iMotorhome eMagazine Issue 33 - Sep 21 2013

iMotorhome

33: September 21 2013

magazine

Issue

because getting there is half the fun...

Win!

$50 Caltex Fuel Card!

Truckin’ On Avida’s big Longreach is a motorhome for the long run...

Reader Rigs...

A Longreach love affair!

One for the Money?

Apple’s iPhone 5s v HTC’s One

LOVE YOUR FREEDOM. LOVE YOUR HORIZON.

What’s not to love about the Horizon Motorhomes range.

Inspired layouts with excellent living, sleeping and storage spaces.

Choose from six Horizon models, all passionately built by master craftsman using only the finest fixtures and fittings.

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Mercedes Benz and Fiat Ducato as base vehicles with options of two or four wheel drive Flexible sleeping layouts for singles, couples and friends Stunning well equipped kitchens, bathrooms with showers

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On my mind

3

THINGS...

O

ur new Web Guru – WG – continues to work wonders of varying proportions; implementing here, modifying there, polishing and filing and slowly bringing our website to perfection. Of course it’s a work in progress that will never be finished, but we have a couple of new features you should know about.

Firstly, he’s implemented a widget (nothing illegal, I assure you) so now you can browse or book a campervan or motorhome holiday almost anywhere in the world through our website. How’s that? You’ll find prices are highly competitive, so if you’re in the market for a

rental holiday please look here first.

Interestingly, I was looking through the various destinations and wondered how much a week in Malawi might cost next April (as you do). Lilongwe Airport is the only available pick-up/drop-off point and the cheapest vehicle on the list is a Toyota HiLux dual cab with a roof-top tent. I thought $88.45 a day quite reasonable until I saw the $2678.89 Lilongwe Airport pick-up (and matching drop-off) fee! Scotland’s looking much more fun...

The second feature WG’s created means classified advertisers can now log into

their accounts and see how many people have viewed their ads. It’s a small but important addition implemented in the last few days, but unfortunately it isn’t retrospective. He’s also working on some top secret stuff for dealer ads at present that I’d like to share, but would have to shoot you if I did. Hopefully, more on that next issue.

Speaking of classifieds, WG has reworked the images so they play as a slideshow when you click on them. He’s a busy little fellow – and there’s more to come!

Secondhand Rose Next issue we start the first of our new series of used Continued...

awrvworld.com.au View today the new Sunliner Twist Limited Edition

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Onmy my mind... mind On

4

...Continued

motorhome tests. A few readers have told me they love the new model tests but a new motorhome is simply out of their price range, as it is mine too.

Our used motorhome tests will try to cover a different price range each issue. The plan is to test a vehicle that’s actually for sale by a dealer (initially, at least) and look at how well it has stood the test of time – both individually

and as a representative sample for the age and class of vehicles by that manufacturer. It should also provide a reasonable expectation of what’s available in other makes and models in the given price range.

I’d also like to encourage interested readers to objectively review their own vehicles – warts and all – and we kick that off this issue with Roberts Davis’ review

The iMotorhome Team

of his obviously much loved Winnebago Longreach.

Mrs iMotorhome and I are on the road this week in Suncamper’s new twin bed Sherwood. It’s a new design body on a six-year old cab-chassis: An old-and-new test all in one. Can’t say we don’t push the boundaries!

d r a h c Ri

Richard Robertson

Malcolm Street

Agnes Nielsen-Connolly

Publisher & Managing Editor

Consulting Editor

Design & Production Manager

A long-time freelance RV, motoring and travel writer, Richard is a dedicated, longterm motorhome enthusiast.

Unquestionably Australia and New Zealand’s best known RV journalist, Malcolm is a fixture at CMCA rallies and RV shows and is now in his second decade as a specialist RV writer.

Agnes is an experienced and talented graphic designer with extensive experience across a wide range of disciplines, including travel and advertising.

richard@imotorhome.com.au

He has held senior editorial positions with some of the best know recreational vehicle magazines in Australia. Richard also has a passion for lifestyleenhancing technology, which is why he is the driving force behind the new iMotorhome eMagazine.

malcolm@imotorhome.com.au

If it’s available on either side of the Tasman, Malcolm has probably driven it, slept in it, reported on it, knows how it’s made and can tell you just how good it really is.

agnes@imotorhome.com.au

Designing and producing iMotorhome issues since June 2012, Agnes does much of the behind-the scenes work to ensure every issue looks great and is easy to read.

©2013 iMotorhome. All rights reserved. Published by iMotorhome. ABN 34 142 547 719.

PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW. 2576. Contact us on 0414 604 368 or Email: info@imotorhome.com.au

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INSIDE EDISNI 3 ON MY MIND Things...

7 ON YOUR MIND 10 NEWS 14 TESTED 28 READER RIGS 38 PRODUCT REVIEW 41 CLASSIFIEDS 42 MOBILE TECH 49 SHOW FEATURE 56 COOK-UP 58 NEXT ISSUE Have your say for a chance to win a $50 Caltex fuel card!

What’s happening in the RV world

Reach for the Sky – Malcolm reviews Avida’s big Longreach

Oh What a Feeling! – One man’s Longreach love affair

Enter the Dragon – The award winning Duvalay

This week’s featured iMotorhome Classifieds

One for the Money? – Comparing the new iPhone 5s to HTC’s One

4x4s X More! – Tough trucks from the Düsseldorf show

BBQ Garlic Prawns – Yum!

What’s coming up, plus our show calendar

6

On your mind

7 It’s only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind, you should be able to have yours too. If you have anything to say – or ask – just drop a line to letters@imotorhome. com.au and we’ll share it with

our readers. We’ll also reward the most interesting, useful or thoughtful letter each issue with a $50 Caltex fuel card to help you on your way.

It’s been a very quiet couple of weeks on the Letters front, with nothing popping into our inbox to take out this issue’s $50 Caltex fuel card prize. So come on folks, what are you waiting for?

01 | February 2013 timetoroam.com.au

Let the good times roll

La Dolce Vita Pr 25 int 50 Po 03 st Ap /0 pr 05 ov 58 ed

1969 Viscount RestoRing a classic

rv reviews Caravan, Camper +

| Camping with JaCk

| snakes + pets1 thompson Issue 01 February 2013

Australia’s most accessible Caravan/RV & Travel magazine.

20,000 copies per issue – estimated readership = 45,000 & growing.

Available nationally at over 600 outlets including Caravan/Holiday parks & Visitor Information centres.

‘Delivered to the places where people have time to relax and read’.

Also available at Caravan & RV Dealerships & Accessory stores.

PLUS the ‘live’ eMagazine read by over 3,000 per issue.

Visit www.timetoroam.com.au for the current and recent editions.

