AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
AUGUST 2017
Win!
$50 for the! best letter
Star Quality! Hymer’s Starline B690 shines…
Project Polly Up on the roof…
Technical
Mobile phone boosters!
Feature
Why we drive on the left…
Day Test – Jayco’s budget Freedom RM.23-4!
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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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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4 | On my mind
Judge Dread
M
rs iM and I often laugh at medals on wine bottles. Gold medals reading things like ‘Best Shiraz at the 2013 Warburton Ladies Auxiliary Hall Amenities Block Redecorating Working Bee and Refreshment Day’ might look impressive, but in reality diminish the value of awards and the products they promote. It’s the same with Car of the Year Awards. Remember when there was only one and it held credibility and prestige? Now there’s a plethora of publications and each with many categories, and it seems everyone’s a winner. It’s a bit like giving every kid in a sports team a medal just for turning up. In the end all these things do is devalue the very things they seek to value, albeit while giving a few companies/people a fleeting feel good moment. None of this, however, means I’m against awards. For example, I’m certain iMotorhome would easy win Best Traditional Format Motorhome Magazine Delivered Digitally From A Home Office On The Wombeyan Caves Rd (and actually deserve it)! For an award to mean something it has to have authenticity and authority: authenticity because it really is the best in class and authority because the awarding institution is recognised and the judging process transparent. For a long while I’ve thought about annual iMotorhome awards. Best Motorhome is tempting, but the problem is there’s no way to compare every motorhome in the same year (let alone at the same time) to ensure fairness. Editor’s Choice Awards are an alternative, but I’d be accused of bias because iMotorhome is advertising funded. The final category is a Peoples’ Choice Award and on the surface it might seem fairest. However, most people only have experience with one or two vehicles (if any) and are inherently/inadvertently biased. Add to that hearsay and rumour enhanced
by social media and sadly, popular opinion is no reliable or even accurate indicator of reality. All this means you won’t see awards in iMotorhome. When you see them elsewhere, closely examine the field they represent, the organisation behind them and the judging panel. Only if everything stacks up should you let them influence your buying intentions. The good thing is the internet provides a world of research opportunities and if you have the time to do your research properly you’re unlikely to go wrong.
Join us! Our Captain Thunderbolt weekend on 13-16 October is more than half full. Apart from an excuse to get together and enjoy great company, fun and dining, it has a genuine historical focus as we retrace the life, times and demise of Fredrick Wordsworth Ward – aka Captain Thunderbolt. I think you’ll really enjoy it, so if you’d like to join us click here for full details and quickly get your booking form in. Likewise, our inaugural Taste of New Zealand escorted motorhome tour (6-19 November) is well booked an has just two vehicles left. Covering both islands and including return airfares, ferry crossing, some fabulous long lunches and lots of tours and inclusions, it’s also the chance to experience a quality German motorhome from Wilderness, NZ’s best rental company. Click here for details, but don’t dilly dally as I’d hate you to miss out. Finally, next issue I’m planning to announce details of our 2018 Route 66 tour. Running from 26 March to 22 April the tour has been streamlined and will include a couple of extra days on the road. Watch out for it!
Richard
6 | Malcolm’s Say
A Matter of Compliance
H
aera mai! You’ll see in this current issue that we have reviewed two quite different motorhomes – a Jayco Freedom RM.23-4 and a Hymer Starline B690. I sourced the Jayco in Australia and the Hymer in New Zealand, but both are readily available in New Zealand. That’s not a choice our Australian readers get; they can only get the Jayco, unless prepared to jump through a number of compliance hoops. Which sort of had me thinking about compliance matters – Australian and New Zealand. The compliance issue is a difficult one to get around and has left Aussie buyers with almost no options in the less expensive A-class range, for instance. In NZ, in addition to the Hymer Starline there’s also the Detheffs Globebus GT, Bürstner Elegance and Carthago c-compactline A-class roaming the countryside, but in Australia it’s sorry folks, nothing to see here. More than a few RV manufacturers on both sides of the Tasman have made the mistake of assuming the respective RV markets are similar. Although they are in some ways (and more so than elsewhere), in some major areas there are significant differences. Take customer preferences for instance. A little running joke is that in NZ, heaters are standard and air conditioners optional, but it’s the other way around in Australia. In NZ it is quite legal to drive a motorhome that weighs up to 6000 kg on a Class 1 (car) licence. In Australia the maximum gross vehicle masse (GVM) is 4500 kg, after which you need a Light Rigid (LR) truck licence. It might not seem that important, but the motorhome manufacturers often introduce compromises because the perception is that getting an LR licence is all too difficult. NZ does of course have its own version of that: the Warrant of Fitness (WOF) or the more detailed Certificate of Fitness (COF), which applies to motorhomes over 3750 kg. This means there’s an
