AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
NOVEMBER 2017
Drop Down Gorgeous!
A drop-down bed is a great attraction in Avida’s newest Birdsville…
Win!
$50 for the! best letter
Project Polly
Doing the Polly two step…
Travel
Thunderbolt Weekend!
The Coogee from Winnebago…
Feature
UK NEC Show report
2 | About iMotorhome
Editorial
Design & Production
Richard Robertson
Agnes Nielsen
Publisher/Managing Editor
Manager/Lead Designer
(+61) 0414 604 368
agnes@imotorhome.com.au
richard@imotorhome.com.au Christopher O’Hare Malcolm Street
Designer
Road Test Editor
chris@imotorhome.com.au
(+61) 0418 256 126 malcolm@imotorhome.com.au Contributors Emily Barker
Legal
Sharon Hollamby
Š 2017 iMotorhome Pty Ltd.
Allan Whiting
All content of iMotorhome Magazine and website is copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form without the express 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 Magazine or on the iMotorhome website.
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Digital Mitch Crowle Manager - Digital (+61) 0400 378 593 mitch@imotorhome.com.au
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4 | On my mind
Bigger Fuel Theory… Next Tuesday is Melbourne Cup Day and it’s downhill to Christmas from there. While everyone at home is celebrating the great race, 12 of us will have just picked up our Wilderness rental motorhomes in Auckland and be heading for Rotorua on the first driving day of the inaugural iMotorhome New Zealand tour. It’s exciting stuff and Mrs iM and I can’t wait. Watch for updates on our Facebook page as we travel, and for a report in December’s magazine.
Glenn Innes was still dear – Woolies was down to 132.9 and United still at 131.9 – and so we continued on. Polly’s only trip computer function is ‘range to empty’. Years ago a different Ford Transit showed 140 km to empty when we were 60 km from the next town, but ran out of fuel 10 km short. Since then I’ve become ‘rather cautious’ of any trip computer’s range estimations, but Polly’s has appeared to be pretty accurate, not that I’ve pushed it. Well, until now…
Our Captain Thunderbolt reader weekend went well and you can read all about it on page 62. Uralla, the venue, is about halfway between home and Brisbane, so we continued on to the Queensland Capital after the event to drop Polly off for the second half of her roof refurbishment, after which we flew home. Six days later we flew back, picked her up and drove home, with both trips taking the New England Highway.
Although it wasn’t my intention, we kept going, making it all the way back to Costco with 32 km range showing on the trip computer. The 80 litre tank took 78.64 litres for the 756 km journey! Me thinks the tank holds a tad more than 80 litres; either that or the fuel pick-up is extremely well located. I won’t be pushing that hard again and don’t recommend you try it, but it’s good to know Polly’s range in a worst case scenario. I’m not fuel price obsessed, I just hate being obviously ripped off. Once again, this trip proved the worth of ‘shopping around’.
I mention all this because as ever I was intrigued/ amazed/appalled by the variations in fuel prices. Having become something of an expert on this journey in the last year or two, I know which towns consistently have the lowest diesel prices, and Polly’s comfortable range. Local diesel prices on the Southern Highlands are always expensive and so whenever possible I fill at Costco at Casula, in Sydney’s South West. This time it was 114.7 cents per litre. Leaving Sydney on the way north, diesel prices ranged between 123.9 and 132.9 cpl. From Costco, Polly comfortably gets to Glenn Innes, another (usually) cheap fuel haven – except this time. On the run north, Woolies was 139.9 and the United up the road was 131.9. Highway robbery! I added $20 worth and continued to the United servo at Jennings, the last town in NSW and which basically straddles the Queensland border; it being ‘twinned’ with Wallangarra across the imaginary dotted line. There, 116.9 was the order of the day. That took us to Brisbane and back, six days later, when I filled up for the run home.
Before I go, a couple more things: I’ve had interesting ‘feedback’ on the winning plate licking letter last issue. Yes, it’s a bit gross and no, I’m not advocating it (really!), but reducing or eliminating food scraps from your grey water tank is what matters. Also, I had a brief email from a reader saying the gearbox in their 6-7 year old Iveco Daily is up for replacement after just 71,000 km and they’ve been quoted $22,000! The person hasn’t replied to my request for more details, but sounded quite distressed and I’d like to steer them in the right direction if possible. Any Iveco owners/dealer/ parts people out there like to verify the cost and/or likelihood of needing a replacement so soon? Over to you.
