Surprise
ISSUE 114: JUNE 2017
Appeal!
Win!
$50 for the! best letter
Horizon surprises with it’s new Appeal… TechTalk
Three on-road Solutions!
Book Review DIYers Bible…
MobileTech
It’s game-on for footy fans!
Event
Winter Blues Festiva l
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.
4 | On my mind
All Change…
T
he old adage about change being the only constant is certainly true. This month marks the end of another financial year and, it has been decided, our New Zealand magazine. Not that the magazine wasn’t paying its way or we didn’t enjoy the NZ motorhome scene; the decision is based on the reality of our small team’s limited time and resources. The good news is this doesn’t mark the end of our New Zealand coverage. From July we relaunch this magazine as a properly combined Australian and New Zealand issue, and your input on the new name is welcome. iMotorhome Australasia is technically correct, given Australasia officially encompasses Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea and some Pacific Islands (and actually has nothing to do with Asia). But does it sound too Asian? iMotorhome Australia and New Zealand is the obvious alternative, or do we just leave it as iMotorhome? Your thoughts and suggestions please! Our newfound time freedom will enable proper updating and development of the long-neglected iMotorhome website. We’ll still be bringing you our between-issue email, plus I’ll have time to regularly hit the road in Polly, our project motorhome (in case you’re a new reader). Speaking of Polly, she has been out of sight of these pages for some months now, but not out of our minds. A perfect storm of pre-Route 66 dual magazine work load, the tour itself, subsequent travel and general time constraints have worked against us, but that’s about to change. We used out time overseas to send Polly to reform school in Brisbane – aka Southern Spirit Campervans. There, Pia and Olli undertook some much-needed repairs and added a few extras. Now home and cooling her Firestones
on the driveway, she’s like a new motorhome. Well, almost. Importantly, Polly is set to go and at last will really start earning her keep. Mrs iM and I will also have time to finish off some DIY jobs and from next issue our regular Project Polly instalments will return. Watch out for them! Last weekend, Malcolm, Agnes and I were deep in our first editorial meeting for months. There was much to discuss and we sat at one end of our usual boardroom table – a shared bench in a suburban Sydney McDonalds. The place was abuzz with football mums, dads and kids jostling for treats and coffee, while outside, the carpark was overflowing. All of a sudden a stylish woman approached us. She said she loved the magazine and had seen Polly in the car park and had stopped to say hello! The three of us were surprised and delighted, but sadly in our hurried introductions and subsequent return to matters at hand, none can remember her name. To you Dianne/Annette/Insert name Here, we thank you for taking the time to stop and say hello. It means a lot and we’ll continue to do our best to bring you an interesting and engaging magazine as the new financial year unfolds. P.S. The planned Jayco and Minnie Winnie reviews for this issue have been put back by the unexpected release of new models from Horizon (reviewed this issue) and Avida (reviewed next issue).
Richard
Jabiru
First class all the way
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 Changes…
10
On Your Mind
25
Marketplace
Share your thoughts for the chance to win $50!
16
News
28
Day Test: Horizon Motorhomes Melaleuca Appeal
44
Book Review: Motorhome Self-Build and Optimisation
48
TechTalk
56
Travel: RVFT x 3
64
MobileTech
83
Advertisers’ Index
What’s happening in the wider RV world and beyond
The latest Marketplace offers
Surprise Appeal – Horizon’s new budget beater…
Perhaps the most comprehensive DIY guide ever published!
On-road solutions to keep you going…
Three more RV Friendly Towns
It’s game-on for footy fans!
An A to Z of who’s in this issue!
52
Feature
60
Event
68
What’s On?
84
Next Issue
Cooking 101 for blokes!
Winter Blues Festival
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. letters@imotorhome.com.au and we’ll If you have anything to say – or ask – just drop a line to share it with our readers. We’ll also reward the most interesting, useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way.
