Conversion
ISSUE 113: MAY 2017
Factor Win!
$50 for the! best letter
Factor in a conversion to make the most of your small van… Reader Report! Frontline HiAce Adventurer
Feature
Solo women on the road!
My Town
There’s plenty to do in Barmera…
Route 66 highlights!
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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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
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Jabiru
First class all the way
4 | On my mind
Happy Birthday to Us!
T
his month marks five years since Issue 1 of iMotorhome rolled off the, um, never mind. Dare I say, “Who would have thought?” Sceptics said it would never work and it has certainly been a harder, slower slog than we thought/hoped/dreamed, but here we are heading into year six. Thanks for your support and encouragement, and thanks to our loyal advertisers who have stuck with us and made it all possible. It sounds clichéd I know, but we really couldn’t have done it without you! In 2012 I never would have thought that five years down the track we’d have just returned from our first escorted international motorhome tour or that we’d have iMotorhome New Zealand as a separate title. Never say never, I guess… Speaking of our first tour, what an adventure it was! This issue I’ve included a light hearted look at our travels down Route 66. Next issue, one of our travellers reports on the trip from their perspective, while Malcolm brings you a write-up of the 2017 model Minnie Winnies that served us so well. The tour was a ‘proof of concept’ tester that went so well I’m now working on our 14-day Taste of New Zealand tour from 6-19 November. Travelling across both islands it will be a taste of NZ in every respect; from a quick look at a wide range of cities, scenery and attractions, to some very special dining experiences centred on all-things NZ. Details are still being finalised – in fact I’m on the South Island for a week this month to fine tune things at that end – and I’m planning to release full details and pricing in our July issue. Watch out for them. The other event to watch out for is our next reader weekend, from 13-16 October. This year we’re heading to Uralla on the New England Highway (just south of Armidale) for a fun-filled long weekend exploring the life, exploits and demise of the famous bushranger Captain Thunderbolt. Of course, we’ll also be engaging in more than our fair
share of special wining and dining, which I’m sure the Captain would approve of! I know the CMCA Rally clashes – I chose the dates first! – but it will be great fun and as soon as details are confirmed I’ll release them. Still on the subject of tours, initial planning is also underway for our Route 66 adventure in 2018. We learned a lot this year and have plans to make next year’s tour even better – unbelievable, I know – and will be releasing details later this year. If you think you’d like to join us on any of these adventures drop a line to richard@imotorhome.com.au and I’ll put you on the advanced notice list. What’s in store for the next five years? More tours and/or more magazine titles perhaps – it’s all crystal ball gazing. All I know is never say never, and never sit still too long. Better to be a rolling stone than covered in moss. Happy birthday indeed!
Richard
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
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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 Happy Birthday to Us!
10
On Your Mind
23
Marketplace
Share your thoughts for the chance to win $50!
14
News
26
Day Test: Wanderlust Campers
40
Reader Report: Frontline Adventurer HiAce
46
Feature: Solo Women Travellers
50
Travel: Getting our Kicks!
56
Travel: RVFT x 3
66
MobileTech
87
Advertisers’ Index
What’s happening in the wider RV world and beyond
The latest Marketplace offers
Conversion Factor – A new entrant in the camper conversion business
Reporting from the front line of campervan ownership!
How two ladies have taken to the highways on their own…
A lighthearted preview of our Route 66 adventure…
Three more RV Friendly Towns
Secure your social media profile
An A to Z of who’s in this issue!
60
My Town
70
What’s On?
88
Next Issue
Barmera, South Australia!
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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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.
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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
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.
Barmera’s Big Gig!
