW VEHICLES 1A Watson St, Wodonga VIC 3690 Ph: 02 6024 4222 E: info@awrvworld.com.au
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
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. 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.
Back To The Wall
A
s a solo female traveller with no previous motorhome experience and who has now been on the road for about a year, I just wanted to share with your readers a couple of tips I’ve learned when free camping that can make a real difference. I’ve got a five year old Horizon van conversion and when arriving at a campsite I always look where the sun is setting. If there’s no shade, in summer I park with the back doors to the sun and close the blinds, because this presents the smallest surface area for it to heat up. In winter I park the other way around to get as much warmth in through the windscreen before sundown. Sometimes I then turn it around so that when
the sun comes up it starts warming inside as early as possible. I’ve got a good heater, but there’s nothing as good as the sun for keeping warm! However, if the camping area is windy, like on the coast, I park with the nose into the wind so that I can open the roof hatches without fear of them being ripped off by a gust. These are just a couple of things I’ve learned (the hard way!) and I hope they can help others! Cheers, April Thanks, April, those are great tips! For sharing them please accept this issue’s $50 prize. Safe travels – and keep you nose into the wind!.
Fiat Woes
I
would like to report the reverse of the experience that Nigel and Stevie (last issue) had with their Fiat. We have a Ducato conversion that is now eight years old. We decided to do a trip to Melbourne from the Sunshine Coast for Christmas with my wife’s family – the first time that her generation had
been together for Christmas in over 20 years. After a week on the road we overnighted in Gulgong, NSW, at their showground. In the morning the Ducato would briefly start and then stop. We had been in RACQ Ultra from almost its initial introduction and only used it once for a minor issue. I range the NRMA who attended, tried everything, and advised ...continued.
12 | On your mind ...continued.
us that it was going to need to be towed into Dubbo. It turns out that we were oversize for the RACQ Ultra policy, but they contributed to the tow. The NRMA would have covered it, so check the proviso’s carefully. The Fiat dealer couldn’t look at the Ducato until the 23rd of December, but managed to get it running. They advised us that they would need to try a cold start after Christmas Day. On the Friday before New Year they called and told us that it was one of two parts required, but neither part was in Australia and it would probably be at least a month before the parts would arrive. The costs were either $7800 for a new pump, $3000 for a reconditioned one, or $1000 for the other option. We drove our hire car back to Dubbo and flew home; the RACQ having provided a hire car for 7 days and we paid for the rest of the hire. Fiat Head office do not ever take calls – they may call you after you talk to Customer Service – but haven’t bothered to call us after many attempts to speak to them. Apparently car companies are not required to hold spare parts in Australia, and a reasonable repair time is vague, according to the ACCC. It is now February 5th and the parts are yet to arrive, maybe next week. To me it is pretty poor service from what is the most popular motorhome base vehicle in the world. It seems that Italy can’t have an aviation service or express freight – I did suggest that I would pay to expedite the shipping. Thanks, Peter. Thanks for your email and very sorry to hear of your troubles. Out of interest, can I ask what the parts are? Given the age of the vehicle I’m presuming it was sold in Australia when Fiat’s were imported through a distributor (Ateco in Sydney). They had a terrible name
for customer service, but with the advent of Fiat taking over Australian operations I hoped things had changed. Please keep us posted. Footnote: Peter replied to my initial email response with the following: “Richard, it is the high pressure pump they tell me. I must say that until now we have been more than happy with the vehicle – I keep the maintenance up and it has been fine. This has turned into almost a $10 K holiday and the frustrations are in there too. First the RACQ, who recommended the ULTRA cover in the first place (as we had motorhome, motor bikes, and a car) – why aren’t they comparable to NRMA? Then the Fiat Head Office – the Dubbo dealer has been pretty good, but there are three motorhomes there and, “Experience has shown us that it will take at least four weeks to get the parts.” The Ducato did come in under the old importer, but that shouldn’t be a problem was my thought, something about parts on hand for 10 years at least. I can’t believe that their head office would do nothing – and I was happy to pay for shipping! Customer service told me that nobody gets to speak to them. At this stage the vehicle will be sold and we will then decide what we do from here”. After a word in Fiat’s ear we heard from Peter that they had been in touch, found the part in Melbourne and it was on its way to Dubbo. There’s been no word since but we’re hoping Peter’s Ducato is back on the road.