enthusiasm for getting motorhome GVM below that magic number. There are some murky waters too. Both Australia and New Zealand share common standards. Three that are relevant for the RV industry are AS/NZS 5601 (gas installations) and AS/NZS 3000 & 3001 (electrical installations). You might think that would make RV manufacturing matters easy, but that is not always the case. Some years ago I was talking to a representative from the government department that handled such matters and he told me that one of the biggest problems they had was getting NZ and the various Australian States to all agree on how the standards can be interpreted. Will any of this change and become easier? Who knows, but change can happen. I reckon one man and one unconnected event did alter the NZ RV industry considerably some years ago. The man was the late David Hold, proprietor of the Barrons dealership at Taupo. He had considerable impact by setting up his dealership as it lead to the wide range of imports we see in NZ today. The trigger was the 2007 Global Financial Crisis. It certainly affected the motorhome rental business and lead to the merger of the three major players. Although the RV industry recovered from the GFC, it’s effects are still to be seen today. One final thing that Kiwis can get excited about is the state of the RV market. The NZ economy is certainly doing very well and that’s reflected in the RV industry, which is moving along at a great pace. In Australia, the economy is certainly much fickler and I reckon that’s also reflected in the RV industry, where one month’s sales figures can be very different to the next. Anyway, until next issue all the best and keep on motorhoming! Haere ra,
Malcolm
8 | Contents
4
On my Mind
10
On Your Mind
34
Day Test: Hymer Starline B690
48
Day Test: Jayco Freedom RM.23-4
62
Project Polly
68
Technical
76
Feature
88
RVFT
96
MobileTech
101
Advertisers’ Index
Judge Dread
Share your thoughts for the chance to win $50!
6 18
Malcolm’s Say A Matter of Compliance
News What’s happening in the wider RV world and beyond
Star Quality – this range-topping A-class certainly shines…
Taste of Freedom – Our first look at Jayco’s new Freedom C-class
Up On The Roof!
Mobile Phone Boosters
Why we drive on the left
Three more RV Friendly Towns
Apps for safe drone flying
An A to Z of who’s in this issue!
72
Technical
80
Travel
92
Event
Air Suspension
Malcolm’s view of Route 66
Mitchell Creek Rock’n’Blues Fest
100
What’s On?
102
Next Issue
Australia-wide events over the next three months!
What’s coming up and which shows are on soon!
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10 | On your mind
WIN $50 FOR THE BEST LETTER! It’s only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind, you should be able to have yours too. letters@imotorhome.com.au and we’ll If you have anything to say – or ask – just drop a line to share it with our readers. We’ll also reward the most interesting, useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way.
Decor Choice
A
fter years of trying various plastic containers for use while travelling I think I have found the perfect one. It is the Decor Tellfresh range of rectangular plastic containers, with clear lids. They are compact without any overhanging snap-on lid bits and a convenient shape, so that the same or different sizes can be stacked on top of each other. They make ideal stackable storage containers for pullout pantry cupboards, especially the 1 litre size. The small lip around the top of the lid keeps them in place when pulling out the cupboard and the lids are interchangeable. It is handy to be able to see the contents from the side or top of the container and they are very useful in the fridge too as they are stackable. I use them in my home pantry as well, so it is a simple task to transfer pantry items like muesli, pasta, nuts, flour, etc, into the motorhome and ready for a trip. I prefer to keep my ingredients in plastic containers, to avoid spills and to keep food fresh, but also to avoid attracting vermin. I bought mine at Big W and Woolworths. Sometimes sets of the containers are on sale, which makes the price more attractive. Being able to used in the
fridge, freezer and microwave oven, I think they are just right for road trips, while a bonus that they are Australian-made! Cheers, Di. Hi Di, thanks for the tip, I’m sure many readers will find this useful. As it happens we’ve been using the same containers at home for many years and also in Polly’s pantry, and they are great. I especially like the fact they’re Australia made, too. Please accept this issue’s $50, which perhaps can buy you another set to help make life simpler still!
d n e k e e W r e d a e R er 13-16
Octob
Thunderbolt’s Way! This October 13-16 join us in Uralla for a fascinating weekend exploring the life and times of the gentleman bushranger Captain Thunderbolt.
What’s Included: • 3 nights powered or un-powered site for 1 vehicle/2 people
Uralla, on the New England Highway some 20 km south of Armidale, is home to the iconic Thunderbolt’s Rock and also the final resting place of the famous bushranger himself. It’s also a bustling rural town surrounded by beautiful countryside and the perfect place for our next reader getaway.
Friday • Welcome sausage sizzle by the Uralla Lions Club, including a special hamper raffle that could make your stay even more memorable!