Subscription, advertising & editorial enquiries Ph 02 9695 7749 or info@timetoroam.com.au

On your mind

Home Hill only "welcomes!" RV’s in one location between the Bruce Highway and the railway line. Vans are lined up nose to tail like a used RV lot. Unfenced Vacant land on the other side of the railway line is off limits and we were hounded off it by a local policeman who informed us we could’t stay because it was railway land. Seems a pretty feeble justification and not supported by any signage. Home Hill will not receive our custom in the future.

Lindsay via email.

This email was received in response to last issue’s News story on Home Hill and tourism figures growing steadily in Queensland’s Berdekin region, thanks to a range of Council-led initiatives. I posted the above comments on our Facebook page and it elicited a deluge of comments. Here’s just a selection – It seems your views are in the minority, Lindsay!

Home Hill provides two excellent sites one free and one $10 per night as well as caravan parks. They are to be congratulated for their initiative in attaching RV tourists. It is people like this who seem to think they have the right to use any land to do what they please that gets us all a bad name. I would suggest your

8 writer needs to wake up to himself/herself - Arthur.

it's a good little stopover in a town we wouldn't have spent money in if not for the I would have thought that the free camp. They even had fact that vans were nose to tail showers. We always tried to would indicate that's where support RV friendly towns like you're allowed to park and a home hill when we travelled vacant block would indicate Simonne. that you weren't allowed to park there. Well done Home I must concur with both Arthur Hill for the amenities you and Graham - those travellers provide - Graham. who think they can just 'camp' on ANY vacant land will be the Its a shame when councils undoing of all free-camps; and spend money and go against also to Val's comment - read vested interests to supply things in their entirety & stop us with stops that some whinging. We stayed at both people do not appreciate. Any the free camp (one-night) and one who does not like free the showgrounds (5 nights) overnight stops should try and spent well over $600 in caravan parks - Stuart. town - food, fuel, sightseeing, bait for fishing, etc. Only too It's not meant to be a luxury pleased to support Home Hill stop just a place to pull up Juanita. and rest, thank you would be nice and the fact you get Give some people an inch, to do it at all, I worry about they want a bloody mile! our sense of entitlement Home hill have done it well, sometimes - Narelle. if your not happy go some It seems that we can all go and camp on that persons front lawn if they don't have a no camping sign up. Home Hill are to be congratulated on what they have done! - Don. We stayed at Home Hill, the amenities were great even if trains were noisy due to the camp being right next to the lines. Next time I would take ear plugs but otherwise

where else instead of bagging a community that has done all the right things compared to many other towns who want our custom but give nothing in return - John.

On your mind

9

Hi Richard, love the magazine and website so please keep on producing them. Quick question - back in issue 29 you showed a photo of a memory foam overlay in the Trakkadu AT that you tested with the comment you had borrowed it. I was wondering where that was obtained from and what size was it? I have a 2006 T5 Trakkadu with the standard 1.95 x 1.25 bed but when I

look online at various shops that sell these, the single size ones seem to be a little small and the double size ones are a little too big for the Trakkadu bed. The one in the photo looked to fit perfectly. Thanks.

with Trakka and that overlay, which was supplied with the vehicle, is made to measure for them. Nothing with memory foam in it is cheap – we have a Tempur-brand bed and while lovely it cost a small fortune – and the custom Trakkadu Regards, overlay in question retails for John via email $650 (which I’m presuming includes the cover). Email Thanks John, glad you like trakka@trakka.com.au what we’re doing! I’ve checked if you’re interested!

222 Governor Road Braeside VIC 3195 Ph: 03 9588 0077 info@trailblazersrv.com www.trailblazersrv.com

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News

10

v AVIDA and SYDNEY RV GROUP PART WAYS v

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he Sydney RV Group will cease to represent Avida and Winnebago Motorhomes, effective September 30, 2013, at both their Narrabeen and Penrith dealerships, according to a press release.

“Avida and the Sydney RV Group have recognised that both companies have future strategies which are not mutually compatible and after ongoing and amiable discussion, resolved that the most favourable outcome was for each of the companies to move forward in their own way without any

cross association to the Avida and Winnebago brands.”

“The relationship between the Sydney RV Group and Avida terminates at midnight on Monday September 30, 2013 from which time the Sydney RV Group will be no longer an authorised Avida dealership for motorhome or caravan sales, warranty or service and therefore cannot order further new vehicles to meet new customer demands.”

“Local customers will be well catered for in terms of sales,

servicing and after sales activity

by Avida Newcastle located at Bennett's Green near Newcastle or Avida Shoalhaven at Bomaderry near Nowra and the Avida factory service centre will cater for local after sales demand.”

“Avida wishes to assure all Avida customers of the Sydney RV Group that we will continue to offer an exception level of after sales service and warranty to them however should customers have any concerns, they are welcome to contact the Avida Customer Relations team on 02 4735 8116.”

h TIME FOR A SEACHANGE? h body on a Japanese Hino truck cab-chassis.

Q

ueenslandbased Seachange, manufactures of a range of upmarket caravans and a part of the Haines Group

(remember the Haines Hunter), has just released images of its first motorhome. No details are available but the photos show what basically looks like a caravan

iMotorhome is hoping to get a closer look at this unusual vehicle and perhaps even a review, but we do wonder about the thinking behind the design. Seachange, we are told, has built a solid reputation for construction quality with its caravan line and we have no doubts about a motorhome product, in this regard. We’ll bring you more news as it comes to hand, but in the mean time you can view the full range of images and contact Seachange at seachangecaravans. com.au

News

11

Y Make way for the RUV... Z

most traditional RVs can’t go.”

Go figure...

O

ne of the things Mr and Mrs iMotorhome observed in the US was the never ending quest to find a need that doesn’t exist and then create one! Of course Americans aren’t alone in this: BMW did it with the portly and ridiculous X6 4WD off-road coupe, but we’ve digressed.

Thor Motor Coach, perhaps America’s largest RV manufacturer, has just invented a new market

segment called the RUV: Recreational Utility Vehicles.

The Company has unveiled a pair of RUVs – the Vegas (something of a gamble, perhaps?) and the Axis – which look like they could star in a movie called Honey, I Shrunk The RV. Measuring 7.6 m (25 ft) long, 2.4 m(8 ft) wide and 3.3 m (11 ft) tall, they are hardly small by the rest of the World’s standards, but are said to, “Fit in the tightest of spaces

The size reduction won’t be matched by much of a reduction in thirst as these two new ‘babies’ still use Ford’s 6.8-litre V10 petrol engine – and again I say, go figure – but it does help keep the price down. Interiors are said to be lavish, with all the latest goodies plus unusual features like a dropdown overhead bunk and single beds that convert to a king.

“The new line up of our RUV is sized like a large SUV and most importantly, they are priced like one. A family can own one with payments and less than most sport utility vehicles,” said Dana Simon, vice president of sales and marketing for Thor Motor Coach.

Only in America...