Comparison Tool
A
Perhaps the attached spreadsheet (click here) might interest you, if you’ve not used similar already? Not everyone is as analytical as me, but I developed a tool for helping me make a decision in relation to which motorhome to buy. The concept is very simple and flexible, but it’s pretty powerful too. It enables people to list out in any order a brain dump of the “essential” and the “desirable” features of the motorhome/ campervan they are looking for. “Essential” features in the spreadsheet attract a maximum of 10 points, “desirable” features attract a maximum of 5 points. Across the top, create column headings for each of the motorhomes you are considering and down the column “score” each against the features you believe are essential or desirable. Sum the scores for each potential motorhome, subtract the $ cost to drive it away and you have a score. Obviously, the highest score indicates the best fit for your requirements, including perceived value for money.
It also allows every member of the family to have a say, both in listing the features they value AND assigning a weighting to each feature. It also allows you to assign scores to the “head” v “heart” or any other personal feature you want to add into the mix. I’m accused of overthinking, but the plethora of choice out there can confuse and put you into a head spin – this methodology tries to sort things out a bit. Peter Beecroft.
Thanks Peter, this kind of analytical and practical approach might help many readers decide their first or next RV purchase. For your efforts and sharing it with us please accept this issue’s $50 prize. And please let me know what you eventually choose yourself!
On your mind | 11
Import Costs
I
trust all is well and you are back to normal after your epic “route 66’ adventure. You may remember we did have a discussion (by email from memory) on the cost comparison of buying an imported motorhome from the local importer compared with self import. I have been keen to do a broad brush costing exercise to see if it is financially worthwhile. That exercise is attached. Depending on a couple of variables it is in the area of $20,000 difference if my numbers are somewhere close to accurate. Rather than go to the UK market for FOB pricing I used the AT website “ex works” prices without VAT so there is a possible variable there. Depending on how one feels about not having a local company to rely on for warranty backup it could certainly, in my view, be a worthwhile proposition. Cheers, Gary Thanks for the costings and explanations Gary, all very interesting. For the ‘sake’ of around $20,000 (not a sum I have idly lying about), I wonder how much bother you’d have to endure and how many hoops you’d have to jump through, and would that still make it worthwhile? I also wonder how resale and warranty would be affected. If any reader has been through the exercise please drop us a line and share your experiences. LPG too). The bottom line is probably how much you enjoy cooking versus your desire for simplicity. Make your decision on that basis and it will be the right one!
12 | On your mind
Camping Etiquette!
I
We arrived at beautiful Eungalla National Park in Qld at about 3:30pm. There was no one else in the camp area, so we set the Leisure Seeker up in a corner. Along came some international backpackers in a mini van and set up within two meters of us for the night. Obviously they had no regard to the unwritten rules of personal space requirements. After dinner and after a couple of Bundy giggle juices, we decided to let them know why personnel space is important to people in their 50s & 60s by staging a pretend game of “strip jack poker”. With the windows open and the curtains closed, we played for the next hour or so. We had the time of our lives making the right
noises and saying the right things, complete with wolf whistles and cat calls, at the right volume to get the point across. Next morning they packed up and left immediately after coffee. We didn’t even get to meet them, a bit rude I thought. Kind regards & safe travels, Grizzly. What a fabulous tale. And you’re right, it’s a bit rude they didn’t stick around for coffee! Funnily enough, when your email arrived I was free camping in a designated spot near a beach on NZ’s West Coast. Just on dark the night before another rental vehicle pulled up and parked nose-to-nose, about 2 m off my front bumper. What is it with people? Safe travels!
Paradise Questions
I
own a Paradise Motorhome and am interested in finding out what was the cause of the demise of the company. I also would like to know who has now taken up servicing them and supplying parts. You did say I think in the last issue that you were going to inform people as to what happened to them? Cheers, Ross.
Ross, have a look at the News section in this issue regarding the relaunch of the business. As to the cause of its demise, from what I understand it was a shareholding dispute and nothing to do with the viability of the business.
14 | On my mind
Where to Go?
