AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
JANUARY 2018
On The Soft Win! Road Trak $50 for the! best letter
Project Polly Vision Splendid!
Trakka’s Trakkaway 700 is more capable than you think…
Tooo Easy?
A new communication option…
Dethleffs Magic 13 DBM
Louisville Lowdown The USA’s biggest RV trade show
2 | About iMotorhome
iMotorhome Magazine is published monthly and available by free subscription from www.imotorhome.com.au. Your letters and contributions are always welcome!
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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
Published by iMotorhome PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW 2776. Australia.
Contributors
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4 | On My Mind
Steady As She Goes… Welcome to 2018! I hope your Festive Season was enjoyable and you’re all set for the year ahead. There’s something about a new year and the promise it holds of a fresh start. It’s also a good time to look back and see how the preceding 12 months worked out. Reviewing this column from January 2017 made me realise what an busy year it was. We didn’t achieve everything planned, but we did run an extra overseas tour and, most importantly, learn from all the experiences. So, what does 2018 hold in store? Good question… The plan, for the moment at least, is ‘steady as she goes’. We literally wore ourselves out organising tours and the reader weekend, almost ‘commuting’ to Brisbane for Polly’s ongoing repairs and so on. It’s time to slow down a bit and breathe. A Route 66 tour is still in the pipeline for October; so too another reader weekend, and I’m working on a new app: one that will allow you to download and read the magazine offline while containing your whole iMotorhome library. That’s enough to be getting on with for now…
On The Nose The new year also signals the start of the RV show season, with the major East Coast shows kicking off in Newcastle next month and culminating in Brisbane in June. I’ve never understood the need to host such shows in the heat of summer, but I guess it’s a ‘commercial imperative’ – alongside a game of oneupmanship about being first. It’s no secret there’s no love lost between iMotorhome – okay, me – and some of the State caravanning and camping bodies. That’s because I’m ideologically opposed to their ambition to drive every RV holiday maker
into one of their members’ caravan parks, while simultaneously campaigning to restrict/ prevent freedom camping opportunities for those not interested in a cheek-by-jowl holiday ‘experience’. I’m not against caravan parks, of course, they play an important role economically at a local level and collectively on a national infrastructure level. I’m just against having to use them when I travel in a self-contained vehicle if I don’t want to. It’s like saying I can’t have a picnic in a town park because there’s a cafe across the road. It’s stupid and greedy. You therefore won’t be surprised to learn I’m opposed to the fat cash cow Australian RV shows have become. Not only is the cost of exhibiting at many bordering on outrageous, I know of manufacturers who aren’t allowed to exhibit because they’re not part of ‘the State club’, or because an organiser invokes State consumer laws to prevent interstate businesses exhibiting, then denies any involvement in alerting relevant authorities. On top of all that, the people manufacturers and dealers need to come and see and buy their products are slugged at the gate for the privilege, and again when they want refreshments. All-in-all it stinks and it’s about to begin for another year. Can’t wait!
Richard
Grey Nomads Travel and Cruise Soon you will see us roaming the countryside as we have finally 'handed in the key' for our rented premises in the Yarra Valley and become a "real" mobile travel agency. We are now here to provide a travel experience to Grey Nomads, and others, around this great country, while being a grey nomad with you. After 27 years in a shop, it is exciting to be able to continue what we have enjoyed providing but doing so "on the road" from our motorhome. If you see us, stop by for a chat and ask any travel questions you have. Lyn will help you tailor make your itinerary to suit your travel needs. Grey Nomads Travel and Cruise is an approved AFTA and ATAS agency. In the past, our specialty has been sending travellers to Africa, South America, Canada, USA, South East Asia, Europe, and Scandinavia - anyhow, anywhere, anywhen. Having visited over 60 countries, Lyn knows how to provide 1st class service. So when you want assistance in organising that "holiday when you're not on the road", give Lyn a call to plan that exciting time in your life. Who doesn't love cruising? We have put together a cruise for September 2018 on board the brand new Princess ship the "Majestic Princess". She carries 3,500 passengers and over 1300 crew that are specially trained to care just for you. The "Majestic Princess" is making her maiden voyage to the South Pacific in September 2018 and the first cruise is out of Sydney to Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu. It's just a short 12 nights but you will come back NEW. See you soon. 12 nights from: Inside Cabins $2940 per person Balcony Cabins $3179 per person Deluxe Balcony Cabin $3820 per person Mini Suites $4098 per person
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6 | Contents
4
On my Mind
10
On Your Mind
30
Tested: Trakkaway 700
40
Tested: Dethleffs Magic
52
Project Polly
56
Technical
58
Show Report
66
Feature
73
Mobile Tech
Steady As She Goes…
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
Trakka’s popular Trakkaway 700 is more capable than you might think…
This Dethleffs’ A-class is magic - by name and nature…
In The Frame
A new communication option…
A look inside North America’s industry-only RV show…
Wandering With Wanda
Returns next issue!