T
here is a fantastic 10 day Country Music festival coming up in Barmera in the Riverland of South Australia on 2-12 June that would be ideal for motorhomers to visit, even if they don’t think they like country music. My favourite things are the impersonation and tribute shows, the hilarious Hoffmans and Dave Prior, the talented Bush Poets – especially Bob Magor and Jill Wherry – and just sitting relaxing with friends made over many years while being entertained for hours for little or no entry fee. With 90 shows spread over 10 days and 20 venues, it is the biggest country music festival in SA. Barmera is an RV Friendly town offering 4 nights for $5 per night at the Bruce Oval. This is walking distance to some of the venues, including the main street where there are buskers and a chuck wagon breakfast for $3 on Saturday 10 June followed by a sheep run (a precursor to the sheepdog trials!). The caravan parks have picturesque settings on Lake Bonney or the River Murray, and there is free camping nearby too. The Rocky Page Hall of Fame and Hands of Fame Park are in the main street near the Visitors Centre. On Saturday, inductees make their handprint on concrete guitars for the park and Archie Roach will be honoured this year. The Lake Bonney Holiday Park and the Cobdogla Caravan Park have heated marquees where performers entertain during the festival. Another great venue is the Lakeside Cafe overlooking Lake Bonney, with
free performances and great coffee and bakery treats. Shows are held in the Barmera Monash Football Club and the Cobby Club, both of which have dance floors. On Sunday 11 June the Spectacular will be held at the footy club to showcase the award-winning performers, and to judge the best overall winner – YEE HAW – is Penny Rogers (Kenny’s sister)! Cheers, Dianne
P.S. The attached photo is of the singing Chookman’s motorhome in the main street a few years ago. He travels with his chooks! How ironic, Dianne, that your letter about Barmera should coincide with this issue’s My Town feature. It certainly sounds like a happening place and I hope a swag of iMotorhome readers can make it up/down/across there! If I could I’d get there just to see Chookman – chicken drovers are pretty rare these days – and I hope you have a ball. For sharing all that information with us please accept this issue’s $50 prize, which will buy you a lot of chuck wagon breakfasts. Enjoy!
On your mind | 11
Costs and Calculations
I
really enjoy your iMag, something about the style and approach ‘clicks’ with me, a baby boomer cursed with being born under a wandering star! I Just returned from Europe after 3 months there and, having a particular interest in motorhomes, been looking at the offerings here. What struck me immediately is an issue that would certainly interest your readers, although it might well fit into the ‘biting the hand that feeds you’ category for your publication. Put simply, I can buy (as just one random example) and put on the road a brand new Swift Rio 340 2017 model in Europe for A$67,000 (excluding 20% VAT), whilst the identical vehicle imported into Australia has a ticket price of $135,000 (excluding GST). I know that the distributors of all brands of imported motorhomes in Australia will cite compliance issues, freight and so forth as the cause, but there must be much more to it than that. The chasm between prices in a highly competitive massive market in Europe and Britain (not to mention the USA) and Australia’s market can’t only be explained by compliance issues, surely? It must be the case that, for some reason, barriers to the entry of competitive overseas offerings have been erected on specious grounds to protect a tiny Australian industry. To suggest that hundreds of millions of Europeans, British (and Americans) know less than twenty million Australians about what characterises a quality motorhome is risible. Who has created this situation and how has it been allowed to continue? Where does our money go, and why? Peter, Beecroft
Thanks for your email and observations and yes, it’s a well known and frustrating issue. I guess the bottom line is profit, based on what a comparable locally produced vehicle sells for. The same situation exists in NZ, although to a lesser degree. However, there are other factors that eat into those seemingly vast profit margins. We are a small market – did you know last year only about 1150 new motorhomes and campervans were registered in Australia? All the businesses that import them have to prepay the vehicles and carry their costs through to sale in Australia. On top of that they have to pay Australian rates for transport, property leases, wages, advertising and all those other business-related expenses, plus carry parts and provide after sales service. Also, those Australian costs have to be amortised over a relative handful of sales. The Australian automotive industry has hidden behind trade barriers for decades, but that is changing with the end of manufacturing here this year. Eventually we will have to harmonise with the rest of the world and accept international standards, but whether that will reduce costs remains to be seen. Until then I, like you, can only look enviously at what’s available overseas. Even just over the Tasman Sea...
12 | On your mind
Bright Sparks
G
reat stuff with your Tesla story in issue 112! Australian media just doesn’t realise that this guy is totally changing the world all on his own. The new buzz word is “Disruption!” Do you know Hymer are working on the Sprinter unveiled at the Paris car show. It looks stunning! I just hope we live long enough to see all the changes. We have long ago paid our deposit on a Tesla Model 3 and of course a Powerwall. I’ve got a bit of a suspicion you have as well. Am I right? Just imagine us rocking up to Bunnings with the two Border Collies on the white upholstery and filling it up with wood! Ouch! I know it’s daft but I can’t wait, although we should be getting the SUV in case I cark it (78 and falling to bits)!