Richard
6 | Contents
4
On my Mind
10
On Your Mind
30
Tested: Avida Birdsville C7436
44
Tested: Winnebago Coogee
56
Project Polly
62
Reader Weekend
70
Show Report
80
Feature
90
RVFT
97
Advertisers’ Index
Bigger Fuel Theory…
Share your thoughts for the chance to win $50!
8 16
Street View Haera Mai!
News What’s happening in the wider RV world and beyond
Drop Down Gorgeous – the new Birdsville gets a handy drop-down bed
Life’s a Beach – The Coogee is ideal for long seaside holidays…
Doing the Polly Two Step!
Thunderbolt and Lightning – but not very very frightening!
Postcards from the UK
Wandering with Wanda
Three more RV Friendly Towns
An A to Z of who’s in this issue!
76
Feature
86
Opinion
94
MobileTech
98
Next Issue
Groovy Booby Bus!
Disappearing caravan parks…
ABC Listen
What’s coming up and which shows are on soon!
8 | Street View
Haera Mai! As I write this, I’m sitting in a Bürstner Nexxo motorhome. It’s one of a selection of motorhomes that I have looked over in recent days – Traillite, Auto Sleeper and Dethleffs – and so I have been kinda busy. But, like quite a few other motorhome layouts, the front lounge dining area is great for sitting back, watching the world go by or even working (like I am supposed to be doing). It’s spring time and I’m seeing a side of Christchurch that I don’t normally see, mostly because my visits are more likely to be in winter. Apart from anything else, the blue sky weather means it’s a really great time to get around some of the regional parks, which are really pleasant this time of year. Midweek the parks are fairly quiet, but I’ve seen all manner of groups – mostly those from aged care facilities and similar institutions that look after disabled folk – out enjoying the sunshine, which is great to see. Then there’s the Summit Road area above Governors Bay, which gives not only a great view of the bay but also the other way, across the Canterbury Plains to the still snow covered mountains. On a previous rainy visit I selected a great spot for a photo location, but unfortunately some long decided it was a great place to burn out a stolen car. So much for the great vista with my motorhome in the foreground, but the views further along the road are magnificent. On the way up to the Summit Road I passed a number of cyclists pedalling frantically uphill, clearly getting some serious exercise as I breezed leisurely past. Going down a few hours later, I was somewhat amused to be overtaken by those same cyclists clearly able to get down the hill faster than I could in a safe manner. Speaking of cyclists, it’s clear that Christchurch is a cycle-friendly city. Well, much more than many major Australian cities, that’s for sure. I saw a number of pedlars commuting to or from work whilst I was there and I thought what a great sight that was, not to mention those just out cycling for fun.
I quite like the many quirks that it’s possible to find in NZ, but there is the odd one that drives me slightly crazy – a technology one in this case. Because I am something of a regular visitor to Un Zud, I have both an el-cheapo phone and a portable WiFi, which work well. However, the ‘top up’ method on the pre-paid, particularly the data, defeats me regularly. I even tried the online method this time and although I could see credit on my account it required a phone call to the service provider to activate it. No idea why and very frustrating! Some years ago a RV journo colleague, one Bill Savidan, suggested the only consistent way was to get ‘them’ (the service provider) to do it. It’s normally what I do at the airport when arriving – stop at the mobile phone counter and hand over my devices for top-up. It is indeed the most reliable method I have found, but I just don’t quite understand the need. It’s a bit like passports really (I mean for between Australia & NZ). I can remember a time when you didn’t need them for cross-Tasman travel and I keep wondering why we do now. Along those lines, in very recent times Australia seems to have discovered politicians who thought they were Australian but turned out to be New Zealanders. Funny old world we live in! Back to motorhomes, you’ll see the aforementioned motorhomes in all their glory, plus the Christchurch sunshine, in upcoming issues, meantime it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the countryside wherever you might be. Haere ra!