Our feature-packed long weekend will immerse you in the life, lore and downfall of Fredrick Wordsworth Ward – Captain Thunderbolt – plus take you on a series of special dining, tasting and sightseeing experiences you’ll never forget. Based in the heart of Uralla for three nights, on Saturday you’ll be guided through the history of Thunderbolt’s life on a fascinating walking tour led by arguably the foremost expert in Australia. There will also be time to explore the town at your leisure on a self-guided historical tour, plus investigate the shops, cafes and pubs that make it unique. Saturday night we take over the New England Brewing Company’s funky ‘Big Shed’ for a private night of artisan pizza, ice cream and craft beer! Come Sunday, we’ve arranged a day out by luxury touring coach to round out the Thunderbolt experience and then continue on to two unique local experiences. Firstly we visit Sunhill Dairy Goats for a guided tour, cheese tasting and hopefully the chance to bottle-feed newborn kids! A light lunch is included and that’s a good thing, because you’ll need something in your tummy for our next stop: Dobson’s Distillery! Home to serious award winning gin, whisky, vodka and liqueurs, we include three tastings plus a personal tour by the owner. Sunday night we’ll make our own fun with a bushranger-themed fancy dress threecourse dinner at the Top Pub, with prizes for the best outfit and best couple (so get planning!). Of course no iMotorhome Reader Weekend would be complete without a welcome-night barbecue and a farewell-morning bacon and egg roll breakfast! So circle the dates on your calendar and drop us a line to events@ imotorhome.com.au to request a booking form. Spaces are limited and it’s first come first served!
Saturday • Guided walking tour by perhaps Australia’s foremost expert on Captain Thunderbolt • Admission to McCrossin’s Mill Museum • Free time for self-guided historical tour and/or town exploration • Private, casual dinner at the New England Brewing Company Sunday • Travel by luxury air-conditioned touring coach • Gostwyck Chapel & Deeargee Woolshed photo opportunities • History tour conclusion including Thunderbolt’s Rock, Royal Oak Inn site and Thunderbolt’s grave • Sunhill Dairy Goats – dairy tour, cheese tasting and light lunch • Dobson’s Distillery – 3 x tastings and finger food • Bushranger-themed fancy dress 3-course dinner at the Top Pub, with prizes! Monday • Farewell breakfast with bacon and egg rolls, again by the Uralla Lion Club Cost • Powered site: $269 per person twin-share ($308 solo). • Unpowered site: $260 per person twin-share ($290 solo). • Deposit: $50 per person Bookings Email events@imotorhome.com.au for a booking form and full terms and conditions.
12 | On your mind
Ducato Secrets
i
Motorhome readers might find this video interesting. I have been driving a Fiat Ducatobased Jayco motorhome for over five years but still learned from it.
Thanks for that Ray, it’s very informative and I’d also recommend it for potential Ducato buyers and nay-sayers. It certainly sheds a lot of light.
Regards, Ray.
At My Service!
I
have just read the letters in the July issue, with one item catching my attention – roadside service. On a recent Friday night I arrived at Bellingen Showgrounds after a drive from Glenlyn Dam near Texas (Qld), via the Waterfall Way. It was just on dark and while looking for a suitable spot to park in the showground you guessed it, I bogged the motorhome in very sodden grass. All attempts to extract our AllTerrainTracker failed and the only solution was to settle in for the night with a glass or two and sort it out in the morning. At 7.00 am I rang the Ken Tame roadside number and was assured by an extremely courteous operator that I would have a towing operator to assist me within the hour. Ten minutes later Chris the towing contractor called
to ask if I need a tow truck or a 4WD with winch. Fifteen minutes later Chris arrives with a Nissan Patrol with electric winch and ten minutes after that I am out of the bog and on the gravel road! From start to finish I received faultless service from the Ken Tame roadside service. Based on my experience you have probably made a good decision to move to KT Cheers, Gary. Thanks Gary, it’s great to hear your problem was so quickly and courteously solved. That’s what I certainly call service. And you’re right, I’m thinking moving to Ken Tame Roadside Assistance has been a good move. I’ll let you know when I find out!
Straight Talkin’
I
have read your latest Project Polly article with interest and have to add or clarify some of it. Basically I can agree with your article, regarding the previous life as a rental, I believe that is not the issue, generally speaking, from my life with KEA! Their rental vehicles were sometimes in better shape then privately owned, manly because they got used and cleaned regularly, and at KEA we took utmost pride in
maintenance and cleaning. While I was with them I can guarantee the services were done within the schedule and additional maintenance was done. I know with Apollo and THL that does not happen all the time. I have also experienced many privately owned vehicles that are in bad shape, purely because they are not used and become stained with mould as many vehicles simply lack TLC. When they are parked outside, continued...