70
Tips
74
RVFT
78
Next Issue
Wandering with Wanda
Three more RV Friendly Towns
Becalmed…
Trakkadu 400
A New Kind of Playground
8 | Street View
Haera Mai! Well it would probably be most appropriate to wish all our readers a Happy New Year, wherever you might be. I trust your Christmas/New Year time was restful. For me it’s a time to catch up on all the things I ignored in December and make a few plans for this year, whilst it’s still a bit quiet One of the things that happened mid December was an email received from the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA), which stated quite baldly that the NZMCA was going to limit its membership to Kiwis only. What it said to me was, “Sorry anyone who lives overseas, you are no longer welcome”. As a communication piece it lacked a little something – like information – and I’d suggest caused affront to some who could have been affected but actually are not, as it turns out. Further into the email it noted that the Club was having issues with overseas visitors and the Certified SelfContainment Standard. Rightly so the club has concerns about its efforts to protect the fragile NZ environment and the way its image was being tarnished. I thought about that for a bit, but did wonder just what the root of the problem was. I mean just how many motorhome travellers from Aussie, Britain or maybe North America brought their motorhomes with them that it was such an issue. I must admit that whilst thinking about this, the word ‘backpackers’ lurked in my brain, but that was about it. I found myself somewhat offended by the email (ditto Ed). I’ve been travelling to New Zealand since 1976 and during the last couple of decades have been two or three times a year for both work and pleasure. Would I not understand the NZ environment and how it needs to be protected? I’ve always admired the fact that most NZ RVs have grey tanks fitted, something that does not happen in Australia in the predominant caravan side of the RV world. However, with Christmas rapidly approaching, there were other fish to fry and I did not pursue the matter.
Obviously I wasn’t the only one who had a problem because about a week later, in its Merry Christmas email, the NZMCA clarified a few vital points. Like for instance, existing overseas members were not about to be turfed out and secondly, members of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) and similar UK motorhome and caravan clubs would be able to gain membership without a problem. Curiously the email still did not explain what the base issue was, but from the included image, one presumes overseas backpackers are buying el-cheapo campervans and trying to get self certification from the NZMCA whilst not really caring for the environment when travelling around. It’s a problem I’m not unfamiliar with, having sat through several CMCA-initiated meetings with campervan and motorhome rental operators a few years ago trying to resolve the issue of irresponsible campervan hirers (usually young backpackers) creating a bad image and worse, problems for responsible travellers. A little more information first-up in the original NZMCA news release might have been helpful. Still on the environment, in Aussie something irresponsibly weird happened not far north of Sydney in the Christmas break. Apparently there was a three or four day music festival on a private property. After it was finished, the participants left everything behind – tents, gazebos, camp chairs, sleeping bags, eskies (all in good condition), rubbish (in not such good condition) and just walked out. Others have to do the clean up, but about the only plus is that does include local charities who apparently do find some very rich pickings for their clients. Is that bizarre or what? I know I am mostly speaking to the sensible here, but do look after our environment wherever. It’s the only one we have.
Haere ra!
Malcolm
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.