Great to hear you enjoyed the Tesla story. You’re right; the mainstream still don’t seem to get Elon (or don’t want to), but he’s a disruptor who’s going to be recognised by future generations as one of the most important individuals in modern history. Good to hear you have a Model 3 on the way! I don’t (just dreaming) but a neighbour collected his new Tesla Model X SUV the day we returned from our Route 66 adventure and it’s truly like something from Star Trek. Love the Bunnings idea and by the way, 78 is just a spring chicken!
Take care, Bob.
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14 | News
NEW CAMPERPARTS WEBSITE
P
hil Patterson and Kelly Baker of Wanderlust Campers says the business has been inundated with enquiries of people wanting to buy RIB bed seats. Phil is listed on the manufacturer’s website as the only recommended supplier on the east coast of Australia and in light of the demand they have quickly pulled together a new parts website: www.camperparts.com.au. At the moment they are only offering RIB seats and approved swivels. However, they plan to add some other European parts as demand builds. To find out more visit the website or call Phil on 040 663 6632.
CAMEC HOT WASHER SPECIAL
C
amec has released a new 3 kg top loading RV washing machine; the first to feature a hot wash option using just cold water. Measuring 820 mm tall x 470 mm wide x 465 mm deep and weighing in at 18 kg, the unit also features 6 wash program combinations and has high and low water level adjustment for varying load sizes. Water usage is 20 or 26-litres (low/high) and 240 volt power at 235 W (cold) and 1035 W (high) is required. It also comes with LED control lighting and an LED drum light so you can see what’s going on inside. Camec’s RRP is $449, but the CaravanRVCamping has it on special for $399.
News | 15
NEW GARMIN SYSTEM
G
armin has released the RV-BBT601, which it says is a exciting new OEM infotainment system designed for RVs featuring best-in-class navigation plus audio powered by Fusion. It’s the first portable system of its kind and it can be easily removed and used to access/control features from anywhere in the RV. “An all-in-one infotainment solution for RV enthusiasts, the RV-BBT601 is loaded with RV-friendly features and boasts a compelling industrial design that’s beneficial for both the end-user and the installing manufacturer,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “We’re excited to bring leading Garmin navigation technology and FUSION entertainment expertise together in an integrated system that’s both feature-packed and easy to use.” The RV-BBT601 features an easy-to-read 6-inch touchscreen display with a magnetic mount so it can easily be docked for navigation
or undocked for remote use anywhere in the RV or for remote trip planning. For added convenience, the dock features quick-access media control buttons for easy and safe adjustment while driving. When docked, the RV-BBT601 will initialise an intuitive driving mode where drivers can easily access navigation, back-up camera, music and handsfree Bluetooth calling functionality. The RV-BBT601 features customised RV routing and users simply enter the applicable information and destination, and a route will be determined based on the height, weight, length and width of the vehicle. Doubling as both a navigator and an entertainment source, the RV-BBT601 will control the entertainment system of an RV with a four-zone AM/FM/ Bluetooth/USB system. When undocked, it also becomes a powerful wireless remote for the entertainment system. And thanks to its wireless connectivity, it can also be used for web browsing, email and other internetconnected applications.
16 | News
JAYCO GROWTH
A
ustralia’s biggest RV producer plans to increase its workforce by almost 25 per cent. Jayco has been running a series of adverts offering a variety of jobs at its huge manufacturing complex at Dandenong on the
outskirts of Melbourne. Owner and founder Gerry Ryan says he will need another 250 workers to cope with the rising demand for the company’s caravans, motorhomes and camper-trailers. Jayco, which already employs 1200 staff, controls around 50 per cent of all RV sales in Australia. Mr Ryan recently told media he is increasingly turning away private equity firms wanting to buy into his business. The Caravanning Industry Association of Australia reports that despite challenging local and global economic environments, domestic caravanning and camping continues to show significant growth.