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First class all the way
14 | On your mind continued...
fibreglass, plastics and rubber, as well sealants, break down, get brittle and deteriorate; all of which only worsens the situation. Now back to your roof hatch. The basic issue is manufacturing using cheap labour and materials: These are the two basics to create issues. I have experienced during my work life so many badly executed jobs that it’s not funny. There are two main issues with roof hatches and firstly the adhesive/sealant is wrong. To get the job done properly a good quality adhesive sealant with UV inhibitor that also somehow stable against mould has to be used (some use slightly cheaper silicone or other pu adhesives, which don’t last in the UV rays and discolour). The second issue is an issue I see everywhere. It’s a very simple and basic one, but will be hard to get out of Australian minds and souls (when you agree with me you will see it everywhere in awnings, bullbar fittings, antennas, roof hatches, roof racks, lights and so forth). The problem is stainless steel screws, bolts, brackets, etc. The Fiamma roof hatch is delivered with beautiful stainless steel screws that perfectly fit the application, so these are fitted without hesitation. But what happens next? Stainless steel and steel are not good friends and electrolysis does the rest. When oxygen is around everything can easily rust away as you see on your own pictures, with the rust manly affecting the screw holes. It’s not water that did that, although any water just finishes the job. Unfortunately at KEA they did the same thing and I have since fixed a few of them. I am not good in metallurgy and I am sure there are better explanations on Google, but my experience tells me that it is true.
Stainless steel screws are used everywhere, just in the sheer belief that because the marine industry uses them, they are superior. That’s true to a point in a marine environment, which is manly fibreglass, wood or stainless steel. Stainless steel screws are sometimes too hard and break easily and as vehicles are made with steel bodies, well you know what I mean. With motorhomes and caravans there is more of an issue than with campervans as they mostly have fibreglass roofs. With them the sealant is the main issue, along with workmanship and pride of the builder and repairer. We also need to agree that there are too many owners with a wealth of experience and knowledge that fix and modify vehicles in a way that sometimes scares me! On an other note, I have launched my own conversion and successfully presented it at the Brisbane Show: The Cruisinator – a pop top conversion for the Toyota Series 70 Troopy. The design and functionality have gone completely new ways and I am very happy with the outcome and believe there is nothing more you can ask in a Troopy conversion. Kind Regards, Stefano. Bonetti Campers
Thanks Stefano, that’s all very interesting. Not being an engineer I can’t really comment on the stainless steel screw situation, however I respect your experience, both from when you were service manager at KEA and now, running your own business. I can certainly agree about the frightening repairs and modifications, though! Congratulations on the Cruisinator, I’ve You can see the same effect on every SMEV had a look on your website and will be in touch cooktop. Try to remove the two little screws of the black burner top and you can actually see the to arrange a test drive and review. It certainly whole screw deteriorated – again a stainless steel looks the business and I’m sure will interest our readers. base and a steel screw. It’s a thing that I have seen too many times and it’s mind boggling.
On your mind | 15
Common Sensor?
I
n response to David’s letter in the June edition, I also had a rear wheel sensor failure in my 2013 Sprinter. This occurred at 42,000 kms and just short of the 3 year warranty expiry. Fortunately the dealer renewed the sensor at no cost to me.
Thanks for the information Jeff and good to hear you weren’t out of pocket with the repairs. I’m still trying to get an answer from Mercedes-Benz on the whole wheel sensor issue and will let everybody know when I get a definitive response.
Regards, Jeff.
Security Odyssey
T
hanks for your article on the security risks in the July issue – the story reported on the Grey Nomad website was quite disturbing. As you mentioned, it highlights that other issue: the lack of security doors as standard equipment on RVs. We have been considering this for a while and decided to see what we could do. Like many motorhomes our Jayco only has the un-lockable flyscreen inner door. In our case, we were also looking at the outer door, as we have found some slight damage, caused in her former life in the rental market, so the door does not seal perfectly. Consequently we decided to replace the complete door setup. What we discovered was somewhat disappointing. After some online research we decided the Camec Odyssey would be our preferred option, both on security and price. We just needed to get the correct door to fit the opening. Easy stuff? Wrong. We have spoken to two RV service businesses in Adelaide – one being the local Jayco dealer – and what we discovered is that the Jayco motorhome has different sized doors to caravans (about 3 cm wider). That means Camec doors do not fit and they no longer custom make doors. We were also advised Dometic appears to be leaving the door market and they certainly don’t make any to fit. In fact, between the two businesses they were only able to find one company that
produced a compatible security door: Roamsafe in Queensland. The downside is that in buying the separate external door and security door, the cost is between $700 and $1,000 more than the Camec double-door system would have been if they made a suitable size. Talk about the proverbial rock and the hard place. P.S. Thanks also for the letter from Mark about the Fiat paintwork. I have noted that happening on Wanda and had assumed she must have been in an accident and repaired during her rental life. It’s not too bad at this stage and I’ve covered it with a bit of touch-up paint. Something else to talk to our Fiat service centre staff about when we next meet! Regards, Eric. Thanks for the heads-up on the different door sizes Eric, you do indeed seem to be stuck youknow-where. I guess it depends whether you think the extra outlay is worthwhile, or if you can live with what you have. On the one hand most RV owners never suffer break-ins (I don’t think), but if you want/have to replace the door because of other issues it’s going to cost a considerable sum anyway and perhaps the extra isn’t such a big ask after all. Let us know how you go with the Fiat service centre next time you meet. I’ll be interested to know what they have to say about the paint issue!