Malcolm
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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.
Dancing On! Thanks again for your great magazine, which I always enjoy reading and look forward to each month. I refer to the article on page 74 in the travel section of the October issue, regarding dancing in local halls. My husband and I travel in our caravan many months of the year and always have our dance shoes with us. During one of those trips recently, we stopped at a great free camp in the town of Texas in Queensland. One of the picnic shelters had a community board and on it was a notice about line dancing on a Tuesday night and as we were there at the time I decided to go along. I am an avid line dancer, going to classes and socials 3 to 4 times a week. As I entered the Memorial Hall in Main Street, the whole class turned and looked at me, I was a bit taken aback as there were only eight ladies in the class! I went to pay my ten dollar fee but was told that I would not have to pay as I was passing through. What a lovely bunch of ladies they were, all asking what dances I knew and comparing dances they did. I felt very much at home with them and had a very enjoyable full-on two hours of exercise. The teacher is so dedicated she drives from Inverell
(over 120 km each way) to teach the class each week. I might also mention she was Irish and a delight to have as a teacher. My husband and I also do new vogue dancing and often go to the local clubs in towns we stay at, so we both get our ‘dancing fix’ on our travels. Keep up the great work with your magazine Warm regards, Herma. Thanks for your email Herma, sounds like you two have a great time as you travel (which is what it’s all about). I’m continually fascinated and amazed by what people in country communities do, and how far they travel to do it. In a world dominated by bad/sad news, such stories are a balm for the soul. If you ever feeling like sending in some photos of your dancing adventures and details of where and when, please do. I’m certain it’s something that interests a lot of readers. To encourage you, please accept this month’s $50 prize, which should help fund a few more dancing lessons!
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12 | On your mind
Food For Thought Have to say the wife and I were a bit yucked out by the winning letter last month! But, the more we talked about it the more we came round to Di’s way of thinking. Specifically, not letting all those food scraps ferment in the grey water tank because of the pollution potential when mixed with detergents, etc, and let out on caravan park lawns, at home or wherever. So now we’re taking
extra care and rising or wiping clean our plates, pots, etc, and can already notice less smell in the vehicle (not that we’d really noticed anything before). It just seems a bit fresher now, and we feel better when letting out our less smelly grey water. Regards, Peter.
More Food for Thought… I did like the comment in the last magazine about the women who licks her plate. We don’t do that, but we do wipe all plates and utensils, etc, with paper towels before washing up. I can’t imagine how much gunk people get in their grey
water tanks if they behave like they do at home on sewerage. Also, you can’t fit strainers on motorhome sinks! Cheers, Alan.
Thanks you two for seeing the value in the concept behind ‘the controversial’ plate licker. Mrs iM and I are certainly taking more care and we encourage others to do the same. Individually, the main result is a fresher smelling motorhome; collectively, it’s a less polluted environment. I think that qualifies as a real win-win…
Agony Uncle? Dear Richard, I need your advice. Where can a tall, slim, healthy, financially independent motorhoming lady with all her marbles find her Perfect Match? I do not drink or yabber much, so Happy Hours are not appealing, especially as I like to talk oneon-one to locals, or keep my own company. I don’t want to join a solo motorhome group because I prefer to be spontaneous regarding when and where I travel and explore, and I like to free camp alone. I prefer to wander alone, or as a romantically-linked couple.
I don’t need a man to tell me how to drive, park and reverse my motorhome, or one who expects me to do all the catering for two all the time. Just a happy, tall, non-drinker who is adventurous, with a sense of humour and who can dance. Definitely a non-smoker! No dogs, no drugs. A fellow motorhomer or similar might be suitable. I thought I had discovered a suitable meeting opportunity at an outdoors music festival, when I unwittingly stood between the bar and the men’s toilet during the evening, watching the entertainment (on the stage, not the toilet).
14 | On your mind continued...
This pathway was definitely male territory. The problem was that I attracted attention from the wrong kind of man, i.e. those who needed to go to the toilet regularly due to their patronage of the bar. One of these men offered me a meaningful 30 minute relationship in my own warm motorhome, after he told his wife he was going for a long walk. What a rat! Must have been the booze talking.
position, would you kindly forward them to me. Otherwise, if my luck continues like this, I will be taking myself out for a candle-lit dinner in each new town I come to.