T
his is probably a question that comes up a lot. Where can you take your two wheel drive motorhome vehicle driven carefully off the black stuff to see the good stuff? I’m thinking of buying a Sunliner Habitat, are there places to Google or do you know of any links you could send me to help me?
on Facebook, like Motorhomes Australia, would be the best source of reliable firsthand information. At the end of the day, with common sense and experience a capable vehicle like Sunliner’s Habitat will get in and out of a surprising number of places. And half the fun would be trying it…
Regards, Trevor. That’s a very good question. I know the comments section in the Wikicamps app often has feedback on campsite access, which is a start. Perhaps getting involved with a CMCA Chapter and also a motorhome group
NORTHCOACH EQUIPMENT PTY LTD
On my mind | 15
Dyson with Dirt?
L
oved the latest edition but what, no Project Polly?? It sounds like you’ve had a fantastic time in little ol’ USA! I’ll bet you’re exhausted. Please find below my ‘Hoover’ test, which may be of interest to your readers:
Not satisfied with her new bag-n-belt for Christmas, the missus still wasn’t happy with her . She claimed that it wasn’t picking Hoover up, so I tried it in the motorhome – and it wasn’t . Undeterred I gave it a damn good seeing-to ! Reluctantly and tried it again. Still rubbish I was dragged to the Currys (I’m in the UK) where we met the Dyson Lady. She actually appeared to know what she was talking about (unusual for shop assistants nowadays) and introduced us to the cordless range. Admittedly I had viewed these as a bit gimmicky previously but the more she demonstrated it the more interesting it became. It’s a cross-over machine with an enormous suck and, now here’s the thing, it has a powered brush in the head and boy can it pick up!
WHAT A HOOVER! It pulled so much dirt out of our carpets I wondered if it came pre-loaded with dust ! It only has a 25 minute battery life but picks up that well you can do the whole house in that time. It’s rated by Which to be in the top 10 vacs and no, I don’t work for Dyson . The Dyson V6 basic £200 – throw your old hoovers away! Cheers, Ian. Crickey Ian that’s a ringing endorsement – or are you ‘sucking up’ to Dyson ? No matter, we’ve been using Dyson products for years and swear by them (not at them, like our old ‘Hoovers’). We especially love the portable unit like you’ve bought, which really outclasses everything else and is easy and quick to use in Polly and the car.
Teflon Missing!
H
as any one seen Teflon? I nearly caught up to Teflon Tape. I somehow have missed him at every caravan park I visit, but he has left his tape on every tap. I sometimes find it difficult to remove before I connect up the water to the Cubby. All I want to do is to give Teflon some new soft rubber washers as his must have gone hard, broken apart or he has lost them! Once they are replaced his need for tape will be over and his tap connection will not leak. So if you see Teflon please tell him I have
the solution to his leaking problem and his need for tape will be over! Kind regards, Kevin. Very clever and thanks for the reminder that soft rubber washers in good condition eliminate the need for plumbers’ tape on taps! Hope you catch up with Teflon soon, but I think he’s going to be a very hard character to catch, given he’s so ‘wrapped’ in his travels…
16 | News
PARADISE UPDATE compromised the interests of the Company’s secured creditor and as such a replacement Receiver (SV partners) was appointed by the secured creditor, shortly thereafter, to protect its interests.
The following letter arrived in our inbox last week, as well as those of Paradise Motor Home owners. It reads: “To Our Loyal Customers, As you may be aware over the past several months Paradise has been through a difficult time. We as the new owners of the business have brought with us a fresh direction and vision for the business. Without the unwavering support of the staff, suppliers and customers it would not have been possible to get the business back on its feet again. From the moment the business was facing difficulty everyone’s primary concern was not for their future but for the completion of the respective customer’s builds. It has been an honour to work with the staff and suppliers to not only complete and deliver customers vehicles but to continue taking orders and commence new builds. We owe a great debt of gratitude to our staff, our suppliers who have worked with us, and to the ongoing support of our loyal customers. We thank you all and look forward to working with you.