On your mind | 13
Truck Art making it a bit different and spied some air brush art in a hotel in Caves Beach, which we liked and found out the artist, Daniel Joyce, operates in our home town of Swansea in NSW.
F
irstly thanks for the hard work you put into the magazine it’s a great read and we look forward to each issue. I thought you and possibly your readers would like to see the artwork we have had done on the front of our motorhome, affectionately called The Truck. We bought it secondhand about 6 months ago it’s a 10 year old Jayco Conquest with a Fiat motor and driveline. We were looking at
One thing led to another and we commissioned him to do an art piece on the Truck to reflect what we like, mainly travelling around beaches and photography. The attached photo will show you the end result. We are stoked with it and I hope you enjoy it Regards, Jim & Zoe Thanks and glad you like what we do! I’m liking what you’ve done to The Truck too, which looks great. It’s terrific to see people personalising their vehicles – you didn’t own a Holden Sandman panel van back in ‘the day’ by any chance?!
Top Knob!
H
ere’s a note we recently read on Facebook from a lady named Lesley and thought worth sharing. “We picked up our motor home in WA, travelling back to Vic, and travelling well got to Kimba in SA with a 1/4 tank of diesel. No worries, that would get us to Port Augusta, but just passed Iron Knob and fuel gauge dropped rapidly so we turned back to fill up. The garage had closed down and so we went to the information centre to find out where to get fuel; well, the people there were the best in the world. There was no fuel in town, so the lady in the info place rang around to find someone who could help us, but nobody was available. Next minute her phone rang and someone said they could help us. While we
waited we talked to the people in the info place and learnt so much about Iron Knob. Then some people arrived and brought us 20 litres of diesel! If you are travelling the Nullarbor call in to Iron Knob, it is a very surprising town and the people are so wonderful. Our deepest thanks to the wonderful community of Iron Knob!” If you’ve been helped by strangers on your travels and want to ‘share the love’ please let us know. Such acts of kindness should not go unacknowledged, so just drop a line to letters@ imotorhome.com.au and we’ll let the whole motorhoming world know!
14 | News
101 DAY REMINDER 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 ust a reminder that Southern Spirit new to recreational vehicles to find out how all Campervans in Brisbane is holding its the systems work. It’s also a great opportunity second free Motorhome 101 – or Rookie for new owners to bring their vehicles along – Day on Saturday 8 April at its Geebung and ask questions about systems and/or facility. The first such day for newcomers to accessories they’re not too familiar with. The motorhoming was held last March and both Day runs from 9 AM to 4 PM and while free, Richard and Polly attended to lend support bookings are essential. For more information (this year Richard will be on Route 66 in the or to book please email Pia at contact@ USA). The informal day was a great success and as well as providing a chance for attendees sscampervans.com.
J
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16 | News
DIY MEGA GUIDE
G
erman adventurer Ulrich Dolde has produced what just might be the most comprehensive DIY for anyone looking to build a motorhome from scratch or improve their existing one. Titled Motorhome Self-Build and Optimisation, the hardcover book has 489 pages divided into 39 chapters, and more than 1200 photos.
Although written from a European perspective much of the information, tips and techniques are universal. However, Ulrich stresses the need to check local regulations with regard to things like electrical wiring, gas plumbing and so on. From an Australian perspective the book still has considerable merit as it’s an absolute treasure trove of “how to” information.
“I dreamt of owning my own expedition truck for 25 years. To surf on secluded beaches, be independent of water and electrical supplies, to travel distant countries whilst escaping the typical tourist trails and to explore terrain unsuitable for normal motorhomes — that was my vision and motivation. In 2008 I turned that dream into a reality by buying a de-mobbed Mercedes 914 all-wheel-drive truck from the Dutch army and a Zeppelin shelter from the Germany army to create a homely expedition vehicle,” Ulrich said.
There are several purchase options, starting with a downloadable e-book for €38.90 ($55 approx), the hardcover book for €67.90 ($95 approx) or a bundle of both for €92.90 ($130 approx). Shipping for the hardcover book is €19 ($27 approx) to Australia or New Zealand, and each package includes unlimited access to a set of downloadable planning tools for layouts and electrics, which includes 15 predone floorplans. To find out more about this remarkable book visit Ulrich’s website by clicking here.