I put an ad on the Internet for a dance partner, but only got this reply: “Drink, dance, fun, sex”. I had to write back and say I don’t drink. I have thought of free camping near cemeteries to meet a fresh widower, but they seem to be beyond my 65 year old-ish upper limit, and are already claimed by the eagle-eyed single females in their own street.
Name withheld on request!
Most men look a bit too well fed, too. Fussy aren’t I! Obviously I have the means to travel for a blind date, preferably excluding WA and Tassie. Any sensible suggestions or introductions would be warmly welcomed. In the unlikely event that you receive any applications for this vacant
harder to push open the screen. I have used fridge magnet strips for years on my own minimotorhome – a Subaru Forester – to help retain screening around windows and hatch.
Dear Withheld, what a dilemma. You could take up drinking (my answer to most dilemmas) and there’s certainly nothing wrong with solo candle-lit dinners (okay, there is). I suggest you just keep on looking, because lowering your standards is unacceptable and you just never know. In the mean time prepare to be inundated with suitable suitors via iMotorhome (applications from whom I shall personally vet). I’ve also thought about running free online personals ads for travellers. What do you think???
Endless Suncamper What a nice surprise while reading your October issue. On page 27 I noticed a picture of our motorhome, Endless Summer, and looking closer I could see the good wife at the door! I took the photo when we were on Kangaroo Island a few years ago, free camping where we could. We did a lot of kayaking, but these days I’m into stand paddle boarding and love it.We still have the motorhome – we’ve had it since new in 2004 – and travelled 200.000 km, but I’m thinking of trying to sell it soon. Thanks again, Rhys
Thanks for your email Rhys and the background information. Great to hear the Suncamper is still going strong and has stood the test of time. My 2010 Transit has almost 300,000 km on it, so 200,000 is barely run in! Will you buy something else should you choose to sell it?
The Original Search Engine Before the internet and the mobile phones, all you needed was a sense of adventure, a Camper and a map (optional). We started making our PopTop camper in 1974; since then generations of Australians have had adventures and made memories that are the stuff of family legends. Isn’t it time for you to pack up a Sunliner and just see where the road takes you?
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16 | On your mind / News
Nicely Rewarding I enjoyed your editorial about how you work loyalty and reward points programs. I have my motorhome insurance with CIL. One of the side benefits is being able to purchase Coles and Woolworths e-gift cards online, which provide a 5% discount. For example, if I buy a $200 gift card, it costs me $190. When my purchase is confirmed by email, I take a screenshot of the e-card, and just present it on my device at the checkout. The operator scans it, or I enter the code manually and I receive a receipt that shows the remaining credit.
The e-card can also be used at BigW, BWS and Dan Murphy’s. All of this is done online, without need of any hard copy or a plastic card. While the entries on the website indicate particular towns for the cards, they seem to be generic, which is great for being on the move. I pay the $190 by Visa card, which accumulates points too, under a different system through my bank.
The Woolworths e-card is especially useful because I can also use it at Caltex Woolworths service stations when I fill up with diesel. On top of the 5% saving, I get 4 cents off per litre when I have accumulated sufficient points through a $30 or more supermarket bill, which is easy to do when buying groceries. Being on the road and needing fuel regularly, these savings are worthwhile.
Yours in canny frugalness, Di.
Working theses schemes helps to make my money go further, so I can go further.
Thanks Di, it’s good to know others are taking advantage of such rewards programs. While some might view a few percent here and there to be too little to bother with, it’s amazing how it all adds up. Good on you and happy travels!
DECEMBER ISSUE DELAY
T
he December issue of iMotorhome Magazine will be published on Saturday the 9th, one week later than usual. The delay allows us first time attendance at the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association’s industry-only National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, from November 27-30.
