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the r o f 0 $5 ter! t e l t s be

AUGUST 2018

MAGAZINE

In Their Element Ben and Michael MacLean enter the luxury coachbuilt marketâ€Ś Tested

Auto-Sleepers Nuevo

Reader Report Folding electric bikes

Carthago chic c-line I 5.0 S

Travel

Escorted Motorhome Tours

2 | About iMotorhome

iMotorhome Magazine is published monthly and available by subscription from www.imotorhome.com.au. Your letters and contributions are always welcome!

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

Published by iMotorhome PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW 2776. Australia.

Contributors

ABN: 34 142 547 719

Emily Barker

T: +614 14 604 368

Sharon Hollamby Allan Whiting

E: info@imotorhome.com.au W: www.imotorhome.com.au

Ian Pedly

Facebook “f ” Logo

RGB / .ai

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and Twitter

Phillip McLeod Legal

Digital

Mitch Crowle

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.

Manager - Digital (+61) 0400 378 593 mitch@imotorhome.com.au

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4 | On My Mind

Seize The Carp… I like fishing. Well, I did when I was a kid. Actually, I haven’t fished for decades, but the concept still appeals – apart from the bit where you have to kill the fish. And gut it. Truth be known, that’s probably why I haven’t fished for decades, but I still like the idea. I think it’s the serenity of sitting there and the hopetinged expectation of reward for your patience that is the lure (pardon the pun). It’s also just relaxing… I mention this for a couple of reasons. Firstly, with the launch of our app and the move to paid subscriptions, plus keeping #RV Magazine in America going, it’s been a long time since life was relaxing. Well, apart from last weekend, when Mrs IM and I – plus our good friends Jan and Andrew, who some of you met on our Route 66 and Taste of New Zealand tours – ‘escaped’ to Tasmania for a three night break. The purpose of the trip was a long Friday lunch at Fat Pig Farm, the restaurant opened by former Sydney food critic, Matthew Evans, and subject of the TV show Gourmet Farmer (but that’s another story). We spent two nights in a B&B and the final night in a Hobart dockside hotel, and apart from email there wasn’t a business thing associated with the trip nor a motorhome in sight (actually, there was a motorhome parked right outside the hotel in Hobart, and I’m sure somebody put it there for fun!). Including a pre-departure night at a Sydney Airport hotel it was the most relaxing thing we’ve done in ages and it made me remember the importance of stopping to smell the roses, as they say. The second reason for I mention the concept of taking time out is due to the sudden and unexpected downward spiral of my 87 year old Father-In-Law’s health. As they say, 87 is a good innings, but both in-laws have enjoyed

‘robust’ health and until now have largely managed to navigate a trouble-free course through later life while many around them fall by the wayside. For years, every winter they have escaped Australia and cruised to or from (or both) Europe and the UK. Unfortunately, this year the old fella had a fall that led to an undetected brain bleed and turned a six week holiday into a four month ordeal. Both are now (just) back in Australia, although he’s still in hospital and appears to have months of rehab ahead before returning home – if that ever happens. The bottom line to all this is we never know what tomorrow will bring and carpe diem – seize the day – seems an entirely appropriate cliché. Which brings me back to fishing, and the notion of casting a line into the Murray River and perhaps seizing some pesky carp from its murky waters. I’m sure you don’t need reminding how precious is good health and how short life is. Just be sure to appreciate both and take the time to enjoy them. Finally, if you’re reading this it means you’ve either bought a copy of iMotorhome Magazine or taken a subscription, and for that I – we, the team – thank you. It’s a brave new world (for want of a better cliché) and without you we can’t keep the lights on. Please spread the word and encourage your motorhoming friends to join us. Of course, while doing that don’t forget to stop and smell those roses, or catch some fish…

Richard

ISSUE 5 ! NOW OUT e

Download th free app from r the App Store o Play Store today!