16 | On your mind
More Security Woes…
O
ur motorhome was broken in to and most of everything stolen, including meat out of the freezer and my husbands socks! It was fitted with security doors, etc, but all they had to do was break the front passenger door window and presto, full entry. This was in Auckland CBD on a Saturday morning while we were at the Auckland Tower!
Very sorry to hear folks and what a bugger. Hard to believe it happened in such a busy place – and they took the meat and socks too! I guess security can only go so far, but a security door on the motorhome body is still a worthwhile investment, I believe. Hope your insurance took care of things and you’re happily, if warily, motorhoming again.
Thanks, Gary & Sherry.
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18 | News
WIN A $152,000 AVIDA BIRDSVILLE!
I
n a remarkable act of generosity, Newcastlebased Australian Motor Homes & Caravans is running an art union raffle with the first prize of a A$152,000 Avida Birdsville, to raise funds for injured local footballer Damian Jobson. In May last year Damian was injured in a rugby league game, resulting in fractures to the C4 and C5 vertebrae in his neck. Leaving him a quadriplegic, Damian and his family now face a future with ongoing rehabilitation and unfortunately, the costs associated with it. Second prize is a A$15,000 shopping spree from Harvey Norman, while third prize is a
A$4000 voucher from the Cruise Travel Centre; both generous local businesses moved by Damian’s plight. Tickets can be purchased here and cost A$50 each, with proceeds going to Rise for Damian, a registered not-for-profit charity. The prize draw is on 21 September 2017 during Channel 9’s Footy Show and winners will also be announced on the Australian Motor Homes & Caravans’ website. Your support by buying tickets and sharing news of the art union with family and friends would be greatly appreciated.
LATITUDE MOTORHOMES OPENS
B
en and Michael Maclean – sons of Libby and Colin Maclean, the founders of Paradise Motorhomes – have opened for business as Latitude Motorhomes. Based in Burleigh Heads on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Latitude is kicking off with the Titanium, an upmarket van conversion based on a longwheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Featuring swivel cab seats that double as a dinette, a generous mid kitchen and decent bathroom, plus a north-south (genuine) queen bed at the rear, the Titanium reflects the years of design and construction experience the brothers gained at Paradise. Decor is modern, with gloss cabinetry and subtle LED lighting, while storage is good and standard equipment levels are high – like a diesel room heater, rooftop reverse-cycle air-conditioning and a rear boot drawer system complete with a generator slide. Priced at $139,900 on the road in Queensland, the Latitude Titanium is a quality addition to the fast growing vanconversion motorhome market. Watch for a full road test next issue, but in the mean time call Ben on (07) 5606-8000 or visit the website here for more details or to arrange an inspection or test drive.
News | 19
AVIDA’S NEW BIRDSVILLES
A
vida’s new 2017 Birdsville range offer sleeping for two to six and is available in B-class (with storage over cab) or C-class (with an over-cab bed) models. Both include a new aerodynamic front nose cone and stylish rear mouldings, providing an all-new fresh look.
operated, plus a large bed over the cab in the C-class version. There is also a new range of interior colours that allows you to personalise the Birdsville with a choice of flooring, splash backs, bench tops, fabric collections and a huge range of external colour matched exclusive decal collections.
Built on the Fiat Ducato cab-chassis, the Birdsville has an exterior length of 7.39 metres and can be driven on a standard car licence. The Birdsville includes a long list of standard features like a full rear ensuite, fully equipped gourmet kitchen, large two-door AES fridge and roof mounted air conditioning. The B7434 and C7436 models are said to offer a comfortable night’s sleep and the choice of single lounges or single beds, an optional electric roll-down bed that’s push button
Avida’s sales and marketing manager, Billy Falconer, said, “The 2017 Avida Birdsville models added to the already popular range and the fact it caters to a huge range of customers with the different sleeping options for 2 to 6 people make it a winner”. To find out more visit Avida’s website here.