The Right Connection We travel with a couple of iPhones and an iPads and for convenience find ourselves using the phones as cameras more and more. Apart from distant shots they’re brilliant, and the photo editing software built-in is also great. The problem is backing up the photos to our iPads because we don’t carry a laptop and are often out of wifi range to go to the dreaded ‘Cloud’. A solution I found is to buy a Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter from Apple You just plug it into your usual iPhone or iPad USB charging cable – the one with the little Lightning connector at the other end – and you’re in business. Here’s what their website says about it: “With the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, it’s easy to download photos and videos from your digital camera to your iPad or iPhone with Lightning support so you can view them on the gorgeous Retina display and share them with family and friends. After you connect the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, your iPad or iPhone automatically opens the Photos app, which lets you choose which photos and videos to import, then organises them into albums. When you sync iPad or iPhone to your PC or Mac, the photos and videos on your iPad or iPhone are added to your computer’s photo library. The Lightning to USB Camera Adapter supports standard photo formats, including JPEG and RAW, along with SD and HD video formats, including H.264 and MPEG-4. Requires iOS 9.2 or later.”
The adapter costs A$45 from the Apple Store, plus delivery of course if you have it posted. It MOSTLY works as advertised but there are a couple of tricks. Join the cables and plug in the Lightning end from the new adapter to your iPad (not iPhone) and the iPad will automatically open Photos at the Import page. It will ask you to unlock your iPhone before it can import anything, but sometimes you have to do this a couple of times to ‘get it going’. Also, it can be a slow process to load all the photos for transfer and import them if you have heaps on your phone. Best to do it at the end of the day when you’re not heading out again! Apart from that it works, and is a good back-up for AirDrop, which is the easiest and fastest way, when you’re not on wifi. Hope this helps someone – and thanks for a great magazine! Regards, Maggie. Thanks Maggie, I use AirDrop a lot but will grab an adapter as a back-up and give it a go. Please accept this issue’s $50 prize, which nicely covers the cost of your adapter (unless you had it posted, I guess)!
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12 | On your mind
Fiat Foibles?
Just a quick note to congratulate you on the iMag and everything it encompasses and opens up for us. It’s a real cracker, great combination of professionalism and yet authenticity. I wonder if somehow you can approach the topic of FIAT reliability in 2018? As a Baby Boomer naturally I was brought up on the old joke, FIAT = Fix It Again Tony, but so many modern campervans and motorhomes – all costing well north of $100,000 – are built on a Fiat Ducato and yet some product reviews are so discouraging. What is readership opinion from fair minded people on the Fiat’s these days I’m so nervous about committing to one for my retirement. Best Wishes for all your ventures in 2018. Cheers, Peter.
Thanks for your kind words Peter, glad you enjoy what we do. Re the Fiat, I’ll put your question to readers in the next issue and see what they say. Personally, I’d have no hesitation buying one. I’ve driven dozens over the last 15-plus years and only ever had one breakdown – the inlet hose for the intercooler popped off, but that was back in about 2007/8 and was fixed by roadside assistance. The Ducato is the top selling motorhome chassis (and van conversion) in Europe and has been for years. Although price plays a part, it wouldn’t be that popular if reliability, rust, etc were still issues. There’s a lot of misinformation in forums, usually by people who’ve never owned or driven one, or have an anti-frontwheel drive axe to grind. If you search online you can find horror stories about every brand, so the best indicator is to look at market share and resale values: the Ducato is also the top selling chassis in Aust & NZ and seems to hold its value well. It will be interesting to hear what our readers have to say…
14 | On your mind
4WDreaming… Just wondering if you have ever done any tests on midsize 4WD motorhomes. It strikes me as odd that in a country like Australia there is very little to choose from. Overseas, MWB style vans such as 4WD Sprinter and Ford C150 vans are everywhere. I can’t understand why there are not more of these style of vans here. Surely they are more practical than wobbling around the place towing a monstrosity in your $100k 4WD? Sure, they may not be as capable off road as some 4WDs, but I think that for most access to most places a well set up and not too big 4WD van would be ideal. Would love to hear people thoughts on this. Kind regards, Guy Sadly Guy, Australia is hostage to the whims of distant chassis makers and we’re a tiny, unimportant market in the scheme of things. Mercedes won’t bring in the single-wheel MWB 4x4 Sprinter (idiots, I know) and in all honesty, who in Australia would want a Ford with its big