6 | Contents

On my Mind

On Your Mind

Seize the carp

Share your thoughts for the chance to win $50!

8 16

Street View Haera Mai!

News Whatâ€™s happening in the wider RV world and beyond

30 Tested: Latitude Motorhomes Element 27 40

Tested: Carthago chic c-line I 5.0S

Tested: Auto-Sleepers Nuevo

Product Review

Travel

Wanda

MobileTech

Nitro Maxx LED Light Bar

Escorted Motorhome Tours

24 Hours

Blogging Apps!

Reader Review

Travel

Next Issue

Folding e-Bikes

Grandvewe Cheese

Three more RV Friendly Towns

Whatâ€™s coming up!

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8 | Street View

Haera Mai!

ell winter time is certainly with us and I am looking forward to a week or so buzzing around the slopes of Treble Cone and Cardrona (on skis I’d like to point out, not in a motorhome). Consequently, I’m hoping for blizzard like conditions in the week prior and sunny skies when I am there. Weather and temperatures are very much in the eye of the beholder, are they not? Earlier last month I was heading for the NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan and Leisure Show at Christchurch and some of the good folk in Auckland said something like, “Good luck, it’s freezing down there!”. Actually it wasn’t; just a bit windy and I had a pleasant look around the show. I didn’t see anything particularly new on the larger scale but a few smaller but effective items caught my eye. Here’s a snapshot look:

Floor Hatches Quite a few European motorhomes, especially anything with a double floor (in contrast to NZ and Australian motorhomes), often have a floor hatch giving easy access to the water tanks. It does make inspection and cleaning incredibly easy, especially the grey water tank.

on the lip of the door frame. This made it much easier to get things in and out, and significantly reduced the risk of damage to the lower edge of the door frame. Such a simple idea, so why isn’t it common?

Concealed Shelves In many a motorhome with an island bed, there are wardrobes on either side of the bed. Depending on the depth of the wardrobe, there are either minimal or no bedside shelves. What this manufacturer did was to move the wardrobes forward, off the wall, and fit

Well Placed Angle In a French-built motorhome – a Le Voyageur – both the large rear garage and the battery compartment had a piece of stainless steel

continued...

Street View | 9

continued...

some shelves behind, between the back of the wardrobes and the wall. It’s a simple idea meaning the shelves are close to hand rather than and arm stretch away. In the same pic you’ll note some concealed but very effective LED lighting too.

Peugeot Power Peugeot motorhomes aren’t exactly common in NZ and I have never had the opportunity for a test drive. The RV Leisure Centre imports Elddis motorhomes, which are Peugeot powered and I had the opportunity for a test drive in a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel Boxer with a manual six speed gearbox. The Peugeot is really a Fiat Ducato by another name and looks somewhat familiar. The turbo diesel is a spirited performer and much better I reckon with the manual gearbox, than the more hesitant AMT boxes. Something the motorhome owner whom I had a chat with was also happy with.

That’s the show from my viewpoint. Safe travels!

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.

Off Ya Bike! Dear Richard. I belong to the legions of readers who enjoy your heartfelt editorials which frequently share your work and life challenges. My sympathy to Mrs iMotorhome for her wrist injury, caused by engaging in that most frightening of activities - bike riding. When I purchased a motorhome, I paid extra for a double bike rack to be installed, but due to my fear of all things dangerous, I have never used it for its intended purpose. My reasons are these:1. Many picturesque free camps with facilities are provided in the centre of towns or nearby, so walking is a pleasure once the motorhome is parked. Examples of central free camps include Goondiwindi, Kilcoy, Wondai, Grenfell, Ararat, St Arnaud and Maryborough, Queensland. 2. I don’t need a ‘treadly’ to go shopping. I never run out of the proverbial milk, because I plan ahead and shop at the supermarket before parking for the night.