20 | News
4X4 FIAT DUCATO ANNOUNCED between the front and rear wheels and is said to optimise traction on mud, snow and sand. The driveline layout is to one side so that it takes up less room underneath the chassis and does not restrict the ease of outfitting, one of the Ducato key motorhome conversion plus factors. While there’s no word yet on a timeline or even eventual supply Down Under, the 4x4 Ducato would find a ready market with those looking for extra traction in snow, mud and as n Europe, Fiat has announced a 4x4 version an antidote to the more-imagined-than-real of its popular Ducato. The four-wheel drive traction issues of the standard front-wheel drive system is permanent, with two transfer-boxes model. and an automatic central viscous coupling. The coupling ensures the correct torque distribution
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V owners with three-burner cookers will welcome a set of pots specifically designed so all can be used simultaneously. Features include: • The 6 pieces (pots and glass lids) stack into each other, measuring just 25 x 23 x 22 cm when stored
• 100% satisfaction warranty Cost is $94.95 plus shipping (or free local Brisbane pick-up) and you can buy it online at Southern Spirit Campervan’s eBay store by clicking here.
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Renault Master, Cruise control, Electric Drop down bed over large dinette, Shower toilet, Diesel heater, 140w solar, Tow bar, Gas bayonet
Auto, Seats & Sleeps 4, GVM 3550kg, Reverse cycle air con, Combo shower & toilet, Fresh and grey water tanks, Mechanial check completed
Price: $126,990 + ORC SU4100
Call Today!
U1455
Price: $45,124 + ORC Inspection will not disappoint
Visit us at SITE 58 25 -27 August
NEW & USED SALES | RENTALS | SERVICE CENTRE 1A Watson St, Wodonga VIC 3690 Ph: 02 6024 4222 E: info@awrvworld.com.au
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VW ROOF SPECIALS
W
anderlust Campers is extending its special August offer to owners of T5 and T6 Volkswagens on its unique sideways-opening elevating roof system. Priced at A$6500 or A$7500 for short or long wheelbase vans, the offer saves around A$1500. Colour matching is optionally available for A$1250. Wanderlust also has a special offer on its nearnew demonstrator T6 VW campervan, as reviewed in the May issue of iMotorhome, for just $62,000. For further information call Phil on 0406 636 632.
NORTHCOACH EQUIPMENT PTY LTD
Taste of New Zealand Escorted motorhome tour – 6-19 November 2017
This November join Mr & Mrs iMotorhome on the inaugural and exclusive iMotorhome Taste of New Zealand 14-day escorted motorhome tour. Designed for just 12 lucky travellers, it’s an experience not to be missed! New Zealand is motorhoming Nirvana. Distances are small, the scenery spectacular and motorhomes rule the roads. It’s also less than three hours flight from Sydney and they drive on the ‘right’ side of the road. To top it off, NZ has some of the best rental motorhomes in the world! Our adventure starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch, spending about a week on each island and including a ferry crossing of Cook Strait. It’s a true ‘taste’ of New Zealand, designed to show you capital city highlights, must-see attractions and hidden-gems. It also includes some very special dining, tasting and overnighting experiences! On top of all that, we’ll travel in state-of-the-art European motorhomes complete with unlimited in-vehicle WiFi, from New Zealand’s best rental company – Wilderness! Check out the details.
Overnight stops • Auckland • Rotorua • Taupo • Napier • Masterton • Wellington • Picton • Blenheim • Westpost • Greymouth • Arthur’s Pass National Park • Christchurch
Sightseeing highlights include • Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch city tours • Rotorua Maori and geothermal experiences • Lake Taupo cruise • Napier historical Art Deco walk • Middleton model railway • Pukaha overnight Kiwi experience • Cook Strait ferry crossing • Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre • Coaltown Museum • Pancake Rocks and Blowhole walk
• Jade working demonstration • ShantyTown Heritage Park with gold panning and steam train ride
Dining highlights include • Welcome dinner - Auckland • Maori Hangi and show – Rotorua • Wine tasting and lunch – Napier • Cheese tasting – Masterton • Dinner ‘with a difference’ - Masterton • Chocolate factory – Blenheim • Morning tea – Blenheim • Wine tasting and lunch – Blenheim • Brewery tour and dinner – Greymouth • Unique farewell dinner - Christchurch
Travel highlights Include • Economy airfare Sydney - Auckland with Qantas • Economy airfare Christchurch - Sydney with Emirates • All transfers • Two nights quality hotel accommodation • 12-days late model European motorhome rental • Unlimited in-vehicle WiFi!
• Motorhome Insurance ($450 excess) • Road user (diesel tax) charges • Outdoor chairs, table and barbecue • RV-specific GPS preloaded with attractions • Campsite fees
Price (ex-Sydney only due to flight and tour timings) • Twin share: $6995 per person • Single supplement: $3250 • Deposit: $1500 per person (balance due 7 August) To secure your place email tours@imotorhome.com.au to receive a booking form and our full terms and conditions. Hurry, places are strictly limited!
Not Included • Travel connection and accommodation costs to/from Sydney • Rental vehicle fuel and toll costs • Meals and entrance fees not listed in the itinerary • Items of a personal nature
24 | News
OUTBACK ANTENNA SPECIAL Phone applications. The rugged spring-loaded base is ground-independent, allowing it to be roof or bull-bar mounted, while the high-gain omni-directional design supports all Australian networks.
