iMotorhome Emagazine Issue 36 -02 November 2013

iMotorhome

36 : November 02 2013

Twin Peeks

magazine

Issue

because getting there is half the fun...

We test a pair of Suncamper Sherwoods…

Win!

$50 Caltex Fuel Card!

Rally Ho!

A snapshot from the CMCA’s National Rally…

Secret Stash…

Keeping your online passwords safe!

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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horizonmotorhomes.com.au

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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

ON THE ROAD AGAIN…

I

t’s time for Mrs iMotorhome and me to hit the road again.

We’re continuing our quest for affordable motorhome experiences with a quick trip to New Zealand and a $5 a day rental relocation from Christchurch to Auckland.

I booked it through the iMoova website and the whole process took just a few minutes, plus an hour or two for the confirmation to come back. It seems we have a new Kea 6-berth C-Class motorhome on a VW Crafter with a six-speed auto gearbox. This is an interesting vehicle choice for Kea because as far as I’m aware – and I

certainly stand to be corrected – in Australia the Crafter is no longer available with the ‘auto’ gearbox option. Okay, it was never a true automatic, rather it was an automated manual (like the Fiat Ducato’s gearbox), but the vehicle has been the mainstay of some Australian rental fleets, as well as the entry-level vehicle for some local manufacturers. The fact it’s still going in NZ makes me wonder if Australian conditions proved too harsh for it (think failures under warranty); if there was buyer/renter resistance or if it just became too expensive. If you have any insights please let us know.

Our NZ adventure will just be a straight drive from Christchurch to Auckland, more or less, to show what a straight rental relocation over there is like.

The route is about 1000 km according to Google Maps and there is a 1200 km allowance before we start to pay NZ$0.28 per kilometre extra. I’m going to try and keep us within the allotted allowance just to see what you can see and do at the bargain basement level.

Interestingly, extra days are available, as they were with our USA rental earlier this year, but whereas in America they cost $75 each, our NZ deal is about $200 each!

Continued...

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Follow us on Facebook

Onmy my mind... mind On

4

...Continued

As usual I’ll be updating our Facebook page and Twitter account daily as we travel, so if you’d like a view-by-view description of our big trip be sure to follow us.

The advent of low cost airfares – internationally and domestic – has really opened up a whole new world of holiday opportunities. Ditto the online relocations business. For

people looking to sample the motorhome lifestyle; try various sizes and types of vehicle and see different parts of our Country and others, this is the dawn of a golden age. And even if you own a motorhome, fifth-wheeler, slide-on, caravan or camper trailer, it’s great to get out and try something different.

Speaking of different, in the New Year we’re looking to

revamp/relaunch/re-whatever the magazine. We’ll be running some surveys soon to seek your input on what you want to read more about – or less of – but in the mean time I’d welcome any constructive input straight away to help us get the ball rolling.

d r a h c i R

The iMotorhome Team

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 7 ON YOUR MIND 10 NEWS On the road again…

Have your say for a chance to win a $50 Caltex fuel card!

What’s happening in the RV world

14 TESTED

Little Beauty – Suncamper’s little Sherwood goes 4X4

30 TESTED

In Two Minds – Touring in Suncamper’s Sherwood twin bed prototype

41 RALLY UPDATE

Rally Ho! – An update from the CMCA’s National Rally, Narrabri

51 CLASSIFIEDS This week’s featured iMotorhome Classifieds

53 MOBILE TECH 58 COOK-UP Secret Stash – Keeping your online secrets safe…

Be Prepared – Some great tips from Mrs iMotorhome

60 SHOW CALENDAR 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

Hi Richard, re Doug’s letter last issue about Fiat traction issues, I am emailing you to let you know that I have, 80% anyway, rectified the issue!

My wife and I have long been avid 4x4 travellers and have bought countless vehicles over the years. With each vehicle it became the norm to rip out the OEM suspension and tyre/wheel combo and fit aftermarket gear. Thinking about this the other day I thought is it worth changing the OEM tyres, which are Michelin 225/75 R16 “Camping” tyres, to something with more of an aggressive tread pattern?

So I visited my local tyre specialist here in Oberon and discussed the issue with him.

His suggestion was to go with Mickey Thompson 245/70 R16 Baja STZ’s on the front only on my front-wheel drive Fiat Ducato. This was duly completed and Richard let me

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.

tell you the difference achieved to this vehicle is unbelievable.

First of all the ride quality has been improved to that of our Ford Territory road car. Secondly, and far more importantly, is the Winnebago is now capable of all the things it was unable to do prior.

I have just put it through its paces on reasonably long green grass without any traction issues at all and to my amazement it was also able to handle my gravel driveway, with traction control engaged, without even spinning a wheel!

Maybe you could put together a small article at some stage just to let owners be aware of the benefits in what affects replacing tyres can have on their vehicles performance and handling characteristics.