Skin cancers are a major issue for us active retirees. 5. W hile walking, I seem to be more available for a chat with the locals. 6. I t is a bit time-consuming and awkward to prepare for a bike ride, e.g. getting the bike off its frame, checking and pumping the tyres, wiping the dust, grime and rainwater off and putting on the Lycra. In this time span I have ordered my cappuccino at the nearest cafe! 7. A bike needs to be propped up and secured on arrival somewhere. The rider needs to return to that location to collect it, whereas a walker can go on a spontaneous route and not have to carry a cumbersome helmet under their arm.

3. S ome RSLs and other entertainment venues provide a free courtesy bus service to collect and return patrons, even from free camps within a certain radius of the venue.

8. I had a lip and knee-splitting fall from my stationary bike when my shoe slipped on a pedal as I was mounting. The bike and I went sprawling, and I landed heavily on my face. I always feared suffering broken front teeth through a bike accident. A broken limb from a bike accident would be very inconvenient while travelling away from home (or even at home!)

4. W hile walking, I can wear a large-brimmed hat or put up an umbrella to protect me from the fierce sun, but a helmet is much less shady.

9. W e are supposed to walk 10,000 steps a day. I have learnt to seek and embrace opportunities to walk, rather than sit on a

On your mind | 11 bicycle seat. Walking counteracts being seated during the day’s journey in a motorhome. 10. B ike riding, unless for competition or long distance riding, is surprisingly less effective for exercise compared to walking. My walking companion, who had only previously ridden a bike for exercise, would get puffed when walking alongside me. 11. A t times I have been offered a car ride or local tour by friendly caravan campers or others with a car who want company, so I don’t seem to miss out on a quick trip or scenic tour. 12. I don’t want to battle a biking setback such as a flat or punctured tyre, especially on a remote track. These misadventures always occur during a heavy rain storm! Pot holes are a hazard too, especially when encountered at speed.

of us have ridden since then. Apart from making me reassess the risk vis-a-vis the business, I’ve also been dealing with a skin cancer on my nose (more likely related to a misspent youth and Scottish skin than more recent cycling activities, but certainly not helped). However, I am about to embark on my two wheels adventures, although in a more circumspect way. While you raise some valid points I disagree with your assertion that walking is better exercise than cycling. It has been proven that running, swimming and cycling are better aerobic exercises than walking and I’d suggest your friend was simply less fit than you or had other issues causing them to be ‘puffed’ when walking beside you. Having said that, walking is better for bone density than cycling as it’s load bearing, and so doing both is a great idea!

Regardless of your preferred method of motion, the main thing is to be moving. Sitting all day, be it in a motorhome, on the lounge or behind a desk, 13. S ome country roads are very narrow and doesn’t do anyone any good. For Grey Nomads, have steep embankments. Bike riders are add in the temptation to overindulge in the the obliged to ride on the left, but consequently ‘treats’ along the way, plus happy hour, and it’s do not see upcoming vehicles (or silent heartno wonder there’s an epidemic of obesity in our stopping other cyclists) from behind. Walkers society, especially in older people. Interestingly, walk on the right side of the road facing since late January Mrs IM and I have been oncoming vehicles, and can easily move off following Dr Michael Mosley’s 5:2 diet (five days the road if necessary. of normal eating and any two non-consecutive days of fasting, per week), which reportedly For all these reasons, it is now Shank’s Pony has been proven to not only reduce weight, but for me and my ‘You Beaut’ bike rack has been repurposed as a convenient fold-down clothesline also improve cardiovascular fitness and in many ways mimic the effects of regular exercise. It has when travelling on the road! I want you to stay certainly worked for us physically – I’ve lost the safe, so you can keep writing those great best part of 10 kg – while mentally, it has helped editorials. . keep me ‘sane’ during this protracted period of Yours sincerely (with two feet on the physical inactivity. I think it’s the discipline of the ground), Di fast – actually a 75% reduction in kilojoule intake for each day (usually Tuesdays and Thursdays Dear Di, thanks for your kind words and wishes, for us) rather than not eating at all – that helps. and your many insights into the perils of the Anyway, please accept this issue’s $50 prize for dreaded ‘treadly’. Mrs iM is now back at work and sharing your insights, it should go some way to fully recovered from her ‘tragic dismount’ on April buying a good pair of walking shoes! Fools Day (no correlation I’m sure!), but neither