petrol engine? Fiat MIGHT bring its new 4x4 Ducato here in 2018, although there’s no word from them, which is situation normal. That’s the bad news. The good news is manufacturers like Horizon and Trakka make excellent van conversions on the bigger 4WD Mercedes vans, and of course there’s the relatively new Iveco Daily 4X4, which is hugely capable but only available in a cab-chassis, (for the moment, at least). An interesting alternative is the Fiat Ducato – van or cab-chassis – which is surprisingly capable when fitted with AL-KO’s aftermarket front and rear suspension. Coupled with a set of good tyres and a proper understanding of Fiat’s latest-generation traction control I think you’d be surprised where you could venture. Coincidentally, read 4WD guru Allan Whiting’s thoughts on the Ducato’s off-road abilities in his review of the Trakkaway 700 in this very issue. Food for thought, I think…
Keep It Local Firstly let me say how much I enjoy iMotorhome, Season’s Greetings to yourself and Mrs both for its content, which is relevant to the iMotorhome, sort of travel my wife and I do, and the ease of Tim accessing information from past issues on line. Thanks Tim, much appreciated. Don’t worry, the I note in recent issues that the focus for overseas tours we did in 2017 and are planning readers get-togethers has shifted to overseas are different from our local reader get togethers adventures, and sincerely hope that this will not and won’t replace them. I’m planning to run be at the expense of the local events that you another reader get together later in the year and have organised in the past. Our main motivation think it will be along the Murray River, in search is buying a motorhome was a wish to explore of our paddle steamer history. No schedule Australia in more depth, having satisfied our yet so just watch the magazine and all will be appetite for overseas travel. Please let us know revealed. Hope to meet you there! your plans for the next local get together.
16 | News
AUSTRALIAN VEHICLE STANDARDS REVIEWED
I
n December the Australian Federal Government announced the Road Vehicle Standards Bill 2017, to replace the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA). It has implications for the commercial and personal importation of new and used motorhomes.
be debated and passed by both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law, which is expected to happen early in 2018.
An information sheet explains there have been significant changes in global and domestic automobile markets and improvements in The Bill will implement the Government’s vehicle technologies since previous reviews announced reforms to the regulatory framework of MVSA over 17 years ago. The focus of the for the safety, environmental and anti-theft change to the MVSA is to align it with local and performance of all road vehicles being provided international market needs and to strengthen to the Australian market for the first time – both and modernise the legislation. In addition, new and used. the reforms are expected to save industry up to $70 million a year in lower regulatory The reforms will deliver modernised legislation compliance costs. to increase community safety and remove unnecessary processes for businesses. The new legislation will further harmonise The Australian Government has released an Australia’s vehicle standards with global Exposure Draft of the Road Vehicle Standards standards. In addition, it will bring about Bill for public information. The Bill will need to continued..
News | 17
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18 | News continued.. changes to the regulation of road motor vehicles and the associated administrative processes, including: • Improving consumer access to imported specialist and enthusiast vehicles • Simplifying the process for importing vehicles through the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS) while improving the quality assurance of those vehicles • Simplifying the pathways for importing vehicles granted concessions against national vehicle standards • Streamlining the supply of mainstream (full volume) new vehicles • Strengthening the compliance and enforcement powers of the Department • Enhancing and replacing IT systems utilised
to support administration under MVSA • Clarifying suppliers’ recall responsibilities for all vehicles. The Australian Government has also amended the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to remove the $12,000 special duty on imported used vehicles, from 2018. The Road Vehicle Standards Bill is expected to be debated and passed by Parliament in March 2018 and the reforms will commence 12 months after the passage of legislation as the Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA). In the legislation package, there is also a Consequential and Transitional Provisions Bill which will provide for a 12 month transitional period after commencement to allow businesses to adapt to the new arrangements. During this transitional period some aspects of the MVSA will continue, particularly for Registered Automotive Workshops (RAWs) and continued..