News | 17
NEW APPOINTMENT
W
e’re pleased to announce Mitch Crowle has just joined iMotorhome as manager of all things digital, primarily covering our social media content and delivery strategy. Mitch is new to the RV Industry but a former work colleague of both Richard and Agnes, and brings enthusiasm and digital-specific experience to the team. Together with Richard he’s attending the National RV Trade Show in Kentucky and over coming months will help reshape and refocus the way iMotorhome delivers content via social media, the website and the magazine.
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18 | News
HORIZON MOTORHOMES ENTERS HALL OF FAME
H
orizon Motorhomes has made history, winning Manufacturer of the Year for three consecutive years and Best of the Best for their second year, at the NSW Caravan & Camping Industry Association (CCIA) NSW Awards of Excellence. This victory reflects three years of consecutive achievement in the industry awards, cementing the company’s reputation for high quality workmanship and giving it entry to the CCIA’s Hall of Fame.
highest qualitybuilt-in motorhomes. Our range is constantly evolving and we’re continually improving our product to suit changing lifestyle demands,” Clayton said. Established in 1995, Horizon Motorhomes is based in Ballina, NSW, and specialises in the design and manufacture of ‘builtin’ motorhomes, otherwise known as van conversions.
“I would like to thank my team, our suppliers, our customers and the industry association Clayton Kearney, managing director at Horizon for the success, as well as congratulate all Motorhomes said he is proud and honoured the contenders and winners of the Awards to win a hat-trick of awards at this prestigious of Excellence. These awards recognise the industry event. outstanding achievements made by the businesses that contribute to the success of “It is a huge victory, achievement and testament the growing Australian caravan and camping to all the hard work, loyalty and commitment of industry”. our team. We are dedicated to delivering the
News | 19
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20 | News
AVIDA AWARDS
A
vida dealers compete strongly each year for awards and this year was no different for the honour and prestige of the Iveco Motorised Dealer of the Year award and the Dometic Towable Dealer of the Year award. Avida said it is pleased to announce the 2017 Avida Motorised Dealer of the Year is Avida Bundaberg, while the 2017 Avida Towable Dealer of the Year is Avida Gold Coast. The criteria to be awarded Dealer of the Year include many factors, such as outstanding sales achievement, a good mix of Avida products, high customer satisfaction and the dealer’s overall representation of the Avida brand. Ben Searle from Avida Bundaberg was presented with the Motorised Dealer of the Year award and the Towable Dealer of the Year award was presented to Chris Pippen from Avida Gold Coast. Avida congratulates both dealers and their entire team for a fantastic effort. Searle’s RV Centre – Avida Bundaberg has been involved in the RV industry since 1972. Now located in Bundaberg, the business is located at Queensland’s first purpose-built RV dealership. Since opening in Bundaberg in 2008 Avida Bundaberg has achieved milestones that they put down to having a stable team and great products. They offer sales and service across the entire range of Avida products, including motorhomes, campervans, caravans and now the new electric pop tops. Many other awards were also presented at the annual Avida dealer awards night, recognising individual dealer performances in various areas of the business. The awards for this year were:
• Motorised Dealer of the Year – Avida Bundaberg • Towable Dealer of the Year – Avida Gold Coast • Motorised Customer Satisfaction Dealer of the Year – Avida Hamilton • Towable Customer Satisfaction Dealer of the Year – Avida South Perth • Motorised Sales Dealer of the Year – Avida Newcastle • Towable Sales Dealer of the Year – Avida Newcastle • Avida RV Club Distinguished Service Award – Avida Gold Coast • Dealer Staff Member of the Year – Lavinia Kereopa, Avida South Perth • Aftersales Dealer of the Year – Avida Gold Coast • Parts and Accessories Dealer of the Year – Avida Newcastle • 10 years Loyalty Award – Avida Christchurch • Sales Achievement Award, Motorised – Avida Bundaberg • Sales Achievement Award, Motorised – Avida Hamilton • Sales Achievement Award, Motorised – Avida Adelaide • Sales Achievement Award, Towable – Avida Newcastle • Sales Achievement Award, Towable – Avida Gold Coast
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22 | News
WELCOME SIGNS
C
ouncillors in Glen Innes have given the approval for Caravan Industry Association of Australia ‘Welcome’ signs to be placed at the four entrances to the NSW town. However, a report to Council suggested it should delay any application to the CMCA for RV status until the views of ‘stakeholders’ had been sought and considered. The report said tourism in Glen Innes Highlands was the area’s second largest contributor to its economy, valued at $50 million annually. Ten percent of this came from the caravan and camping sector. Council should be supporting every opportunity to attract and retain visitors to our LGA (local government area), the report added.