12 | On your mind

Back To Front? Thanks for a great on-line magazine and am happy to pay for access to it in the future. I read with interest the article on Project Polly “In Contact” as tyres are so often just an afterthought for many people. But tyres are the only things that allow steering, braking and acceleration of the vehicle to actually occur.

If one wants a good simple explanation of how tyres work and why the best ones must go on the rear, I suggest reading Ben Collins (better known as Top Gear’s ‘The Stig’) book on How to Drive.

BUT, I was dismayed to see that the words, “Decided on a new pair of tyres, which would go on the front”, appear and amazed that the tyre fitters did not advise against this. This is the worst decision that one can make as it means that there is more grip on the front than the rear and as a consequence will induce oversteer. Oversteer means that the vehicle is unstable (doing a spin tail first) and the vehicle is far more likely to roll than the safer fail mode of understeer. That is why all vehicles are designed to understeer. In a motorhome with a relatively high centre of gravity it is even more important to not induce oversteer to reduce the potential for roll over. Although placing the best tyres on the front does minimise one’s braking distance, this is less important than keeping the vehicle stable and under control. Roll-over type crashes are far more likely to result in a critical or fatal injury than a rear end crash where property damage is the most likely result.

Thanks for your letter and interesting comments. I’ve never fitted new tyres to the back, nor been advised to by any tyre dealer, given that wet weather steering and braking are of such importance. I have to say that in many years of driving heavy vehicles, including motorhomes, trucks and coaches, I’ve never encountered an oversteer situation.

Cheers, Tom.

I should point out that the tread on Polly’s rear tyres is perfectly sound – the tyres are at about half life I’d estimate – and so there’s no likelihood of an unexpected loss of grip should it ever rain again (which seems unlikely in our part of the world these days!) While Polly is rear-wheel drive, she has traction and stability controls that would help keep her in check in marginal situations. In a front-wheel drive machine I’d think – just my opinion – that fitting new tyres to the steering and driving wheels would be even more important. Anyway, thanks for your thoughts, which I’ll share with readers next issue and see what they say.

Or Similar! Your piece in the latest edition of iMotorhome about your 25-foot Minnie Winnie becoming a 28’10” Winnebago Outlook reminded me of my research before buying my Toyota HiAce camper. I had planned to hire a Toyota HiAce for a week to see if it was the right vehicle for me, when a

relocation offer lobbed into my email inbox. The 2012 solar eclipse in Northern Australia was coming up and they needed vans relocated from Melbourne to Cairns. What I was offered was effectively a free holiday if I drove a camper to Cairns in time for it to be rented out during the eclipse. I rang to check the details and they continued..

14 | On your mind continued..

confirmed I could have a Toyota HiAce with two single beds for $, refundable on delivery to Cairns in good order and condition within 10 days. The company even offered to pay for the fuel and my return airfare. How could I refuse? My brother in-law was coming with me to share the driving and the adventure, which was going to be a good test of the vehicle I was considering buying. Unfortunately, the night before we were due to depart my brother in-law came down with the flu, but I decided to go ahead in any event. When I fronted up to collect the vehicle the next morning I was told the Toyota had been booked the day before by a paying customer so my vehicle was to be a six berth Mercedes Benz diesel (see photo). I really rattled around on my own in such a big vehicle, but thoroughly enjoyed

the trip and it did help me clarify a few things about what I wanted in a camper. We still laugh about me driving that big Mercedes all the way to Cairns back in 2012. Kind regards, Colin. Good to hear it’s not just me the auto-rental industry seems to target! If Mrs iM hadn’t been with me I’d certainly have been rattling around in the big Outlook, but for the two of us it was fine. I have to say my ‘perfect’ motorhome is either a larger van conversion or a smaller, Euro-style B-class. Rental relocations can be great value and good fun – it’s how we’ve often travelled in the U.S. – and probably will again at some stage. You should try one over there, it really is another world…