News f

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VW T2 KOMBI FINALLY CEASES PRODUCTION f

A

lthough Volkswagen ceased production of the T2 Transporter in Germany in 1979, with Mexico following suit in 1994, Brazil has soldiered on.

Until now!

Volkswagen is finally discontinuing production of the iconic vehicle at the end of the year because it doesn’t comply with Brazil’s impending safety laws. Beginning in 2014, new cars will be required to have anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and airbags; features not compatible with the mechanically ancient van.

“The discontinuation of the VW minibus, the longest-produced model in automotive history, is sure to disappoint camper van

enthusiasts around the globe, many of whom organize festivals and gatherings to commemorate its creation. But it may ruffle the feathers of Brazilians even more, many of whom have long relied on the bus’s reasonable price and simple design for all kinds of needs beyond just getting around: from mobile kiosks and ambulances to even hearses,” According to Germany’s Der Spiegel newspaper.

In Brazil, the minibus, which is called the ‘A Kombi,’ costs 47,000 real ($A22,600 approx).

By comparison, a Mercedes Sprinter—a similar cargo van— costs more than 80,000 real.

Volkswagen will roll out a final, commemorative edition series of

the camper van, which will include features and design quirks meant to celebrate the myriad versions that Brazil has produced over time. The model, spacious enough for nine people, will be produced in one of its most classic color combinations — Atlanta Blue and white — and carry traditional Kombi design elements, including a speedometer at the center of the dashboard.

Those features will be paired with modern-day technologies like an MP3 sound system with auxiliary and USB ports. Only 600 limited edition vehicles (accompanied by a special certificate of authenticity) will be manufactured, for a going price of roughly 85,000 real (A$41,000).

News

13 Y BYE BYE Z

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New to our Range is the brilliant ‘live like a movie star’ Wirraway 260 SL, the latest in our 260 series; our EuroStyle 260 with it’s European styled interior and “The Motorhome of the Year”, the Wirraway 260.

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Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL

Reach

14

for the Sky

Avida’s big Longreach is a blue sky vehicle for many aspiring motorhomers....

Review and images by Malcolm Street

Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL

15

Despite its size the Longreach handles country roads easily.

I

n the large B and C-class motorhome category in Australia there are only a few contenders and Avida, Australia's largest manufacturer, has one in the form of its aptly named Longreach. It's not only large in terms of size, but can also accommodate six people without a problem. This means for just two people it should be a very comfortable proposition.

diesel engine that delivers a maximum of 139 kW and 510 Nm of torque. Being the Isuzu ‘Premium Pack’ version it also comes with a six speed automated manual transmission (AMT). Unlike its European counterparts, disc brakes are not fitted all round, but only to the front wheels: the rears being conventional drums (an exhaust brake is also standard). I’ll get to the suspension in a moment...

foam sheet filler that Avida claims will both act as insulation and a road noise reducer.

The walls are laminated, with backing panels and an outer fibreglass skin.

Part of the frame has to include the slide-out, which is built into the offside wall behind the driver’s cab. Down below, the floor panel has a ply timber sheet above and metal The Vehicle sheeting below for underfloor protection. Additionally, the he Longreach is built One of the features of the front Luton peak/cab surround on an Isuzu NQR 450 and rear wall is fully moulded Long Series cab-chassis. Longreach is that it gives the impression of being a very large fibreglass. EPDM synthetic Apart from anything else the Isuzu has a gross vehicle mass vehicle, as indeed it is at 9.5 m rubber is used as the outer (31ft 2 in) long. The Longreach covering for the roof.

(GVM) of 8700 kg, which is is built using a fully welded definitely good for a larger On most smaller motorhomes metal frame for the walls, floor load capacity. The Isuzu 450 the usual external features are and roof. That frame has a comes with a 5.2-litre turbo-

T

Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL

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external storage bins, awning, an entertainment unit of some sort and maybe a slide-out BBQ. Well, the Longreach has all of those plus an external kitchen that includes a stainless steel sink, cupboards, work bench and gas BBQ in a slideout. Also fitted into the body of the vehicle is a kitchen pantry, small Waeco fridge and a front loading washing machine. So it is possible – should the rather odd mood strike – to cook an al fresco breakfast and do the washing at the same time!

A motorhome like this is always going to be very well equipped electrically. The Longreach has 3 x 100 AH batteries on their own slide-out tray (which is heavy to move) in a nearside bin, whilst a 3.6 kVA petrol powered Onan generator has its own offside bin. Out of sight on the roof are a pair 80 W solar panels.

External bins under slide-outs are often awkward to get out with the slide-outs open, as they are in this case. There are two under each slide-out but Avida have made life a bit easier by having side-hinged, rather that top-hinged bin doors all round.

On the Road he bulk of the Longreach might seem to make it a daunting vehicle to drive, but the reality is that it’s not. Mr iM publisher and myself took the motorhome on a run across the Blue Mountains, west of

T

With the bedroom slideout relocated to the driver’s side there’s now room for a roll-out kitchen at the rear. A drop-down support leg would be a good idea, though.

Sydney, which is an excellent testing route with a good variety of road conditions.

The 5.2-litre engine certainly delivers plenty of grunt and the AMT gearbox slides through

the gears reasonably smoothly.

Like many an AMT box, it can be a bit hesitant in the lower ranges, particularly when a quick downshift is needed, but otherwise it’s okay.

Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL

17

Through-cab access is doable but restricted by engine cover. Front seats don’t swivel.

Reupholstered Isuzu seats are okay, as is the driving position.

I should point out that the GVM of 8700 kg puts it above the Light Rigid (LR) driver’s licence limit of 8000 kg, therefore the Longreach requires a Medium Rigid (MR) licence. In Avida’s brochure the Isuzu chassis is

described as being “rugged.”

I’m wondering from a driver / passenger point of view that particular word's usage might give the wrong impression.

One of the differences between the European trucks and their

Japanese equivalents is that the Europeans tend to be more car like and the Japanese more truck like. So when a cab chassis is described as rugged (for transport use) it might also imply a rugged ride. That said, when I jumped into the cab expecting the usual Isuzu ride comfort, I was pleasantly surprised and wondering what radical improvements the Japanese manufacturer has been doing.

Actually it wasn’t Isuzu at all, but Avida. Assist air bags and Bilstein shock absorbers have been added all round. Hooray!

I’ve often wondered why air bag suspension is not used more often by motorhome manufacturers – even helper airbags like these.

Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL Living Inside aving 9.5 m (31 ft 2 in) of motorhome length to play with and two offside slide-outs gives motorhome designers plenty of latitude. A kitchen bench/ cabinet area fills most of the mid nearside. Opposite, the front slide-out has an L-shaped lounge at the front behind the driver's cab as well as a cafe style dinette. The rear half of the Longreach features a split bathroom and, right in the rear, an east-west bed with its head in the offside slide-out.

Up front the Luton peak has a bed that can be lifted out of the way if not needed. An option here is cupboard space rather than the bed. Lifting up the bed does open up the driver's cab more and does give better access to and from the cab, but it's certainly not the flat floor style of the European motorhomes.