Background By way of background the company Paradise Motor Homes Pty Ltd was placed into Receivership (with Bentleys) early in March 2017, by the Family Court. The appointment by the Family Court was as a result of a shareholder dispute. This appointment
In the early stage of the court appointed Receivership, Bentleys formed the view that it was not financially feasible to maintain trading operations and accordingly ceased trading the Company’s business. Subsequent to their appointment, SV Partners recommenced trading operations with a view to preserving the value of the business as an operating entity and commencing a sale of business process. The operation of the business was funded by the secured creditor throughout the sales process. With no material interest coming forward through the sales process, a group of private investors including shareholders of the secured creditor, purchased the business from the Receivers. The sale was executed on the 11 May 2017.
Staffing Upper management are no longer with the company. Key staff including Production, Purchasing, Sales and Administration Managers have all been retained. During the Receivership, we welcomed back around 70-80% of production staff. We are now employing new staff in addition to those pre-existing, as previously stated, I would further note that the Paradise staff have been an absolute pleasure to work alongside. Their commitment to the customers and to the product is second to none. Without their support the continued operation of the business would never have been possible. continued...
News | 17 continued...
The Future It is important to note that this is a very sound business and its recent setbacks are not based on the commerciality of the underlying business. That being said, we have plans for process improvement and expansion of production capacity and we are looking into product improvement, design and innovation with a view to improving what is already arguably the best motorhome range on the market. We are committed to maintaining the high standard of luxury and safety that our customers have come to expect from the brand. We have commenced the rebuilding of the service and warranty department and we have started booking and completing servicing and warranty work. All valid warranty work will be
honoured by us, for current and former builds. For any enquiries regarding sales, servicing or warranties please contact Clint Ward via email clint@paradisemotorhomes.com.au or on 07 5597 4400. We would love to have you all join our newly created Facebook page by searching @TrueParadisemotorhomes. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience that has been caused by the lack of communication on our part and now that we are in full swing we will endeavour to keep you well informed of any and all developments as we focus on the growth of this wonderful brand. Warmest Regards, Shannon Burford Managing Director.”
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
SUNLINER EXPANDS HABITAT RANGE
S
unliner RV says its Habitat series has been a great success and the company now has the following three versions of the rugged-terrain motorhomes available: • Habitat - HA1 - Iveco Daily 70C $204,990 Drive Away • Habitat - HA2 - Iveco Daily 50C $175,990 Drive Away • Habitat - HA3 - Ford Ranger Drive Away
$144,990
The HA1 on the Iveco Daily 70C has a GVM of 6500 kgs. It requires a Light Rigid (LR) driver’s license, but provides for a generous payload of approximately 1600-plus kg.
The HA 2 has a dual rating, which means Sunliner can produce with a GVM of either 4495 or 5200 kg. This makes it possible to drive the HA2 on a standard car license at the 4495 kg rating. The HA3 is built on the popular Ford Ranger 4x4 XL chassis. Two sleeping options – over the cab and in the rear lounge – plus a 300 kg GVM upgrade provides this compact model with significant ability and flexibility. To find out more about Sunliner’s Habitat range visit its website here.
HYUNDAI’S ELECTRIC BUS
H
yundai has been making sizeable moves in the electric vehicle space, last year unveiling a full lineup of electric cars and even an electric scooter, in overseas markets. Now, in a move certain to have implications for large commercial vehicles worldwide (and hopefully the global motorhome industry), Hyundai has unveiled its first mass produced electric bus. Significantly, it’s range is substantial and paves the way for practical and affordable long distance electric heavy vehicles. Hyundai’s ‘Elec City’ electric bus runs on a 256-kWh battery and has a quoted range of 466 km. Such range, which will only get better as battery and charging technologies improve, provides for the first time a practical off-the-
shelf electric bus solution. Details beyond that are scarce, but Hyundai does say an official launch for the Elec City is coming in 2018 and iMotorhome will be keeping a close watch on developments.