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16 | News

READER WEEKEND

egrettably, the next iMotorhome Reader Weekend, tentatively pencilled in for 9 to 12 November, has been postponed until a date to be advised in 2019. We’ve simply run out of time to organise something interesting and involving, and don’t want to

do something half-baked ‘just because’. The good news is we will be back in 2019 and you can be assured of a terrific experience wherever we go and whatever we do. Stay tuned!

TRAKKA’S NEW TRAKKAWAY 720 New features for the Trakkaway 720 include: • Single beds with 0.8m width, offering an undisturbed sleep and easy access to the bathroom • Centre bedside table with drawer

rakka says it is excited to announce it has finished the design of its new Trakkaway 720, which is essentially a Trakkaway 700 with two single beds. It comes with approved seating for four and the option of an Aero4 Luton with over-cab bed, to sleep four. The Trakkaway 720 is almost identical in dimensions and specifications to the Trakkaway 700, and priced identically at $180,000 drive away in NSW. The popular Alfresco pack option is also available for an additional $5000. Both models are built on the latest topspec Fiat Ducato, but with a custom AL-KO chassis. AL-KO suspension is also a feature at both ends, and in standard trim both Trakkaways feature an impressive 900 kg payload and can be driven on a standard car licence.

• Passenger side wardrobe with table storage and bench underneath for access to 240 V outlets, USBs and 12 V socket • Overhead lockers that go along both the beds, with signature roller shutter doors • Large side windows in the bedroom (same size as 700), but the back window is significantly larger, for more natural ventilation and a light/open feeling • Twin drawers under both beds, with soft close function • Table floor-mount between the beds, so dining table can also be used at the rear of the vehicle like the Torino motorhome, and you can use the single beds as day lounges Trakka says it will officially launch the new layout at the Homebush Lifestyle Expo from 20-23 September and iMotorhome Magazine is hoping to include a full review in the October issue.

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18 | News

SUZUKI’S NEW JIMNY 4X4 CONFIRMED front and rear, but has been restyled inside and outside and looks somewhat like the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.

uzuki Australia has confirmed arrival of the all-new Jimny 4x4 in Australia in late 2018. The diminutive-but-capable off-roader is popular as a motorhome ‘toad’, but the new version takes the Jimny to a new level of sophistication – and safety. The new vehicle retains its proven coil-sprung live axles

New Jimny will have a four cylinder 1.5-litre engine, with ample torque at low rev to maintain off-road driving performance as well as enhance fuel economy. Other confirmed specifications include high beam assist, daytime running lights and multimedia satellite navigation featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, the next generation Jimny will also feature hill hold and hill decent controls as standard, plus the likelihood of cruise control. Safety has been put at the forefront of the design, with front dual, side and curtain airbags, Dual Sensor Brake Support and Electronic Stability Control.

The Wirraway 260 SL

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News | 19

MERCEDES-BENZ’S DIVERSE ELECTRIC FUTURE concerned this will cover many, but not all possible scenarios. For this reason, Mercedes is enhancing its eDrive@VANs strategy with fuel-cell drive, which offers substantial medium-term opportunities, especially in longdistance operation.