18

H

Looking at the general decor this Longreach seemed to have a beige/brown theme that to some eyes might look a bit bland, but there are certainly other colour schemes available.

For instance you could try something that matches in with Mr iM Publisher's mauve shirt.....

Avida is still using the louvre style Hehr windows, which I quite like from both a usage and security point of view. The only thing I don't like is the window winding mechanism, which is awkward to get your

Tandem slideouts compromise storage bin access.

Interior colours are neutral and inoffensive.

L-shaped sofa-end extends. Be sure to stow it before retracting slideout!

Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL

19

Cafe-style dinette is seatbelt equipped for four . Ultra leather upholstery comes from ultra synthetic cows . . .

Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL

20

fingers around and must be a problem for those struggling with arthritis. Electric lighting throughout is mostly a mixture of reading or downlights, all LED. Lounging Around ndoubtedly one of the feature items in the Longreach is the lounge space. There's plenty of it, thanks to the more formal cafe-style dinette and the more casual L-shaped lounge. Quite a useful feature is the front facing part of the lounge, which can be easily extended into the space created when you open the slide-out.

U There’s plenty of living room with the main slide extended.

However, there is just one little caveat here, as discovered by the iMotorhome team. It's important not to leave the seat in the extended position and close the slide-out! Trust us, it could be an expensive mistake and we did wonder about a little safety cut out for the slide-out if the seat end was left extended.

Sometimes, RV manufacturers put TVs in funny positions but this one is quite logical; being fitted into a purpose built cabinet behind the passenger’s seat. At the push of a button the flat screen TV rises magically into position and can be seen easily from both the L-shaped lounge and the forward facing seats of the dinette.

“Hey Malcolm, watch this!” Richard finds the TV up/down switch...

The dinette itself can seat four people and has a height

Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL

21

adjustable table. Being in the slide-out, there's a small step to and from. Overhead lockers are fitted above both the dinette and lounge.

Time to Eat ne of the characteristics of the kitchen bench area is that it looks quite large, as it is, but to me at least it lacks in one particular area. It does come with a four burner (three gas, one electric) cooktop/ grill/oven alongside a stainless steel sink with drainer. A Sharp carousel microwave oven sits in the overhead locker area and a large 3-way 186-litre Dometic fridge takes up position at the rear end of the bench. That leaves room for a generous amount of cupboard and drawer space, as well as both a wire rack pantry and space

O Huge sofa is an inviting place to relax.

Dinette table is large enough to park a London Double Decker...

Storage galore! Note top wire pantry units and space below for your coffee machine.

For a big motorhome there’s not much kitchen bench space.

Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL

22

Bedside sound system is a nice touch.

Bedside shelves and cupboards are handy. for a coffee machine (aren't we trendy) hiding behind a roller shutter door.

What the kitchen does not have very much of is benchtop working space. If you are a neat cook who doesn't spread out much then no problem, but if not, well...

Located just under the bench top are controls for the Webasto diesel heater, Suburban hot water system and front slide-out. If looking for the rest of the controls, like the generator, then they are on a panel above the bed.

Separate loo is a welcome feature.

After Hours s noted, the Longreach has a split bathroom, with the shower cubicle located on the nearside in front of the bedroom area and the toilet/wash basin cubicle on the opposite side. If needed for privacy, the toilet cubicle door can be fully opened, thus closing off the whole bathroom area (shame if you want privacy on the loo at that time - Ed).

A

Instead of being round or square the shower cubicle is right angled on the wall side, but multi-faceted on the other.

Might sound odd but it works well. Across the way, the toilet cubicle is fully equipped with a china bowl Dometic cassette toilet and a fully equipped vanity cabinet, complete with a large wall mirror. Ventilation is courtesy of both a window and a fan hatch in the ceiling above.

Often with beds fitted in slideouts little compromises are made, like no bedside cabinets, because of space restrictions.

Not in this case, however: Bedside cabinets are fitted on both sides of the queen bed.

The rear cabinet even comes with a radio/CD player. Most

Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL

In-bedroom shower cubicle is big but lacks some privacy.

Bathroom vanity is nicely equipped. of the nearside wall opposite the bed is fitted with storage cabinetry. There’s also a full height wardrobe in the rear corner and a lower cabinet, complete with drawers, under the window. A little bit of clever thinking has been employed with the top half of the wardrobe: it's wider than everything else and simply fits into the air space above the bed when the slide-out is closed. Additionally, the underbed area can also provides storage, the bed being lifted electrically rather than by hand.

23

What I Think or its size the Longreach does have the disadvantage of being a B or C-class motorhome, rather than a full coachbuilt A-class, but on the flip side you do get that Isuzu reliability along with the original cab structure still in place, as well as plenty of motorhome building experience from Avida.

F

The length of the Longreach means a considerable amount of external storage and the two slide-outs offer a great deal of internal living space. Even with

them both closed up, it's still possible to utlilise the interior without much problem. If you'd like a large motorhome with plenty of internal space, as well as a very well equipped outdoor cooking/living/ entertaining area, then the Avida Longreach is certainly a contender.

Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL

24

A

vida’s Longreach makes an interesting comparison with the big Fleetwood Tioga Montara C-class Mrs iMotorhome and I travelled across America in earlier this year. Both are almost identically sized; both have two slide-outs and both are pretty basic when it comes to base vehicle refinement/sophistication.

Whereas the Montara used a big, thirsty V10 petrol engine and a conventional 5-speed automatic the Isuzu is all Jap truck, with a noisy-but-economical 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and more efficient but less smooth automated manual transmission. The Montara did have for-wheel disc brakes, however.

Inside, neither vehicle could have swivelling cab seats, but the Montara’s conventional front engine and axle layout meant through-cab access was easy. Not so the Longreach, where you sit over the front axle and on top of the engine (with precious little in front of you in case of accident, despite dual airbags.). Through-cab access is certainly quite doable, but not the norm.

Previous two-slide models had the bedroom slide on the kerb side, but both slides are now – sensibly – on the driver’s side. This frees up space beneath the enormous electric awning and provides space for the outdoor entertainment system and roll-out kitchen.

Interestingly, there is just one Longreach model available now as the previous singleslide 8.2 m (27 ft) version is no more.

generator rather than a diesel unit seems ridiculous. It means the generator has its own fuel tank and you always have to be mindful of how much petrol it has, rather than it just being connected to the Isuzu’s main diesel tank.

Similarly, fitting a pair of 80 W solar panels in place of 2 or more higher rated units seems rather shabby; as does a grey water tank half the capacity of the freshwater tank.

The American Montara felt quite cheap overall, whereas the Longreach seems much sturdier and I have no doubt which will handle 20-plus years of touring far better.