News | 19
RACQ ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Q
ueensland’s RACQ has stated its position regarding road service for motorhome owners. Below is a letter received by Robert James of the Motorhomes Australia Facebook group, following a meeting seeking clarification: “In order to ensure consistent coverage across our network, our GVM weight limit is 4-tonnes. At this stage, we are unable to nominate vehicles for coverage that are over this limit • The 4 tonne limit is based on an assessment of capability across our network rather than a technical definition such as the DTMR guidelines
we are providing our members with the best possible solutions to meet their needs. While we remain open to considering changes to our Roadside Assistance products when and where appropriate, it is also important that we highlight the fact there are some limitations that simply cannot be easily overcome regardless of the amount of correspondence we receive. In these particular circumstances we are governed by what type of vehicles we can consistently and legally transport on the back of a tow truck across our network.”
This situation is disappointing for many Queensland motorhome owners, but roadside assistance can be found through Ken Tame Insurance, or the NRMA’s Premium Plus • In principle RACQ will assist members policy for vehicles up to 10-tonnes, even for wherever possible. For existing members who non-NSW residents. iMotorhome notes the have one of our premium covers, we will try RACQ provides service in Queensland for and assist them wherever practical regardless NRMA Premium Plus members, which appears of the vehicle they are driving at the time. In to make something of a farce of the RACQ’s cases where a recovery is required in remote stated position. locations, this may mean we co-ordinate assistance at the member’s expense. At our meeting we also advised you that RACQ is committed to the regular review of the products and services we offer to ensure
20 | News
VW’S NEW CRAFTER
V
olkswagen Commercial Vehicles has divulged further specifications of its all-new and bigger Crafter range, which launches locally sometime in 2017. The new range features 69 variants covering 4 base models in 3 lengths and 3 heights, with single and double-cab versions, vans and cabchassis, front-wheel drive, rear-wheel-drive and 4MOTION all-wheel-drive choices and options. Sharing some design cues from the popular VW Transporter van, the all-new Crafter in van form delivers a cargo height of up to 2.7-metres and a cargo length up to 7.3-metres. In front-wheel-drive it offers a cargo capacity up to 18.4 cubic-metres and a permissible gross weight of up to 4.0-tonnes, under German regulations. Power comes from a range of Volkswagen Modular Diesel Platform (MDB) Euro 6-compliant 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines (recalibrated for the new Crafter and with auto start-stop to deliver 15% better fuel economy), offering 75 kW, 103 kW or a BiTurbo version with 130 kW. Underneath is an all-new chassis that for the first time in this segment includes electromechanical power steering. At the
front is a MacPherson strut suspension layout, while the rear comes with a choice of five different rigid rear axles, some with progressive parabolic springs. Inside, a comfortable driving environment can be catered with three versions of an ergonomic compression seat on the options list including adjustable lumbar support and a massage function. Clever options for commercial and motor home operators include a second compressor for refrigerated vans, four variants of a second battery, a second air-conditioner and – for cold climates – a second heat exchanger, providing a fuel-operated auxiliary heating system. There’s no word from Volkswagen Australia as yet when the new Crafter will launch here. However, it looks set to give Mercedes and Fiat a big shake-up in the motorhome segment, and buyers the first quality all-new base vehicle option in years, which can only be a good thing.
22 | News
WINNEBAGO RANGE EXPANDS
W
innebago says the expansion of its motorhome range complements its current product offering, bringing it to a total of eight models. A press release says, “The 4 berth additions of the Coogee, Kirra and Jervis are built on the sturdy IVECO chassis. • The Coogee provides seamless functionality with a queen island bed on an electric slideout to expand the sleeping area, and features Winnebago’s famously large rear ensuite. • The Kirra encompasses multiple entertaining areas, separate toilet and shower and an intelligently designed drop down rear bed; allowing the club lounge to be transformed into a sleeping area at the push of a button.
• The Winnebago Jervis is the first Motorhome to feature a twin single bed configuration. Packed with the high-end comforts standard to Winnebago, including spacious rear ensuite, the Jervis also has optional dinette configurations and ample storage throughout.” The new models will be on display on stand 860 at the Brisbane Show, which runs from June 7-12. Alternatively, visit the Winnebago website by clicking here.