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News | 19
20 | News continued.. Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles (SEVs). Of interest to motorhomers are changes to the specialist and enthusiast vehicles (SEV) register and criteria, which lists vehicles that are of specialist or enthusiast interest, not available in the Australian market and/or require some concessions against the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). The RVSA will change the eligibility criteria to more objectively reflect specialist and enthusiast needs when determining whether a vehicle is suitable to go onto the SEV Register. Under the Registered Automotive Workshops scheme, vehicles on the SEV Register can be approved for importation if they have not been provided to the Australian market under a type approval and meet one of six criteria: 1. Performance – high-performance vehicles with specifications (e.g. power to weight ratio) significantly superior to mainstream vehicles in Australia
2. Environmental – vehicles that offer environmental performance (e.g. emissions of carbon dioxide per km) significantly superior to mainstream vehicles in Australia 3. Mobility – vehicles manufactured with special features to assist people with a disability 4. Rarity – vehicles of which only small quantities have been produced 5. Left-hand drive – vehicles originally manufactured as left-hand-drive, of which righthand drive versions are not available in any other country; 6. Motorhomes and campervans – a vehicle must have been originally manufactured as a campervan or motorhome. iMotorhome notes that in relation to Point 6, no other criteria appears to apply other than the vehicle was originally manufactured as a campervan or motorhome. This should open the doors to considerable importing freedom, although it remains to be seen if the legislation passes Parliament in its current form.
INTERNATIONAL RV VISITORS INCREASE
A
ustralia’s international RV and camping markets continues to perform strongly, according to the latest figures. Tourism Research Australia revealed that 373,000 international visitors took RV and camping holidays in the 12 months ending September 2017, an increase 7.5 per cent on the previous year. They generated more than 5.19 million nights around the country, a 5.5 per cent rise from 2016.
Core markets continued to show growth with visitors from the UK (61,723), Germany (55,042 ) and USA (38,694) increasing by 0.5%, 4%and 18% respectively, compared to the previous year. The significant growth in visitors from China by 112%, to a total of 103,000, continues to highlight the future importance of this market to the RV and camping industry as the segment becomes more confident travelling independently around Australia.
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22 | News
NEW ITINERARIES SHOWCASE NZ
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ew Zealand’s premium motorhome rental company, Wilderness Motorhomes, has just launched a range of new itineraries designed to take the guesswork out of exploring the country and to ensure travellers see as much of New Zealand as possible in the time they have. The Wilderness itineraries cover New Zealand’s North and South Islands individually, as well as together, with durations ranging from 1-7 days, 8-14 days and 15+ days. Wilderness’ marketing director, Mary Hamilton, says they are seeing growing numbers of bookings from Australians who, “Love the motorhome lifestyle and are keen to explore New Zealand, or visit friends and family”. She says the itineraries are the ideal way for those motorhome enthusiasts to know they will see the ‘best bits’ in the time they have. “We are a New Zealand owned and operated company, and our team has wonderful knowledge of local attractions and activities. Creating these itineraries for our guests is a way of making
their holiday planning that little bit easier.” From a five-day ‘Coromandel Escape’ with sun and sand, to the 14-day ‘Hot Water Explorer’ around the North Island’s geothermal spots, or the 28-day or more ‘Epic New Zealand’ that takes in both islands, the ten itineraries offer something for everyone. The Wilderness motorhome rental fleet also operates under a ‘no road restrictions’ policy, meaning the vehicles can be taken on any road around New Zealand. Mary says Wilderness prides itself on offering a hassle-free rental experience. “Our range of Bürstner vehicles are modern and comfortable with an exceptional maintenance regime that far exceeds industry norms. They offer our Australian guests all the great benefits of motorhoming, but on the other side of the Tasman.” To find out more visits the Wilderness website HERE
CLUB NAME CHANGE
T
he National Australian Touring Caravan, Motorhome and Camping Club has had a name change – to the Australian Touring RV Club. Secretary Ric Bennetts said the complexity of the original name was difficult for members, sponsors and business partners alike and was very difficult to locate on electronic media. The Club’s primary objective is to give its 500 members the opportunity to
meet up with others wherever they go. “This might be for a state-recognised rally, a social encounter or for assistance and advice,” Ric said. “We also have a friendship list if you are in trouble.” New members are welcome and details can be found on the Club’s website HERE.
News | 23
STOP PRESS: TRAKKA’S NEW WEBSITE
J
ust as we were going to ‘press’ word reached us from Trakka that the company has an all-new website. Check it out at www.trakka.com.au.