The Isuzu cab-chassis will also likely outlast the body. Of course this is a totally oranges and apples comparison, as the Montara can be bought new for about US65,000, while the Longreach will set you back over A$280,000 – so it bloody well should last!

In many ways the Longreach is something of a dinosaur: noisy, ponderous and showing its age. But let’s not forget dinosaurs proved remarkably resilient and outlasted many other species! In a way that’s its charm. The Longreach feels solid, dependable and has living space and an onroad ‘presence’ few other locally made motorhomes can match. Owner-reporter Robert Davis loves his older Winnebago Longreach with an almost fanatical passion and for him it can do no wrong.

As they say, “You pays your money and you makes your choice.”

Given the asking price, then, some details of the The Longreach has undergone Longreach’s specs smack of significant reengineering in its penny pinching. For instance, journey to become an Avida. the use of a petrol powered

Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL

25

At home on the open road. The Longreach is made for leisurely, long distance touring and the Isuzu NQR 450 is tough and should last forever.

Day Test: Avida Longreach C9536SL

Specifications Manufacturer

Avida

Model

Longreach C9536SL

Base Vehicle

Isuzu NQR 450 Premium

Engine

5.2-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

139 kW @ 2600 rpm

Torque

510 Nm @ 1600-2600 rpm

Gearbox

6 speed AMT

Brakes

ABS front disc, rear drum and exhaust

Tare Weight

7050 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

8700 kg

Licence

Medium Rigid (MR)

Approved Seating

6

External Length

9.50 m (31 ft 2 in)

External Width

2.49 m (8 ft 2 in)

External Height

3.60 m (11 ft 9 in)

Internal Height

1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)

Rear Bed Size

1940 mm x 1530 mm (6 ft 4 in x 5 ft)

Luton Bed Size

1905 mm x 1420 mm (6 ft 3 in x 4 ft 8 in)

Cooktop

Dometic 4 burner, grill and oven

Fridge

Dometic RM 4605 186-litre, 3-way

Microwave

Sharp Carousel

Lighting

12 V LED

Batteries

3 x 100 AH

Gas

2 x 9 kg

Heater

Webasto diesel

Solar Panels

2 x 80 W

Air Conditioner

Dometic

Hot Water Heater

Suburban 23-litre

Toilet

Dometic cassette

Shower

Separate cubicle

Fresh Water Tank

250-litre

Grey Water Tank

125-litre

Price

$282,290 drive away NSW

26

Pros • • • • • • • •

Tandem slide-outs Large lounge area Split bathroom Good external bin space Improved Isuzu suspension Standard equipment Load capacity Isuzu durability

Cons

• Smallish kitchen bench • Awkward cab access • Battery tray heavy to draw out • AMT gearbox hesitant in lower ranges

Contact Avida 32 David Road Emu Plains NSW 2750

Click for Google Maps

Ph: (02) 4735 8116 W: avidarv.com.au E: email contact form on website

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Reader Rigs: Winnebago Longreach 27

Love letter from a happy camper...

Review and images

by Robert Davis

28

Reader Rigs: Winnebago Longreach 27

29

In silhouette the Longreach almost looks like an A-class. Almost...

Y

ou know the feeling.

She’s new, beautiful and inviting. But what is she really like on the inside, to live with day after day? Stepping inside Roberts Winnebago’s showroom in October 2010 I spotted her instantly. Oh what a feeling (Toyota’s fault!).

This was a serious upgrade after trading my two year-old Jayco Conquest that Roberts (Melbourne) had collected from my address in Tasmania courtesy of an obliging retired volunteer driver.

Before the trade was agreed I had visited Roberts for the vital first inspection. Scaling

the Longreach’s double step, my heart-rate was just a little elevated, my breathing just a little faster and the anticipation leaving me just a little tremulous. The moment had arrived to enter the motorhome I’d been salivating over for a long, long time.

Lusting after her sisters as they passed by on the road in the hands of their lucky owners had only fuelled my determination to possess her.

I knew the specs backwards had read every review but until that day had not seen her in the brand new flesh.

I began examining the fit

and finish, materials quality, operating the single slide-out (8.2 m/26 ft 11 in model), switching lights on and off and generally poking around.

Inhaling that new vehicle fragrance whilst surrounded by brand new furniture wrapped in plastic, I tried hard to be a rational assessor while my emotional brain was screaming, “I’ll take it, I’ll take it!”

Knowing that I must resist those screams or risk compromising the allimportant negotiation phase, I continued to indulge my hysteria in the comfortable

Reader Rigs: Winnebago Longreach 27

30

Robert’s ‘baby’ is the smaller 8.2 m (27 ft) single-slide Longreach that’s no longer available. absence of the inevitable salesperson. Of course I’m going to buy it, but the sales representative mustn’t get a whiff of my exuberance or I’ll surely pay a premium price.

After extracting the dealers ‘rock bottom’ all-inclusive on-road price I walked away declaring it just wasn’t good enough and I would look elsewhere. The look of sheer disappointment on the salesman’s face left me

with just a smidgeon of guilt.

Since this Longreach was only one of a very few around Australia on the shop floor and immediately available (normal build time three to six months) I wondered if my leaving was a questionable strategy.

Two hours later I returned to give the despairing salesman a ‘last chance.’ He reacted with controlled surprise. I gave him my bottom line. He said he would have to talk to his

director (I actually witnessed that interaction through glass doors!). On his return I was more surprised at his acceptance of my offer than I think he was at seeing me again. The trade-in, bull-bar, Autosat, full annex and other extras were all included in my ‘final offer’ price.

On My Way!

W

ithin minutes of driving out of the showrooms a

Reader Rigs: Winnebago Longreach 27

The Isuzu’s dash features a central information screen.

Mac Truck driver gave me a knowing wave. It was the first ever. Never got so much as a raised truckers eyebrow driving the Conquest. I immediately imagined my Julian Assange forearms swelling to double their size covered in tattoos and coarse black hair. Suddenly and inspiringly, I realised I had

been covertly inducted into the elite truckers world and every moment on the road would be different from then on.

Truckers know an Isuzu when they see one. So they know you have a medium rigid (MR) truck licence and you are driving a 5.1-litre four-

Through-cab access is restricted by engine cover.

31

cylinder turbo-diesel NQR450 Premium. Then they start feeling sorry for you. They probably know the factory driver’s and passenger’s seats are just blocks of unforgiving solid foam, albeit dressed up nicely by Winnebago’s velour covers. They know your back will be aching as they cruise by on their air suspension seats that are too high to fit inside the low roof NQR cab.

So it was as I felt the bumps that only hard foam seats and leaf springs provide. This despite the addition of front wheel airbags and Bilstein shock absorbers.

I’ve heard disparaging remarks that the Longreach was ‘just a truck’ (comment

Reader Rigs: Winnebago Longreach 27

32

Rear boot door is large but awning seems small for the size of vehicle.