News | 17
VAN TAILGATE LOCK
O
wners of campervans with lifting tailgates – like the HiAce, VW T5/T6, etc – will like the new RV AIRlock. The little gadget lets you securely leave the tailgate ajar, for airflow, and is especially suited to vans with tailgate insect screens. To watch a video click here and to purchase contact Pia at Southern Spirit Campervans on 0401 797 179 or email contact@ sscampervans.com.
The Wirraway 260 SL
With it’s Full Length Slideout Room & Apartment Styled Layout !
From WIRRAWAY, “Australia’s Most Innovative Motorhomes” Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellence. Our Motorhomes are our passion! Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the road. New to our Range is the brilliant ‘live like a movie star’ Wirraway 260 SL, the latest in our 260 series; our EuroStyle 260 with it’s European styled interior and “The Motorhome of the Year”, the Wirraway 260. Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence, style and all the legendary design, electrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways.
Each Wirraway Model is unique! - All are a Must See!
View Our New Website to view All Models, Download Brochures &Virtual RealityTours For details contact: Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes, 6 Hynes Court, Mildura Vic 3500
Phone / Fax: (03) 50 230 230 - New Email: info@wirraway.com.au & New Website: www.wirraway.com.au On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 © Rex Willmer
18 | News
NEW VICTORINOX SWISS TOOLS
W
ell-healed DIY enthusiasts and adventurers will love the latest multitools from legendary manufacturer Victorinox, makers of the world famous Swiss Army Knife. There are two new models, the SwissTool Spirit XBS with 27 functions and the SwissTool BS, with 29 functions. Featuring a new finish – black burnished steel – and manufactured in Switzerland to exacting standards, they are the ultimate toolkit-in-yourpocket. Some of the functions on the tool include a wire cutter, screwdriver, can opener, saw, ruler, corkscrew and lock release
Adding to their compact nature, the tools weigh under 300 g and measure just 11.5 cm when closed. All Victorinox SwissTools have OneStep access, which allows tools to be opened directly from the outside of the handle without opening the pliers, and a lock with a simple slide release to hold the tools securely in place. A nylon belt pouch is also included with the purchase that makes it easy to carry. Retail prices are $349 for the XBS and $359 for the BS model. To find out more about the whole range of Victorinox products, and purchase online (with many items on sale), visit their website here.
NORTHCOACH EQUIPMENT PTY LTD
20 | News
ACCC WARRANTY CLAMPDOWN
A
ustralia’s consumer watchdog is set to deny proposed changes to aftersales products peddled by car dealers. The ACCC says it will deny authorisation to 16 insurance companies that proposed a 20 percent cap on commission to car dealers who sell extended warranties, credit insurance and other financial products. A fellow government body, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, released a report in September 2016 that found “consumers are being sold expensive, poor value products... that provide consumers very little to no benefit” in a sales environment with “pressure selling, very high commissions and conflict of interest”. ASIC said at the time that the market needs to be “immediately and comprehensively addressed by insurers”. Following that, 16 insurance companies banded together to cap
commissions paid to car dealers who sell their products. ACCC chair Rod Sims says they need to do more. “The factors identified in ASIC’s report mean that consumers are often unable to make optimal, well-informed choices when buying add-on insurance products when buying a car from a dealer. A cap on commissions does not address these issues and will not remove the opportunity and incentive for insurers and dealerships to sell consumers expensive, poor value products.” The ACCC expects to release a final decision on the matter in March. Read the full ACCC statement here. To find out more about your basic consumer rights, watch a short video here.
Hitting the great outdoors this year? Book a check-up appointment at motorhomedoctor.com.au All makes all models.