T
he Adelaide-based RFShop has a special on the RFS0727-OutbackOM6/8 Offroad Antenna, which it says is tailored for Remote Australia Mobile
It’s claimed that if there’s a 3G or 4G network from your service provider in the vicinity, this antenna (together with your mobile phone or cellular modem or repeater) will provide remote phone and/or internet access where you’d otherwise fail to connect. For more details click the link above, email enquiries@rvshop.com. au or call the RF Shop on 1800 737 467.
FLEXIBLE SOLAR PANELS panels range from 50 to 320 watts and weight between 1.5 and 7.4 kg, respectively. The release follows the successful launch of its IEC and CEC-approved semi-flexible and lightweight panels for the grid-connected market, which allows them to be incorporated into many more building locations than traditional rigid panels.
S
ydney-based Energus has released a range of lightweight and flexible solar panels ideal for RV use. Marketed under the eArche brand the 12 or 24-volt
To find out more visit the Energus website here, call sales consultant Charlie Wilson on 1300 090 187 or email charlie.wilson@ energus.com.
Charity Raffle
UNBELIEVABLE ODDS RISE FOR DAMIAN AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT Damian was tragically injured in a rugby league game on Saturday 21st May 2016 suffering several fractures in his neck leaving him a quadriplegic. HE NEEDS YOUR HELP!
1st Prize: New Avida Birdsville Motorhome valued at $152,000* 2nd Prize: Harvey Norman Gift Voucher valued at $15,000* 3rd Prize: Hello World CruiseVoucher valued at 4,000* TO PURCHASE A TICKET PLEASE VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.risefordamian.com.au PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
26 | News
SMARTRV’S OKTOBERFEST APPROACHING
S
martRV says New Zealand motorhome enthusiasts (and wouldbe enthusiasts) will want to save the date now for one of the year’s hotly anticipated highlights: the annual SmartRV Oktoberfest Motorhome Expo, to be held on Saturday, 14 October, from 9 am - 2 pm, at 11 Pavilion Drive, near Auckland Airport. SmartRV is New Zealand’s largest importer of premium German-made motorhomes. The full range will be on display at this year’s Oktoberfest Motorhome Expo including a selection of exciting models that have never been showcased before. “Our Oktoberfest Motorhome Expo has become a real celebration for us,” says SmartRV Chairman Michael Becker. “We catch up with old friends and make new ones as people come along to check out our impressive line-up. It’s perfect timing for anyone thinking about purchasing a
motorhome because they’ll be ready to start living their dream before summer arrives.” In addition to showcasing the latest Germanmade motorhomes available in New Zealand, SmartRV’s Oktoberfest Motorhome Expo has grown to include a range of their partners and suppliers, displaying and demonstrating accessories and services to complement the motorhome lifestyle. Another tantalising feature of the expo is the special offers that are only available for those who attend. With its traditional Oktoberfest trimmings, the celebration is fast becoming a popular annual staple in the SmartRV calendar and a date not to be missed by the motorhome community. For more information call SmartRV on 0800 005 312.
28 | News
GRIFFITH SPRING FEST
G
riffith, NSW, holds what it says is a fabulous annual festival called Griffith Spring Fest from 8-21 October, with open gardens, fabulous regional food, citrus sculptures and cultural festivities. The event attracts thousands of people every year and this year’s event is loaded with fresh ideas and activity. Explore eight open gardens; marvel at the 70 Real Juice Company Citrus Sculptures, and meet gardening guru Phil Dudman at the various garden talks and workshops. You can also enjoy cooking classes and demonstrations with fab foodie Julie Ray and enjoy feasts and festivities at the Long Italian Table Dinner, Paella by the Sculptures and Multicultural Festival. For information click here or call 1800 681 141.
Hitting the great outdoors this year? Book a check-up appointment at motorhomedoctor.com.au All makes all models
Collyn Rivers’ books The all-new Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every aspect of buying, building, modifying and enjoying camper trailers, caravans, fifth wheelers, slide-ons, motor homes, coach conversions and off-road vehicles.
The
Caravan & Motorhome Book the complete guide
Collyn Rivers
The Camper Trailer Book
The
Camper Trailer Book
Collyn Rivers
Collyn Rivers
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.
Individual books are $42.50 each.