A multitude of external lockers (above and below) provide an abundance of storage.

actually made by a not-tobe-named Winnebago dealer whose sales were mostly the Esperance model!). Despite its glorious commanding on and off-road presence, was it really ‘just a truck’? Well, after two and a half years of ownership it isn’t ‘car-like’ to drive, doesn’t ‘turn on a sixpence’ (yes I’m pre-metric) and it does get noisy at the high revs you will need on steep hills. But I just love this truck!

Compared with the popular front-wheel drive Fiat chassis the Isuzu feels reassuringly indestructible, with four reardriven wheels for superb traction. Early on I got bogged (and just a bit anxious) in soft sand at a campsite near Coles Bay on Tasmania’s east coast.

I engaged the Isuzu’s low-ratio

Reader Rigs: Winnebago Longreach 27

33

Ladder makes roof inspections relatively easy. Note twin reversing cameras.

AMT first gear and this truck just slowly and unhesitatingly crawled out to firm terrain.

I was joyously stunned but don’t recommend the somewhat ‘anal’ experience.

Front wheel drive in this situation would have required tow assistance.

The Longreach GVM/Tare ratio makes for substantial storage and a huge carrying capacity not legally available on a light truck chassis. That’s why you get a 3.6 kVA inbuilt Onan generator, 250 litres of fresh water (on longer trips I take a total of 500 litres carrying the remaining 250 litres in convenient 25 litre plastic Jerry cans. These are variously distributed and stored in the ample locker compartments that the

The bullbar and driving lights were optional.

Longreach design facilitates.

The heavy-duty chassis and leaf spring suspension easily accommodates the extra load.

Towing a 1-tonne Suzuki Jimny aboard a Tilta car trailer

is a breeze, thanks to the Isuzu’s 3-tonne tow rating.

Rugged, robust and reliable has characterised this motor home. Being a truck it’s got great ground clearance and with Isuzu’s low-ratio first, in

Reader Rigs: Winnebago Longreach 27

34

After-market Stratos suspension seats are Robert’s favourite addition. combination with the AMT clutch-less transmission, it will creep undamaged over some interesting terrain.

My Mods and More... n the first three months I replaced the stock seats with two Stratos suspension seats that were not limited by the internal cab height, unlike the air suspension seats I had looked at. And what a world of difference! The seats work by floating the seat in a frame fixed to the cab floor. The seat hangs on a spring and compression and rebound are controlled both by the spring and a small shock absorber, both discreetly out of view.

I

Cab access is good but frontal accident protection is negligible.

Reader Rigs: Winnebago Longreach 27

35

There’s no fixed dinette. Instead, a removable table mounts in front of the lounge.

Upholstered in fabric, these seats have lateral and lumbar supports and look really classy. With the under body leaf springs, Bilstein shock absorbers, adjustable firestone airbags and Stratos seats the ride quality is dramatically improved, thanks to the addition of the mechanical suspension arrangement.

Truckies take note.

The Longreach’s interior is of a high standard. Cabinet fit is excellent and materials are of good quality. The lounge slideout dramatically increases floor space, making for comfortable viewing of the flat screen LCD TV from a fold-out couch/bed that has storage underneath. The kitchen also

occupies this extended area, with a large two-door fridge/ freezer located on the slideout plinth. Directly opposite is a three burner cooktop, griller, electric hotplate and gas oven.

There is an adequate food preparation surface, with a swing up extension if required.

A capacious stainless steel sink, a good-sized drainer and stainless steel microwave completes the kitchen set-up.

The Luton peak comprises an ‘envirofoam’ double bed and has a cargo net to keep stored items from ejecting from the area. I haven’t slept up there,

Reader Rigs: Winnebago Longreach 27

36

but I’m sure I’d bang my head on the ceiling trying to sit up.

The loo and vanity are separate from the shower. Nice.

The queen-sized island bed in the main bedroom runs north-south.

Security net stops luggage and sleepers from rolling out of the over-cab bed.

Hehr glass windows are fitted all-round, with those on the lateral sides configured with louvres and insect screens.

These windows have a drainage system that can get overloaded if you are parked on an incline, with some leakage into the interior. I fixed this by placing a small absorbent cloth against the internal drain channel outlet.

The ensuite comprises a ceramic bowl vacuum-flush dual cassette toilet; small sink, overhead lockers and under sink cupboards. Room to move is adequate and overall the limited space works well.

The separate shower has a dedicated space where you can turn around easily.

Just don’t drop the soap unless you fancy contacting the shower walls in multiple places with multiple and sensitive part of your anatomy.

If you get stuck in the ‘I’ve nearly got the soap’ crouched position just fall out of the door and start again!

At the rear I replaced the island queen-sized Envirofoam mattress with a spring mattress that gives markedly improved comfort over the somewhat firm foam. For privacy the bedroom can be closed off with a sliding door.

A ceiling-mounted remotelycontrolled reversible fan hatch, which closes automatically if

Reader Rigs: Winnebago Longreach 27 it rains, is positioned directly above the bed. Ducted aircon and webasto furnace heating handle the climactic extremes.

Internal storage is found in multiple lockers, cupboards, two small wardrobes and under the main, queen-sized bed. Externally, there is a huge storage area at the rear that extends the entire width of the motorhome, with access doors on either side. There is a 150 kg weight limitation for this area since it extends a fair bit beyond the rear axle. I keep most of the heavy stuff, including the extra water I carry, in the external storage bins that sit between the axles.

The electrical system has never let me down. The 2000 watt inverter and two 80

watt solar panels that come standard with the Longreach do an exemplary job. The Onan generator acts as an effective battery back-up charger and provides for 240 volt applications. LPG is supplied by two 9 kg cylinders.

The Longreach is built with a curved EPDM lightweight rubber roof that overlaps the side-walls and eliminates problems associated with water pooling.

True Love? m I besotted with my Longreach? Is there so much more I could tell you about this motorhome?

Absolutely. Do I want a quiet A-class 240 hp diesel pusher like the Tiffin Allegro Breeze 32BR that rides on full air

A

Robert loves his Longreach, but dreams of a bigger American A-class...

37

suspension? Of course I bloody well do! I also want to pay the US $188,000 our lucky American cousins pay for this very vehicle rather than a figure closer to $A400,000 to acquire the right hand drive converted version here in Australia, but I digress (Well buy one and keep it in the US for overseas holiday adventures - Ed).

In the meantime, my debt free Longreach has a unique character: Rugged, robust, reliable and comfortable; with great on-road presence and the real pleasure that comes from living in its beautiful highquality interior does it for me.

You know the feeling!

Rob Davis 2010 Winnebago 8.1 metre Longreach/Jimny Toad

Product Preview: Duvalay

38

Enter the Dragon

Duvalay ‘slays’ Dragon judges to become an international success...

Product Preview: Duvalay

39

The Duvalay top layer is double the width of the base, providing plenty of room to snuggle in and get comfy.