22 | News
HYMER GOING DRIVERLESS
I
magine being able to set your motorhome to drive through the boring bits while you snooze, arriving refreshed and ready at a pre-programmed photo stop. Or never having to think twice about driving after a long flight, or which side of the road to be on. Sounds like science fiction, but anyone who’s been paying attention to driverless cars will not be surprised to hear that the reality of driverless motorhomes is coming – and Europe’s Erwin Hymer Group is leading the way. The company is trialling cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology on the roads in Ontario, Canada. It is believed to be the first RV manufacturer in the world with a permit to test automated vehicles, having recently been approved by the Canadian Government to be part of a pilot project over the next decade (other participants in the open-road trial are the University of Waterloo and Blackberry QNX). The Hymer Group is conducting the autonomous tests with a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, a deluxe motorhome kitted out with an array of discreet sensors, laser-based radar monitors and GPS technology virtually
invisible from the outside. The vehicles are equipped to assess traffic and Ontario’s challenging weather and road conditions, and can communicate with other driverless vehicles.” “While in the words of Rachel Hunter, ‘It won’t happen overnight,’ the age of the driver will give way to the age of the passenger,” said John Managh, managing director of SmartRV, the New Zealand-based importer of Hymer Group motorhomes (Bürstner, Carado and Hymer). “The Erwin Hymer Group is renowned for its landmark developments and we know our customers appreciate the incredible designs and technologies already evident in every one of our motorhomes,” he concluded. iMotorhome is keeping a close eye on electric and autonomous vehicle developments as they relate to the RV world as the positive implications for our ageing population cannot be underestimated.
As Australia's only built-in campervan and motorhome specialist, we at BCMC have the knowledge and experience you can trust. We are the exclusive retailer of Horizon Motorhomes and Frontline Campervans* - which are built-in, not built-on, far a smoother and more enjoyable touring experience. Our Motorhomes and Campervans are fuel efficient, easy to manoeuvre and built in Australia by hand, using only the finest high quality materials. Alongside our New & Pre-Loved vehicles, the BCMC Service Centre offers a full range of accessories and maintenance far your RV - making sure your travels are safe and in comfort. Click below to find out why we're the built-in specialists. MOTORHOMES
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24 | News
TEMORA’S INAUGURAL RV MUSTER!
T
emora says its inaugural RV Muster is scheduled for 20-26 April, 2017, and is set to be a great event. The traditional farming town is situated in the heart of the Riverina and prides itself on having the friendliest townsfolk and being a little country town with a lot to offer. According to a press release, “Come April 20 Temora will be abuzz with people from all over the country as they navigate their way to the inaugural RV Muster. Like minded travellers can come together to enjoy some or all of the planned events, or go at their own pace. This event offers you the possibility to experience traditional camp breakfasts, day trips to Junee Licorice Factory, Coolamon Cheese Factory, and high tea at the historical Ariah Park Hotel. There will be an opportunity to mix socially each night during happy hour and at a good old fashioned dinner dance, or a night of entertainment and dining at a dinner show at the Ex-Serviceman’s Club, guaranteed to get your toes tapping. Take in the rich history of the community as you visit the town’s three museums: Temora Rural Museum, Temora
Railway Museum and Temora Aviation Museum. Or, just enjoy being around other people that love the travelling lifestyle. There will also be opportunity for participants to gain some helpful knowledge in relation to travelling with talks from NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, NSW Bush Fire Brigade, information on mechanicals, electricals and tyre care.” Temora is an RV Friendly Town with three campsites: Temora Caravan Park and Temora Airpark Estate, both with powered and unpowered sites and excellent facilities, or you could try Temora Free Camp in the heart of town for shorter stays. To register for the event please download and complete the registration form from the website here. Then, return registration form to: Promotions & Visitation Committee, Temora Shire Council, 105 Loftus Street, Temora, NSW. 2666. Or email them to TemoraRVMuster@outlook.com. For further information contact Elaine Costello on 0410 653 680 or email TemoraRVMuster@outlook. com.
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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
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Caravan & Motorhome Electrics covers every aspect of all RV electrical systems. It combines exceptional technical accuracy with plain English writing. The Camper Trailer Book covers buying, building and using camper trailers of every kind. Solar That Really Works shows how to build systems that work first time and every time, and how to fix those that don’t. Whether installing solar for the first time, or trying to make an existing RV solar system work as you had hoped - this is the book for you.
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iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The Duvalay Memory Foam Sleeping System – No lifting, no tucking, no fighting over the doona and bedding that stays put. Find out why it’s Europes bedding of choice for caravans & motorhomes. The premium grade memory foam ensures total comfort and the award winning design cover means your bed is made in seconds.
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TO FIND OUT WHAT's ON IN YOUR STATE GO TO PAGE 68!
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
28 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV Centre
Roberts RV World
RV Specialists
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
T: 1800 273 136 W: robertsrv.com.au
T: (02) 4953 7141 W: summerliferv.com.au
Battery Traders Super Store
Airbag Man
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
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!