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News | 17
WARRAGAMBA RV TRIAL
W
ollondilly Shire Council in NSW has decided to spend $35,000 trialling a 12-month RV Friendly site at Warragamba village’s recreation reserve. Up to eight self-contained caravans, motorhomes and campervans will be allowed to stay for forty eight hours at the self-policed site ,which offers natural shade, barbecue and water facilities, and is close to shops. Access will be by a PIN-controlled automated boom gate. Council has also passed a notice of motion supporting another site at the nearby small town of Bargo.
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18 | News
DECADE OF UPHEAVAL AHEAD
R
oy Morgan Research CEO Michele Levine recently presented the latest State of the Nation Report in Melbourne, with a special Spotlight on the Australian Automotive Industry. The State of the Nation Report looks at the changes underway in the Australian automotive industry and the even bigger changes that are set to impact on every part of the industry throughout the 2020s.
• Quest to Zero Emissions: A majority of Australians (62%) would pay more for a car with ‘Zero Emissions’ today compared to 38% that wouldn’t. 17% would pay 0-5% more, 25% would pay 6-10% more, 12% would pay 11-20% more and 9% would pay 20%+ more. Splitting by Generations shows 75% of Millennials would be prepared to pay more compared to 51% of Boomers.
Key findings of this in-depth industry spotlight include:
• Urban Mobility/ Re-thinking Ownership: A majority of Australians (64%) aren’t aware of car-sharing services compared to 36% that are, however over 200,000 already use car-sharing services like Go-Get and Flexicar. Men (43%) are more likely than Women (29%) to know of car-sharing and Millennials (35%) are more aware of car-sharing than Boomers (26%).
• Driverless Cars: A slim majority of The year 2025 has been identified as a tipping Australians (54%) are not yet ready for point for the industry as a whole as it faces traveling in driverless cars compared digital disruption and any automotive players to 46% that are. However, looking at that fail to plan fully for the future involving demographic breakdowns shows more Men increased car-sharing, driverless cars, and (51%) are ready for driverless compared to purely online sales will find it far too hard to 41% of Women. In addition, a clear majority catch up to ‘first-movers’ by the time 2025 of Millennials (62%) are ready for Driverless rolls around. compared to only 26% of Boomers.
• The automotive industry is facing immense technological disruption in the near future following the well-worn path taken by booksellers, music vendors, retailers and media companies in recent years. • Car sharing is set to take off in the 2020s in preference to outright ownership of cars as changing attitudes to cars, led by Generation Y, begin to permeate a larger proportion of the population. • The automotive revolution, which ultimately leads to automotive fleets of driverless cars, will result in thousands of lives saved, carbon emissions slashed as technology drives the uptake of fully electric vehicles, the suppression of auto-related crime and faster travel times as autonomous cars communicate with each other to allow for more efficient routing.
• Digital Disruption: Buying cars entirely online is just around the corner and already 34% of Australians are ready to buy a car entirely online compared to 66% that aren’t. Once again, Men (42%) lead Women (25%) and Millennials (37%) lead Boomers (23%). • Despite the imminent closure of the Australian automotive manufacturing industry later this year (Holden & Toyota cease local manufacturing in October 2017) Australians are buying more cars than ever before – record sales in 2016 of well over a ...continued.
20 | News •M ore Australians are comfortable with technology than ever before and this impacts the way Australians buy cars – almost 75% of potential new car buyers now go online to undertake car research before purchasing. The Early Adopters of technology are also the most drawn to new services like driverless cars and other urban mobility services.
million new cars could well be repeated in 2017. • The Australian automotive industry is far larger than the headline manufacturing: Automotive financing ($20 billion+), Automotive insurance ($13 billion+), Servicing & Repairs ($14 billion+), Roadside assist ($6 billion+), Fuel ($3 billion+), Media & Publishing ($1.9 billion+) and Parking are all larger industries that aren’t impacted by the closure of local manufacturing. • Average Australian family spends $17,147 per annum on transport, equal to 13.6% of average household income. The potential savings as we move to shared ownership and driverless cars are clearly massive. • Australia is one of the world’s most competitive auto markets with 54 brands selling passenger vehicles, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Light Commercial (LC) vehicles. All-in-all over 430 new models for Australians to choose from. In comparison – the US has only 40 brands selling passenger, SUVs and LCs. • Australia’s quickly growing population will ensure car sales remain strong over the next few years even though technological advancements will begin to significantly alter the way we consume ‘transport’ in the 2020s and beyond.