24 | News
NZMCA LIMITS MEMBERSHIP TO KIWI RESIDENTS
I
n late December The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association decided to limit its membership to New Zealand residents only. Applicable immediately, the new criteria has been implemented by the NZMCA Board, it says, “To protect the organisation’s reputation and the integrity of the Certified SelfContainment Standard”. “In todays’ environment, reputation is everything,” says NZMCA CEO Bruce Lochore. “Our members’ good name has been hard won over many years and we can’t afford to have it undermined by short-stay overseas
visitors who might not share the same commitment to protecting our country’s natural environment.” Mr Lochore says the membership restriction follows a recent Board decision to no longer offer Certified Self-Containment checks to non-members and comes on the back of this year’s NZMCA-financed review of the SelfContainment Standard. “We’ve put our money where our mouth is to raise the bar on the Standard and it’s vital in our view that we reinforce our stand by ensuring that all our members understand and
News | 25 respect our role in protecting New Zealand’s precious environment. Our local members live and work in communities just like the ones they holiday in; so we’re confident they have that understanding. But we’re not prepared to risk our reputation on overseas visitors who don’t have the same long-term commitment to our country.” “What we’ve seen since we stopped providing self-containment checks to non-members is more overseas visitors looking to join the Association to get around the ban. So we’re going to nip that trend in the bud.” In implementing the membership restriction, Mr Lochore says the Board also recognised that the Association’s primary focus was to meet the needs of local people. “This is who we are, we are here to represent New Zealanders – we’re not here to be used by short-stay overseas visitors. We’re all
about the domestic market; for the past four years, we have been actively encouraging our members to get off the beaten track to ensure the provincial and rural centres outside the traditional ‘hotspots’ receive a fairer share of the economic benefits of tourism. It’s often under-valued, but the fact is the domestic market provides close on 60 percent of this country’s tourism industry revenue and we’re proud to be part of that.” In a followup the NZMCA says it has had a very positive member response to the announcement. However, it wants to make it clear that this restriction does not apply to existing members who are non-NZ residents. Also, the restriction will not apply to genuine members of sister organisations like the CMCA and UK motorhome and caravan clubs, “Who we know will join with us in enhancing the club’s good name”.
YOU’RE NOT WELCOME
L
ocals are supporting a Tasmanian Council that was forced to ban free overnight camping for caravans and other RVs. They are backing the West Coast Council, which has erected No Camping signs at Queenstown Recreation Ground. The authority revealed its action was in response to the Tasmanian Economic Regulator’s ruling that it was providing free camping services in contravention of the Island’s competitive neutrality principles. Writing in the local newspaper, Christine Espitalier of Wynyard commented: “It’s high time all Tasmanian Councils took immediate action and ban free camping in our State once and for all.” She reminded travellers that there
was a caravan park in Queenstown that could cater for their needs. “Campers who expect the local ratepayers to subsidise their holiday for nothing are the ones you don’t want. They are not in your town to spend money – just freeloaders. Tourism is about bringing income into the town and they do have somewhere to stay.” iMotorhome is dismayed by the ignorance of the Ms Espitalier’s comments and the hypocrisy of the Regulator’s ruling, which is anti-competitive in its own right by removing competition.
26 | News/ iMotorhome Marketplace
NZ MARKET GROWTH EXCITES
T
he growth in the motorhoming lifestyle has the industry in New Zealand pretty excited, according to organisers of the Country’s largest annual motorhome, caravan and outdoor expo, the Covi SuperShow. “Holidaying in motorhomes and caravans is making a serious comeback in New Zealand,” Covi SuperShow managing director, David Culpan said. Shaun Newman, general manager of TrailLite, said they were seeing a rise in interest and sales of both motorhomes and caravans. “With a TrailLite motorhome you can go off the grid
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for up to 14 days. We like to describe our motorhomes as small apartments with all the comforts of home.” Shaun said they were also seeing an increasing number of families purchasing. “They are trying to find ways to give their kids some of the experiences they had when they were growing up.” The Covi SuperShow had a record 19,000 people through the gates in 2017 and it’s believed this year’s event, from 16-18 March, will also be a record breaker. For more show information click HERE
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iTech World
Wellington Shire
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28 | iMotorhome Marketplace
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Roberts RV World
RV Specialists
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Southern Highlands Service Centre • • • • • •
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iMotorhome Marketplace | 29
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Nomadic Solutions
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30 | Tested: Trakkaway 700
Trakka’s popular Trakkaway 700 is more capable than you might think‌ by Allan Whiting of outbacktravelaustralia.com.au
Tested | 31
T
rakka’s latest FWD Trakkaway 700 may well be the motorhome for people who want some modest rough-terrain ability, without the complication, increased floor height and additional cost of a 4WD motorhome.