ercedes-Benz Vans is set to enhance what it calls its eDrive@VANs (eDrive@VANs) strategy with the fuel cell. Using the example of a coachbuilt motorhome, the Concept Sprinter F-CELL illustrates the benefits of a fuel cell for both long range and local operations, with zero emissions. When it comes to selecting the right powertrain concept, Mercedes-Benz Vans is focusing even more on the individual application, making it more customer dependent than ever. A comprehensive evaluation takes into account system weight, charging or refuelling time, range and economy. So, is the future the internal combustion engine, a battery-electric drive or fuel cell? The Daimler strategy does not provide a dogmatic, ideological answer to this question, but instead makes it dependent upon the best possible customer benefits. Volker Mornhinweg, head of MercedesBenz Vans, said the company will offer every commercial range with an electric drive – starting this year with the eVito and in 2019 with the eSprinter. As far as motorhomes are

The combination battery and fuel cell drives in the Concept Sprinter F-CELL deliver an electric output of around 147 kW and torque of 350 Nm. The three tanks in the substructure can store a total of 4.5 kg of hydrogen, which is enough for a range of about 300 kilometres, while an extra tank can be installed in the rear substructure to lift range to as much as 500 km. The Concept Sprinter F-CELL also combines innovative fuel cell and battery technology to create a plugin hybrid. Alongside hydrogen, it can also be ‘refuelled’ with electricity, raising the range by up to 30 kilometres. The structure has a reasonably low system weight and creates the greatest possible flexibility for additional bodies and conversions. Meanwhile, the modular drive system means the fuel cell can establish itself as an alternative to conventional and batteryelectric drives in the short to mid-term future.

20 | News

TOOT SWEET?

laims Grey Nomads have launched a ‘tooting’ campaign over the $10-a-night fee at a beachside rest area in Far North Queensland have caused a stir online. They triggered an astonishing avalanche of reaction, with most people slamming the idea. It was claimed on a major

online caravanners’ forum that Grey Nomads in, “RVs of all sorts” were tooting their horns as they drove through the nearby township of Carmila Beach to make locals aware of just how many travellers are now driving on by.

COLLYN RIVERS’ NEW WEBSITE

espected RV author and sometime iMotorhome magazine contributor, Collyn Rivers, has launched a new website. His new site, RV Books, includes a wealth of free articles and information on

general subjects including buying a new RV, and solar, battery and fridge basics. It also carries a range of technical articles of interest to RV owners. Collyn founded the worldwide electronics publication Electronics Today International, plus more than 20 other publications in electronics, computing, music and telecommunications. He was technology editor of The Bulletin and wrote the Federal Government’s Guide to Information Technology. He is also a leading authority on caravan stability, RV suspension and electrical systems.

22 | News

NEW NSW SPEEDING FINE

rom 1 September there will be a new road rule in NSW that could land you with a $448 fine and the loss of 3 demerit points if ignored. From that date, all drivers must reduce speed to 40 km/h when passing stationary police, ambulance and fire vehicles with flashing red and blue lights. The new rule will be trialled for 12 months. It is being introduced as extra protection for all emergency workers and volunteers attending crashes and other incidents. Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia already have a similar rule, although SA requires drivers to reduce speed to 25 km/h.

CRUISIN MOTORHOMES FINED MasterCard customers a 2 percent surcharge, despite processing costs ranging from 0.41 to 1.48 percent. The ban on excessive surcharges came into effect for all businesses on September 1 last year. Cruisin Motorhomes cooperated with the ACCC’s investigation and has taken steps to review and reduce its surcharges.

V rental business, Cruisin Motorhomes, has been fined $12,600 after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued an infringement notice for an alleged breach of the excessive payment surcharge laws. The ACCC claimed the company, which has branches in Hobart, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns, charged Visa and

ACCC deputy chairman Mick Keogh warned that overcharging was prohibited by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. “If businesses choose to impose a surcharge, they can only charge customers what it costs them to process a payment. Businesses need to ensure the credit and debit card surcharges they impose comply with the law or they risk facing ACCC action.”

SEE US AT Fraser Coast Expo 17 â€“ 19 August, 2018 Maryborough Showgrounds

iMotorhome Magazine - August 2018