Postage per book Australia $5.50, New Zealand A$7.50, all other countries A$12.50
Special Discount Offer = 10% of all books for two or more! To order (and full details) see: caravanandmotorhomebooks.com Caravan & Motorhome Books, PO Box 356, Church Point NSW 2015
iMotorhome Marketplace | 31
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.
duvalay.com.au | (02) 6653 4640
Southern Highlands Service Centre • • • • • •
More Versatile Than Any Other RV Camp Anywhere - It’s Self Contained Large Bathroom With Shower & Toilet Easy To Operate With Electric Jacks Models For Single, Extra & Dual Cabs Plus! Famous Ozcape Quality & Support
An Authorised Repco Service Centre just off the Hume Highway at Mittagong. Auto electrical and mechanical service specialists happy to look after your motorhome or campervan! Call Mark or Sharon and tell them iMotorhome sent you!
T: (02) 4872 2822 E: mwauto@hinet.net.au
Find back issues and more handy resources on our web page.
32 | iMotorhome Marketplace
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 Traveller 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
Roberts RV World
RV Specialists
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
iMotorhome Marketplace | 33
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!
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
www.skytracks.com.au
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
Find power anywhere with a REDARC Inverter
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
Plug in and get 240 volt power on the go. Click here.
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email mje240@adam.com.au www.e-twow.com 1
34 | Day Test: Hymer Starline B690
STAR QUALITY!
Hymer’s Starline A-class has the right qualities for those seeking the ultimate motorhome experience… by Malcolm Street
Day Test | 35
The Starline B690 is typical of European A-class design: more compact than an American or Australian equivalent and lacking slide-outs. The latter is important in space-limited European campsites, plus it reduces weight, cost and complexity. Given Europeans are accustomed to living in smaller spaces they are masters of space-efficient design and it shows in the Starline’s interior. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter mechanicals lie underneath the Hymer body and ensure a high level of refinement and driving pleasure.
E
arlier this year a surprise awaited me at the Auckland Covi Supershow. In the SmartRV display area was an A-class Hymer Starline B690, one of the first in New Zealand. If that wasn’t good news enough, soon after I was able to get my hands on this premier German motorhome and take it for a spin – a tough job I know, but someone has to do it…
weight of 4080 kg, it provides a very healthy payload of 1220 kg, which comes in handy given the 170-litre fresh water capacity. Being in New Zealand, the Starline can be drive on a normal car licence but its firmly in the Certificate of Fitness (COF) come inspection time.
Motive Power
f course the Starline is right-hand drive, but the habitation door is, as with most German motorhomes, on the driver’s side. The passenger seat has a full entry door alongside (this would be the driver’s door in Europe) and it can be used for kerb access as desired. Like many of its contemporaries, the Starline has a fibreglass composite wall and roof structure. That includes a double floor that comes with heating built in: the idea being that since the Starline is built for year-round travel
T
o date just about all European A-class motorhomes seen in New Zealand have Fiat Ducato underpinnings. However, the Hymer rides on a Mercedes Sprinter cabchassis, in this case a 519 CDI sans the cab. What that means is the Starline comes with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, 7- speed auto gearbox driving the rear wheels and a 5300 kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) rating. Given the tare
Body Building
O
36 | Day Test
in Europe it should do equally well in slightly warmer New Zealand. One of the more noticeable features of the Starline B690 is the huge garage storage area at the rear. It’s easily accessible from both sides and will take bikes, golf clubs, camping chairs and just about whatever else you can think of. Although there are tie down points, there’s a bit of a problem storing smaller items, although large plastic containers might be one answer. There’s a smaller locker behind the passenger door, which while not particularly large does give access to the under-seat area in the motorhome (and by default the motorhome interior). A pair of nine kilogram gas cylinders are stored in a locker just below the driver’s window.
Driving Up (the road)
N
ot having a driver’s door might be seen as a disadvantage, but there’s no doubt about the panoramic view from the cab: it really is something. The slightly rear set driving position does take a little getting used to, although the Mercedes dashboard remains
The large boot or ‘garage’ in Euro-speak is common in European motorhomes and can even accommodate a small motorbike. The driver’s side habitation door isn’t the problem you might think and is something you quickly adapt to.
Day Test | 37
unchanged. One of the benefits of the A-class setup is the extra little compartments on either side of the cab seats. However, opening windows are a slight issue and only the driver gets a slider. It’s certainly good that Hymer has opted for the most powerful Sprinter engine – the 3.0-litre 140 kW V6 turbo-diesel – because it along with the smoothly changing 7-speed gearbox makes Starline cruising a real breeze. There’s definitely something about motoring along watching the world go by from an easy driving motorhome!
Powering Up
I
f you are expecting the Starline to be properly kitted out electrically you won’t be disappointed. There are 3 x 95 AH deep cycle batteries to deliver the 12-volt load, plus of course a mains charger and a 100 W solar panel. Also included is a 1000 W inverter and I’m thinking for those planning an extended stay sans mains power, a second solar panel would not go amiss. Just as a bye-the-bye, the
Top: There’s plenty of dinette seating up front. Note the cab door by the passenger seat, too. Above: The false floor hides house batteries and other storage nooks.