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News | 23
SA TOURIST DRIVES
S
outh Australia is making exploration of the State’s six key touring routes easier for selfdrive travellers. New signs are being erected at the start and finish of each, with 700 smaller signs spaced at 10 to 20 km intervals. All are expected to have been installed within the next few weeks. The six touring routes are Mighty Murray Way, Explorers Way, Coastal Way, Seafood Frontier, Epicurean Way and Southern Ocean Drive.
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24 | News
BIGGEST CARAVAN PARK BIG4 park, which offers 6 eco-tents and 300 RV and camping sites. They will be located at the southern end of the park and are expected to be ready for the Christmas holidays. The development will also include a covered barbecue area, laundry, access road and landscaping.
S
A’s Adelaide Shores Resort is spending millions to turn it into the biggest caravan park in Australia. Chief executive Kate Williams told media the $4.2 million development is inline with the current trend towards more cabins. More than 20 luxury cabins will be added to the 100 already at the
Holidaymakers will have to pay between $300 and $400 a night to stay in the new ‘beach houses’, which will boast lounge areas, kitchens and outdoor areas. Adelaide Shores says they will be, “Perfect for family holidays.” iMotorhome wonders if families, especially those in struggling South Australia, will pay nearly $3000 a week for what is still a family caravan park holiday…
CLARENCE FREE CAMPING CLAMPDOWN the Christmas and January period, and Easter. A report to a recent Council meeting said the phenomena of freedom camping in North Coast beach locations was not new nor unique to Yamba.
I
n a controversial move, Clarence Valley Council in the Northern Rivers region of NSW is clamping down on freedom camping and using fines from illegal campers to help enforce the program. Council says it plans to implement a trial enforcement program in Yamba to rid the area of illegal overnight campers during
“The intent of the enforcement program is to send a message to this group of travellers that Yamba is not the place to come for a free camping beachside experience, before the trend continues to grow to unsustainable levels,” the report said. The trial enforcement program would be enforced through regular and targeted policing by Council Rangers, with offenders being issued infringement notices as required. The fines will go towards financing the clampdown, the report added.
News | 25
TASSIE ICON REOPENS
O
ne of Tasmania’s most iconic tourism experiences and one that attracts thousands of Grey Nomads each year has reopened after a $500,000 upgrade. The Wineglass Bay Track from the lookout to the beach now has greatly improved step levels to make the walk easier and safer. The welcome upgrade was initiated through the Sate Government’s Tourism Infrastructure in Parks Fund.
26 | News
PREPAY CARAVAN PARKS
I
n Western Australia, RAC Parks and Resorts is the latest organisation to launch a prepayment scheme, making it easier to budget for a holiday via instalments. Executive general manager (Brand & Tourism) Tony Pickworth said the scheme was a first for Western Australia and was now available at its parks in Exmouth, Monkey Mia, Busselton, Coral Bay and Cervantes. “At no extra charge, guests will now have the option of making pre-payments weekly, fortnightly or monthly for bookings starting at $200. We are committed to making holidays more affordable to our members and the WA community, regardless of whether they choose to camp at an unpowered site, stay in their caravan or book a stay in a self-contained villa,” he said.
“This new lay-by system allows us to offer affordable and accessible holiday accommodation with an easy way to pay in instalments ahead of schedule so the cost of family holidays can be budgeted more easily.” RAC’s holiday parks include Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Busselton Holiday Park, Ningaloo Reef Resort and Cervantes Holiday Park. NRMA pioneered the idea in Australia when it recently offered a pre-payment scheme for 20 of its holiday parks.
News/ iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
OUTBACK QLD VISITOR BOOST in Outback Queensland over the past year, and cements them as the third-most visited information centres in the State. Outback Queensland Tourism Association general manager Peter Homan said, “These volunteer-run facilities are an asset to Outback Queensland and provide out-of-towners with an opportunity to gain insider knowledge about the place they’re visiting.”