Hitting the great outdoors this year? Book a check-up appointment at motorhomedoctor.com.au All makes all models
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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
iMotorhome Marketplace | 25
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 Europe’s 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
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
POWER CHOICE
TM
Connect at home! Connect anywhere!
15Amp to 10Amp Adaptor with RCD and overload protection
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Airbag Man
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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
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
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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 | 27
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!
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28 | Day Test: Horizon Motorhomes Melaleuca Appeal
SURPRISE APPEAL! Horizon’s new entry-level Melaleuca Appeal certainly took us by surprise… by Richard Robertson
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Horizon Motorhomes specialises in van conversion motorhomes and at 5.99 m the Melaleuca is it’s entry level range. The new Melaleuca Appeal balances price and features without sacrificing comfort, while the latest Fiat Ducato is a fun drive ideally suited to conversion.
H
orizon Motorhomes has carved an enviable niche in the Australian motorhome market. It’s model range is exclusively van-conversion based and the company has built a loyal following, while its conversions have an enviable reputation for quality, durability and liveability. It’s no secret I’m a great fan of van conversion motorhomes – witness our own Project Polly – as distinct from ‘coachbuilts’, which have a seperate body built on a cab-chassis. In both markets Fiat’s Ducato rules the roost as the most popular base vehicle, closely followed by Mercedes’ Sprinter. A van conversion’s strengths are its structural integrity due to the vehicle basically being a big metal box; its durability for the same reason, and being narrower than a coachbuilt, manoeuvrability. Some models, including the Melaleuca Appeal reviewed here, are short enough to park in a single car space, while fuel economy is better due to reduced frontal area and usually lighter
weight. The disadvantage are reduced living space – vehicle width is a double-edged sword – and the ‘whizz-bang’ sliding door, although in truth such doors are quieter and easier to use these days (and the Sprinter can be optioned with a remote-operated electric side door). A large part of Horizon’s success has been its evolutionary model development. Rather than come up with new designs each year, Horizon refines and improves its layouts based on buyer feedback and manufacturing experience. Each layout is proven and highly liveable, but over the years the improvements have lead to what a tax accountant might call ‘bracket creep’. In motorhoming terms it means the equipment list keeps getting longer, but with creeping costs. A new model from Horizon is a rare thing and the company kept this one a closely guarded secret. At very short notice I was invited to review it, prior to it’s launch at next week’s Queensland Caravan Camping and Touring
30 | Day Test Supershow in Brisbane. Until now Horizon’s entry-level model has been the Melaleuca. Built on the Fiat Ducato, it’s compact and particularly popular with solo travellers. It’s also very well equipped, but over the years the price has crept up. Enter the Melaleuca Appeal: an entry level version designed to better balance price and equipment.
What’s the Appeal?
N
o budget priced ‘stripper’, the Melaleuca Appeal still has a decent level of standard equipment. It has also been designed using an interesting philosophy, best explained by Horizon’s managing director, Clayton Kearney: “The Appeal has the capability to be upgraded Right: The side door has a stop to prevent it opening far enough to hit the rear side window. Below: The door only opens about half its original length, which is fine for access and has the added bonus of reducing closing effort and noise. In action it’s both light and quiet.
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at anytime. If you (later) decide you really can’t live without a TV or filter water tap, or that you would like additional reading lights, they can all be easily added – the base set up includes all wiring and necessary outlets for all those little extra comforts.” It’s an interesting move and one that adds value because it means future upgrades shouldn’t be as expensive as if starting from scratch. Truth be known I was concerned the bean counters might have pared too much equipment in their pursuit of increased affordability. In reality they seem to have struck a good balance, although I think there is room for adjustment in the equipment list that could either lower the price further without sacrificing comfort and/or convenience, or keep it the same but make it even more liveable. Anyway, here’s what’s missing compared to a standard Melaleuca:
Top: Huge barn doors and a U-shaped dinette/bed allow easy relaxing to take in the views. Add the optional full rear insect screen for maximum usability. Above: Swivelling cab seats provide comfortable secondary seating; handy if your partner goes to bed early.