T

he reality television series Dragon’s Den, originally from Japan, has spawned many international versions. In it, would-be entrepreneurs present their ideas to a panel of business ‘Dragons’ in the hope of securing funding, developing the business and living happily ever after.

The UK versions of the show, coming up for its 12th season, has been a huge success and one of the businesses it helped launch is Duvalay, whose catchline is “Bedtime luxury... anywhere.”

According to the Duvalay UK website, “In 2003, Liz and Alan Colleran began

to investigate a suitable mattress topper to alleviate their back pains and facilitate a good nights sleep in a caravan. They tried numerous materials, thicknesses and styles until the present products were perfected.” That product range is now quite extensive, encompassing memory foam pillows, mattresses, mattress toppers and even pet beds for the home, plus a specialised range of products for RVs and boats.

Bags of Fun...

The Duvalay – the product that launched the company and which iMotorhome will soon start testing – is

essentially a luxury sleeping bag with a memory foam base and a duvet top. Both the memory foam and duvet live in separate pockets, which are joined down one side only (and across the bottom with an enlarged foot box).

The top duvet section is much wider than the base and because it’s only joined down one side it’s more

Product Preview: Duvalay like an envelope than a conventional sleeping bag.

This not only makes it far less claustrophobic, it means you can make it left or right handed just by reversing it over. And because of the big overlap of the top duvet you can butt two together and make a cosy double bed.

Duvalay UK has sold more than 70,000 units – so they must be good – and you can choose between 3 base thicknesses (2.5/4/5 cm) and 2 duvet warmth ratings (4.5/10.5 Tog). The memory foam base of all Duvalays measures 1.90 m x .66 m, while the top duvet extends to

40 about 1.3 m, which allows for plenty of wriggle and snuggle room (that’s the theory, we haven’t tried them yet!). The covers are machine washable and Duvalays roll into a bundle from 29 to 52 cm in diameter, depending on the base and duvet thickness chosen.

Special Offer!

We’ll be roadtesting a pair of 4 cm / 4.5 Trog Duvalays this coming week, which retail at $259 each, and will bring you a first hand report next issue.

If you can’t wait, or just think they’re exactly what you need, in a special deal for iMotorhome readers just mention iMotorhome when you order to receive $10 off 1 or $35 off 2 Duvalays, plus free postage Australia-wide (excludes remote locations).

Visit www.duvalay.net, email info@duvalay.com or call Neil Hobbs on (08) 9336 7714 for further information or to order!

DUvalays are luxury singles that can easily be joined as a double.

Classifieds: Snapshots

iMotorhome Featured Classifieds

41

Mobile Tech: Phone 5s v HTC One

One for the Money?

Is Apple’s new iPhone 5s a better buy than HTC’s flagship One? From Gizmag

42

Mobile Tech: Phone 5s v HTC One

T

he HTC One is easily one of the sharpest looking phones ever made. But if any company can give it a run for its money, it's Apple. How does Apple’s latest flagship compare to the phone HTC has staked its future on? Read on for a comparison of the features and specs of these two mobile tech heavyweights.

Size As the size of Android phones have crept up over the last few years, Apple has been a lot less eager to boost the iPhone's size. So here we see the One measuring about 11% taller, 15% wider and 18% thicker than the iPhone 5s.

Weight The iPhone 5s (112 g) is 22% lighter than the One (143 g).

Build Both phones are made of aluminum. The iPhone 5s is available in three colors: Space Grey (with a black front), Gold (white front) and Silver (white front). The One is most often seen in silver and black, but there are red and blue versions floating around.

Display Whether you like huge Android phones or not, one big perk is they give you a lot more screen real estate. This is a great example, as the One has 38% more screen area than the iPhone 5s. It's a significant difference and screen size is probably one of the biggest things you'll want to consider before buying one of these phones.

43

The HTC One's display is much sharper, but that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the iPhone 5s' pixel density. These comparisons usually translate to ‘plenty sharp’ v ‘ridiculously sharp.’

Processor The iPhone 5s reportedly has the same two cores and 1.3 GHz clock speed as its predecessor, but the A7 chip’s big change that Apple is marketing is its status as the first 64-bit smartphone.

That probably doesn't mean a whole lot to us right now, but it does pave the way for future iOS devices with desktop-like amounts of RAM. We doubt many people will have complaints about either phone's horsepower, but we

Mobile Tech: Phone 5s v HTC One

suggest things like features and screen size sway your buying decision more than processing power.

Motion coprocessor The iPhone 5s also has an M7 chip, whose sole purpose is to process information from the phone's sensors. So the 5s can process data from the phone's accelerometer, compass, and gyroscope without sucking the life from your battery.

Right now, the M7 is a great fit for fitness apps and accessories like Nike's Fuelband. Down the road we'd bet motion-sensing chips like the M7 will play a leading role in an Apple smartwatch.

The HTC One can still, of course, track motion and send that data to fitness apps and accessories. It just doesn't have a separate chip dedicated to the job, so expect more battery drain.

44

Fingerprint sensor The iPhone 5s lets you secure your phone with your fingerprint. Maybe we'll see a fingerprint-based payment system in furute, but right now the Touch ID sensor is used for unlocking your iPhone and making iTunes purchases.

Cameras The HTC One's 4-megapixel rear camera fights above its pixel count, taking solid pictures and great low-light

Mobile Tech: Phone 5s v HTC One

45

There are no extras like red light cameras, time-to-destination or speed. Regardless, the Maps app makes an excellent GPS that’s simple and easy to use.

images. But we also have high hopes for the iPhone 5s' 8 MP shooter, with its F2.2 aperture, slow motion video and new burst mode that automatically chooses the sharpest shot for you.

Camera flash The 5s also sports a dual LED flash, which Apple is branding as True Tone. The goal of the two LEDs is to make for more balanced and realistic colors when using the phone's flash.

RAM The iPhone 5s also reportedly has the same 1 GB of RAM found in the iPhone 5. The One doubles that with 2 GB. Storage The iPhone starts out with a smaller 16 GB model, but otherwise the two phones' storage options are even.

Neither handset supports microSD cards (except for Asian variations of the One).

Battery The iPhone 5s' battery holds more juice than the iPhone 5 did. It still doesn't hold a candle to the HTC One's 2,300 mAh battery, but there are too many factors that determine battery life to draw conclusions from capacity alone.

4G LTE Both phones support 4G LTE data. so no surprises there.

Mobile Tech: Phone 5s v HTC One

Infrared Why in blazes would you need infrared in your smartphone?

Well, the most popular use is to turn it into a remote control for your TV. The HTC One comes bundled with an app that lets you do just that!

Speakers We wouldn't normally bother talking about speaker placement, but we loved

the HTC One's front-facing "BoomSound" speakers. They deliver the best audio we've heard from a smartphone and the fact they're facing you has a lot to do with it.