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ew research shows Grey Nomads have made a major contribution to the success of Outback Queensland visitor information centres. According to the 2016/17 Queensland Information Centres Association data, 306,650 travellers called into an Outback centre during the year. The data shows a 10 per cent increase in the number of patrons
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
Visitors are encouraged to call into Outback Queensland visitor information centres to buy an Outback Mates loyalty card, valid at over 250 participating businesses. The program offers discounts on accommodation, food, attractions, events and transport throughout the region, and life membership costs just $20.
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.
28 | 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.
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T: 1300 483 249 W: itechworld.com.au
T: (03) 5144 1108 W: tourismwellington.com.au
POWER CHOICE
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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 | 29
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
30 | Tested: Avida Birdsville C7436
DROP DOWN GORGEOUS!
A drop-down bed make this Avida Birdsville gorgeous for those not wanting a slide-out‌ by Malcolm Street
Tested | 31
The Birdsville has always been one of Avida’s best looking motorhomes. Distinctly European and riding on the popular Fiat Ducato, it sits bang in the middle of the Goldilocks zone for motorhome length of between seven and eight metres: Not too short, not too long, but just right…
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vida’s Birdsville has been around for a while. An opportunity recently came my way to have a play with the C7436 model, which translated means it’s a C-class (i.e. with over-cab bed) that’s 7.4 m (24’ 3”) long and does not have a slide-out. This Birdsville is actually registered on the Avida fleet and so whilst the latest model, it does have a few kilometres on the clock, especially since it had very recently been on an extended visit to Qld. Actually that’s something of an advantage for the likes of yours truly, because I got to see a motorhome that’s done a bit of travel and experienced its fair share of wear and tear.
Bodywork
B
eing around for a few years in the RV scene, I can remember when the Fiat Ducato, either the van or cab-chassis was something of a novelty. Nowadays it’s a very common motorhome base vehicle so it’s no surprise to find the Birdsville built on a Ducato Multijet 180, which has a 130 kW/ 400 Nm 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engine and 6-speed automated manual transmission. Mentioning a few more facts and figures, the Birdsville has a tare rating of 3470 kg and a GVM of 4400kg, giving it a good potential payload of 930 kg. The external length of 7.4 m (24’ 3”) not only makes it good for driving, it
32 | Tested
gives the layout designer plenty of room to play with. Construction wise, the Birdsville has a fully welded metal frame for the walls, floor and roof. That frame has a foam sheet filler that Avida reckons both acts as an insulator and road noise reducer. Fully moulded fibreglass is used for the front Luton peak/cab surround as well as the rear wall. The end result is quite a stylish looking motorhome with more than a passing resemblance to some European designs. Fibreglass composite sandwich panels are used for the walls, but a little differently, the one-piece floor panel has a ply timber sheet on top and aluminium sheeting below, for protection. The Birdsville manages to avoid looking slab sided, like so many other motorhomes these days. Its distinctive over-cab window is a Birdsville signature, even though the shape of the Luton peak (nose cone) has become more streamlined in this latest incarnation.
Tested | 33
With this particular body style, external locker space is going to be a bit of a challenge, along with a compromise or two. There are five lockers in all, three in the lower panels and two shallower ones in the upper bodywork. There is undoubtedly space for just about everything most people would wish to carry (even with the batteries and charger taking up real estate), but the lower storage does require a bit of bending over.
Inside
U
ndoubtedly the centre piece of this Birdsville layout is the electric dropdown bed in the mid rear area. It sits above two sideways facing lounges, while at the very back is a full width bathroom. That leaves the front area behind the driver’s cab for a kitchen area and, being a C-class motorhome, the Luton peak for the second bed. The overall colour scheme is done in the Avida style, i.e. a pseudo timber look in a beige hue.
Top: External lockers are neatly concealed in the lower body moulding, but the lockers themselves lack storage height and require bending down to access. The exception is the waist-height door that accesses the under-lounge area. Above: Toilet cassette access is conveniently located in the kerb-side rear corner.