• One million Millennials (18%) have Uber on their phone or tablet and two-thirds have used the Uber app in the last 4 weeks, compared to only 1% of Boomers that have downloaded Uber, and only half of those have used Uber in the past 4 weeks. • 200,000 Australians are now using carsharing services. Of these, almost half, 96,000, are Millennials compared to only 20,000 Boomers. • Millennials are drawn to new technologies – 32.4% would consider buying an electric vehicle and 50.3% would consider buying a hybrid compared to 22.6% of Boomers that would consider an electric vehicle and 40.5% that would consider a hybrid. • Baby Boomers are a growing part of the automotive market going forward. The number of Boomers in the market for a new car is up 112% since 2006 while Millennials in the market for a new car is up 49% in the same period. • Boomers are driving the increase in SUV sales. Now 37.6% of Boomers looking to buy a new car are in the market for an SUV compared to only 15.8% a decade ago.
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iMotorhome Marketplace | 23
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TO FIND OUT WHAT's ON IN YOUR STATE GO TO PAGE 70!
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
24 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Roberts RV World
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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: 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
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iTech World
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iMotorhome Marketplace | 25
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26 | Day Test: Wanderlust Campers
CONVERSION FACTOR!
Why not factor in a van conversion to make the most of your small van? by Richard Robertson
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Wanderlust’s distinctive sideways-opening roof is the result of years of experience building similar roofs in the UK. It provides full-length headroom on the side you stand up in and seems well designed and built.
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ampervans – especially Volkswagens – occupy a special place in the Australian psyche. Collectively our first mass experience of motorised camping, they established themselves in our hearts and minds in the 60s and we’ve never really let go… A campervan is the only recreational vehicle (RV) that can be your daily driver, small school bus, shopping trolley, sports day or day-at-the-beach base station, weekend escape machine and longer holiday chariot. In all it’s truly versatile. Yet in many ways we’ve moved on and it’s surprising just how few companies make campervans these days, given this versatility…
New Kid on the Block
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anderlust Campers is a new company with a different take on the business. Not only is the design different, the way it does business is too. For starters, Wanderlust is a conversion company. You can buy a complete vehicle but its real desire is to build a quality conversion in your own new or used van. And that van doesn’t have to be a Volkswagen – bespoke conversions are available on a wide range of vehicles – however the VW T5/T6 is its preference. Here’s what the company has to say about its work, starting with the sideways opening roof, its most obvious point of difference:
28 | Day Test “Our VW T5 & T6 conversion features our very own elevating roof design. The Wanderlust side elevating roof offers full standing height the length of the campervan. This makes for a more comfortable travel experience and a much greater feeling of space. The roof took 15 months from concept to completion and involved a number of Australian master craftspeople. The roof has been meticulously designed to be low profile enabling the van to be parked in garages. The low profile offers superior aerodynamic performance and is designed to look discreet, like an intrinsic part of the original van design. The Wanderlust elevating roof combines custom made aluminium extrusion, glass fibre composite and quality canvas, offering Right: Under-bed storage is good. Note the belts for the bed-seat, which comes as a fully engineered and approved unit from Europe. Below: The custom roof sits virtually flush with the van’s roof, ensuring easy access to carparks and minimal wind resistance.
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superior water and mildew resistance without compromising on breathability. As an optional extra, you can have a roof bed which will comfortably accommodate one adult or two small children. The elevated roof is lightweight and easy to operate. Four screened vents offer optimal ventilation and superior air flow.” The sideways opening roof is reminiscent of British Dormobile campers from the 50s onwards and which are still made today. In a way that isn’t surprising, given South African-born Wanderlust founder Phil Patterson spent the best part of two decades in the UK designing and building camper conversions for some of the leading brands. Phil sees the design as superior to conventional pop-tops in a number of ways,
The roof’s Weathermax 80 fabric carries a 10 year guarantee. Cleverly, the side windows have a clear layer that provides view and light without wind – ideal for cool weather camping!