T: 1300 483 249 W: itechworld.com.au
T: (03) 5144 1108 W: tourismwellington.com.au
POWER CHOICE
TM
Connect at home! Connect anywhere!
15Amp to 10Amp Adaptor with RCD and overload protection
www.ampfibian.com.au
iMotorhome Marketplace | 29 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!
T: (07) 3398 5500 W: solarscreen.com.au
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike!!
25km/h with a range of 40km in ideal conditions! Super light too at 10.8kg Folds away quite compact for small storage
New state-of-the-art solar blankets from REDARC. Click here.
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
5th wheeler specialist
Nomadic Solutions - the original, quality constructed ‘lifestyletable™’ that is easily attached to the side of your motorhome. Now available in ‘mill finish’ for custom painting.
T: (02) 9011 8144 W: nomadicsolutions.com.au
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
Store those additional items up and out of the way using our adjustable, transportable and modular storage system!
www.skytracks.com.au
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
Over 11 years cover manufacturing experience Australia wide.Free Measure & Quote Call in Factory 1:354 Mons Road Forest Glen : Sunshine Coast Queensland PH-‐1300 304 332/0754564818 www.caravancovers.com.au info@caravancovers.com.au
30 | Day Test: Concorde Liner Plus 1060 GMax
FLIGHT OF THE CONCORDE!
A lucky Malcolm Street takes off for the day in Australia’s most expensive motorhome… by Malcolm Street
Day Test | 31
The German-built Concorde Liner Plus takes a very different approach to A-class motorhome design than its closest competitor, the Tiffin Allegro Breeze. Sitting high on a front-engined Mercedes-Benz Atego truck chassis, it lacks the slide-outs buyers in the category are likely to want. Also, things like an awning and solar panels are optional despite the $598,000 starting price, which excludes on-roads.
I
t’s a fact: There are very few A-class motorhomes available in Australia. Apart from coach conversions, no local manufacturer currently builds one. That leaves the A-class market to the few importers who bring them in from the USA or Germany. Compliance is usually the major issue, but Concorde Motorhomes Australia have battled through all that and now have a number of models in Australia, made to Australian Standards at the German factory. Undoubtedly the eye catcher is the Liner Plus 1060 GMax, if for no other reason than it is possible to park a Fiat 500 in the rear! In order to accomplish that of course a large motorhome is needed, in this case one having an external length of 10.7 m (35’ 1”) and a
GVM of 15,000 kg, so a Medium Rigid (MR) licence is required.
The Vehicle
U
nderpinning the Liner Plus is a Mercedes Benz Atego truck chassis – not one normally associated with motorhomes and it even has an engine not normally available in Australia: a 7.7-litre turbodiesel that delivers an impressive an 220 kW of power and a monumental 1200 Nm of torque. Fortunately, a 180-litre diesel fuel tank is standard… Unlike many a motorhome manufacturer based in Europe, Concorde is not part of a larger consortium; rather, it’s a family corporation. I mention that little fact because
32 | Day Test persuading some German motorhome manufacturers to produce a mirror image layout, i.e. one with the entry door on the left-hand side can be difficult with larger operators (think the Hymer Group for example). However, Concorde has done that and handle the motorhome build by reversing the motorhome down the assembly line, thus ensuring minimal tooling changes by the factory. Simple but ingenious! Aluminium composite panels, with 38mm thick RTM foam for insulation, are used for much of the body construction. Below floor level, a raised floor not only does much for insulation but also provides essential storage space and the option of underfloor heating. Fitted to the roof edges is an aluminium profile designed to aid water collection and In typically German fashion the workmanship is superb, while major house service items are neatly grouped together for easy access.
Day Test | 33
prevent water stains down the side of the motorhome! A little differently to the rest of the body, the exterior lower panels, including the bumper bars, are made from fibreglass. Unusually for this class of motorhome – at least the ones we’re used to – the Concorde Liner Plus has no slide-outs. They are not common on European motorhomes and I don’t see that as a minus, but I would imagine there are some who will, especially given the $600,000 plus price tag!
On the road
I
have to confess to never having driven a Mercedes Benz Atego before, but now having experienced that I have to say it is no hardship at all. Certainly the driver’s seat has a very commanding position, with an excellent forward view. Once having mentally
Top: On the road the Liner Plus cuts a tall and imposing figure. Above: Car ramps for the garage stow neatly in either corner of the rear bumper.