At Outback Travel Australia we usually evaluate only 4WD machinery, but we make exceptions where we feel they’re warranted. For example, we checked out the Peugeot 2008 (model, not year!) 2WD SUV, because of its off-road traction control program. The 2WD Trakkaway 700 also has enhanced tractive ability.
The latest model Fiat Ducato is a good looking vehicle and Trakka has done an excellent job of seamlessly integrating the body and cab. In many ways it’s better than an A-class as it retains the convenience of both cab doors but loses little in terms of view or living space.
32 | Tested Underneath
hangs down inside the approach angle.
he Trakkaway 700 is based on the front-wheel drive Fiat Ducato platform that is now powered by a four-cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre Euro 6 engine. Outputs of 130 kW (180 hp) and 400 Nm are the same as those of the previous 3.0-litre engine, but weight is some 40 kg less.
It might seem odd to start off a motorhome evaluation discussing its off-road ability, but we were keen to find out how it compared with 4WD models. Were the Fiat Ducato a narrow, low-profile camper van we’d rate it behind the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4X4 and well behind
T
The cab and powertrain module is connected to an AL-KO, hot-dip galvanised chassis that mounts an Al-KO rubber-bushed torsion bar, independent rear suspension. The front suspension struts are also AL-KO components that increase ride height and suspension travel by 40mm over the standard Ducato front end.
the Iveco Daily 4x4 campers, but if compared with wider and taller 4WD motorhomes the Trakkaway 700 scores very well. It won’t go seriously off road and tackle steep trails or soft sand, but it can manage the lumpy, loose ground you might find when looking for a secluded campsite. If stuck, the Trakkaway’s high ground clearance means that dropping front tyre pressures way down, for increased traction, won’t see it scraping its bumper.
Ground clearance is 190 mm – around the same as many 4WD utes and wagons – but those who want to venture onto rocky terrain should fit an underbody guard, because there’s We asked Trakka’s founder and managing plenty of expensive aluminium underneath the director, Dave Berry, why he never built a front end! Also, the intercooler bottom hose
Cab seats easily swivel and are ideal for after-hours reading or TV viewing. Note handy flip-up table; ideal for coffee, drinks and snacks.
Tested | 33 motorhome on the extremely off-road-capable Iveco Daily 4x4 and he told us that he didn’t think many people would risk damaging expensive, wide and high motorhome bodywork on steep, rocky trails. Also, he pointed out that many Australian tracks are narrow and have overhanging branches that preclude high, wide vehicles. For Trakka customers who want off-road agility the company produces the more compact Sprinter-based Jabiru and VW Transporterbased Trakkadu models.
Average fuel consumption was 13 L/100km (21.7 mpg) – way less than a typical 4WD tow vehicle and caravan combination. Performance was quite good, although 4.5 tonnes with 400 Nm of torque isn’t ever going to set a hill-climbing record. Over flat and slightly undulating country the Ducato was happy to cruise at 110 km/h, with less than 2000rpm on the tacho.
Driving the Trakkaway 700
W
e spent five days in the new motorhome and didn’t really want to give it back! We drove it on mainly freeways from Sydney to Old Bar in NSW; then up the steep and rough bitumen climb to Uralla; stayed there in wildly-variable weather – from a sunny 30ºC to a wet and windy 8ºC – and then returned to Sydney via the New England Highway.
Top: Forward facing dinette seat is belt-equipped for two and has a massive picture window alongside for excellent viewing. Above: The Ducato has the most modern and car-like cab of any motorhome-suitable cab-chassis. Nice touches include the leather steering wheel and stubby gear lever.