Software Like every other iPhone, the 5s runs Apple’s iOS. Here we're looking at the brand new iOS 7, which brings a new flat design, as well as a

46

quick-settings control center, improved multitasking and iTunes Radio.

Some versions of the One have been updated to Android 4.2, but other carriers still have it stuck on Android 4.1.

HTC's Sense UI sits on top of most versions. It adds a home screen feed-reader called BlinkFeed, as well as the camera app's Zoes, which are

Mobile Tech: Phone 5s v HTC One

47

There are no extras like red light cameras, time-to-destination or speed. Regardless, the Maps app makes an excellent GPS that’s simple and easy to use.

iPhone or HTC One? Just part of the battle between Apple and Android systems...

short clips you can share as-is or use to pick the best still shot.

Release cycle If HTC sticks to an annual update schedule, we could be about halfway towards a proper follow-up to the HTC One. For the iPhone 5s, life is just beginning.

Pricing iPhone 5s pricing for outright purchase through the Apple Store in Australia for16/32/64 GB models is $869/$999/$1129 respectively.

Expect plenty of deals from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and others to bundle them with calls and data.

HTC’s One pricing in Australia is unclear as the company

doesn't seem to sell directly.

All major phone companies have it on a plan, so check with your favourite carrier. Also check eBay, but be sure you’re buying the latest model.

Wrap-up It's hard to find two sharperlooking smartphones and it isn't going to be easy to find two phones that are better overall. Based on its features and similarities to the excellent iPhone 5, we wouldn't be surprised if the iPhone 5s is a solid candidate for your

smartphone dollars.

The biggest questions may be whether you can live with the iPhone's smaller screen and how badly you want that fingerprint sensor?

Of course there's also the Android v iOS thing, which is never a small consideration.

But as both platforms have great app selections and similar feature lists, that may be more of a personal preference than a clear-cut advantage for one phone or the other.

magazine

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Feature: Düsseldorf Show

49

4X4s X MORE!

A quick look at the tough trucks from this year’s Dusseldorf Caravan Salon...

Feature: Düsseldorf Show

50

Terracamper’s VW Terock AWD campervan is similar in specs to Trakka’s Trakkadu as far as we can see, except for the crazy roof. Trakka’s hinges the other way for max headroom up front.

The Terock’s bright modular interior has a rear bed and comprises removable aluminium boxes mounted on rails. Note additional seatbelt equipped passenger seat.

Feature: DĂźsseldorf Show

51

Bimobil’s EX 345 Iveco 4X4-based motorhome has an internal cab door that would do justice to a small bank vault.

Feature: DĂźsseldorf Show

52

The Atacama 5800 from Action Mobil is built on a MAN 4X4 cab-chassis and aimed at the adventure and expedition market, like support for the Dakar Rally.

Rear rack is hydraulically operated and keeps bike and spare wheels well out of harm’s way.

Feature: Düsseldorf Show

53

Massive Unicat MXXL 24 AH 8X8 dwarfs all other off-road (and on-road) motorhomes! Built on a MAN TGA twin-steer 8-wheel drive cab-chassis, is has a 357 kW engine, 12-speed ZF transmission and front, centre and rear diff locks. Impressive!

The Unicat’s teak-clad interior matches the ‘massive’ theme, boasting sleeping for 7 that includes a rear slide-out master bedroom. It can serve as a fueling station and Wi-Fi hotspot for other vehicles; has satellite auto-tracking and communications and a brace of hi-tech goodies like a 117 cm main TV, 2 x 107 cm computer screens and a 4TB entertainment system hard drive.

Feature: D端sseldorf Show

54

The Bimobil EX 345 is an interesting use of the new Iveco 4X4 cab-chassis. Expect to see similar things appearing from local manufacturers in 2014.

Mercedes Sprinter-based HRZ Sahara is claimed to be the only 4X4 motorhome under 3.5-tonnes available in Europe.

com.au

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• Campervans and Motorhomes • Worldwide coverage • Huge vehicle range • Highly competitive rates • Instant pricing • Regular special offers • Book with confidence!

Visit www.imotorhome.com.au today

Cook-up: BBQ Garlic Prawns

56

BBQ Garlic Prawns

mpa

ia

by Jess C

Cook-up: BBQ Garlic Prawns

Garlic Prawns • 24 green king prawns, peeled, deveined and with tails intact • 3 cloves garlic, crushed • Juice of one lemon • ¼ cup olive oil • ½ T-spoon ground black pepper • ½ Cup chopped Italian parsley • ¼ Cup white wine

Dipping Sauce A great dipping sauce is a mixture of: • 8 table spoons “white balsamic” vinegar.

• 2 Tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley & 2 shallots finely chopped including the green tops.

• 1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce.

• 2 T-Spoons extra virgin oil.

• Salt & pepper to taste.

• Place into a jar and mix well.

Another alternative is to use coriander rather than parsley.

Put prawns onto a board and using a sharp knife, cut down the back of each prawn to “butterfly”.

Put all ingredients into a zip lock bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to marinate.

Heat your BBQ on high heat. Cook prawns for 2-3 minutes each side.

I normally put 3 prawns onto a metal skewer and this makes it easier and quicker to cook.

Serve with rustic crunchy bread and an ice cold beer.

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Next Issue

58

MYSTERY TEST!

W

e’ve now worked our way through our roadtest backlog, with this issue. There are a couple of options available for our main test next issue, but politics dictate I can’t reveal what they might be at this stage. Bloody politics...

We are planning, however, to bring you the first of a new series of used vehicle roadtests, because you’ve told

September

OCT

3-6 20-22

SEP

20-22

SEP

OCT

27-29September 3-6

SEP

27-29 20-22

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27-29

Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor Supershow

Central Coast 4WD, Caravan, Camping & Boat Show

ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland. NZ. • Open daily 9:00-5:00 (closes Sunday 4:00) • Parking $6 • Adults $16 • Multi-day pass $25 • Kids free

Mingara Recreation Club, Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi.

NSW. • Open 10:00-4:00 daily • Parking: Not stated • Adults $10 • Seniors $8 • Kids 5-16 $5

supershow.co.nz

Click for Google Maps

grimmopromotions.com.au/CC4wd/ Click for Google Maps

us not everyone can afford a shiny new motorhome. We’ll be looking at what you can buy in different price ranges and also testing a specific vehicle that’s currently for sale.

Sound interesting? Watch out for it!

Until then why not follow on and Twitter Facebook for breaking news, comments and a bit of fun.

See you on October 5th!

September 13-15

OCT

3-6

Sandown RV & Camping Leisurefest Sandown Racecourse, Princes Highway, Springvale. VIC. • Open 10:00-5:00 daily • Parking free • Adults $13 • Seniors $8 • Kids U15 free

melbourneleisurefest.com.au/details.aspx

Click for Google Maps

Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes, campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general?

Drop us a line at info@imotorhome.com.au and we’ll happily promote it in this calendar.

SEP

20-22