Regards, Colin via email

Thanks Colin, great to hear of such a simple and dramatic solution to your on-going Ducato traction problems!

Thanks also for the photos and the subsequent update to say they seem to run quietly as well. Please keep us all updated, but in the mean time I’m sure a $50 Caltex fuel card will help ease the pain of your new tyre purchase.

Note: Colin has since fitted the same tyres to the rear of his Fiat and reports all is well.

On your mind

8

Hi Richard, in response to Doug’s letter in Issue 35 the main difference between the two models is that the Fiat has a gross vehicle weight (GVM) of 5,000 kg, and the Iveco has a GVM of 7,200 kg. The Iveco also has a much greater towing capacity and a 50% greater fresh water tank capacity. Both require a Light Rigid Licence (vehicles over 4.5 tonnes tare and under 8 tonnes GVM).

Potential buyers should insist that the manufacturer tells you the unladen weights, then add fuel, water, accessories, contents and passengers so that you can calculate your likely GVM. I would go for the Iveco because you can’t fit much into the Fiat and still stay under the GVM.

Thanks Charlie, I’ve passed your comments on to Doug.

Charlie via email.

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On your mind

9

Re Doug’s letter from last issue I would love to know what your answer to that email was.

You said you sent a detailed response but it wasn't in the magazine.

difference between front or rear drive, I just know that its harder to check tyre pressures on the Iveco setup

(see Colin’s letter). But there is plenty of second and thirdhand comment floating around out there.

Greg via email.

I have a Iveco, a Winnebago, I do prefer the rear wheel drive, but then again I still drive a Commodore and have two motorcycles so may be living in the past. I doubt that I have really gone anywhere in my 46,000 kms where it made a

Thanks Greg, I basically explained some of the pros and cons of each model, and that I (personally) think the Ducato front-wheel drive issue/problem is often over exaggerated. I've never had any issues with them and have only heard first-hand from one owner who has

I think in the long run the Iveco will last longer as it's heavier duty, but the Fiat is purpose built for motorhoming and more refined. By the way, I currently have three Falcons on the driveway so I'm hardly an advocate for front-wheel drive.

Hello Richard, been loving your mag since issue one. Don't know if you can ask if anyone who has done this can help me, but it’s worth a try. We are in the throes of selling our house and buying a motorhome to travel around and find another place to live. We are in WA and may move east or even south here in WA.

so if we leave it unattended we can monitor the inside via one or two battery operated IP WiFi cameras. There are a few on the market and seem to do the job fine in a normal Broadband Modem/WiFi Router situation, but I can't work out how to get that to work in a motorhome: The remote part, that is, away from it via the iPhone apps.

Several of the cameras have apps or even iCam seems to work with most WiFi IP cameras anyway.

we buy and settle in a home. So I borrowed a laptop, turned off the home broadband/wifi router and ran my iPhone as a Hotspot to my Mac with the iCam Source software but it can't see the cameras that way. Sorry a bit long winded but that is where I am up to. Any help would be appreciated. Obviously it's easy to setup an internal video security system even recording any motion but it's the away from the motorhome via an iPhone that's the problem.

The problem seems that the cameras require a static IP address. So I thought okay I'll buy a cheap PC laptop for the time we are away and then sell it and go back to our Macs when

Cheers, Stuart via email.

At home we have four WiFi IP D-Link Security Cameras that we can monitor when away from home via the iCam app on our iPads or iPhones which is setup with the linking software on my Mac at home called iCam Source. Works brilliantly.

My wife wants to replicate that, on the go, in our motorhome

Hi Stuart. Wooh, a bit – okay a lot – out of my league. Any helpers out there with specialist knowledge?

News

10 Y SAFETY FIRST Z Mercedes expects up to 50 per cent of new Sprinter buyers to opt for one of the safety packages. The Sprinter has been Australia’s bestselling large van since 2010, with 2204 sales in 2012, and a current market share of about 35%.

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he Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van range is now safer than ever, following the introduction a raft of electronic driver aids from its passenger car range.

Adding up to $2400 to the cost of the already premium-priced van, the new optional safety features are in some cases ‘firsts’ for the van segment and add to the Sprinter’s already impressive safety suite including up to four airbags and a recently upgraded electronic stability control (ESC) system. Among the new passive safety features available is Lane Keeping Assist, which uses downward-facing cameras to pick up when the vehicle crosses lane markers without evidence of intent through the indicator, accelerator or brake; warning the driver with an audible signal.

Adaptive High Beam Assist maintains high-beam until its sensors detect oncoming traffic, at which point it switches to low-beam until light levels ahead drop enough for it to switch back up again. BlindSpot Assist uses sensors and warning lights in the wing mirrors to alert

drivers to the presence of other vehicles in blind spots on either side.

If it detects an intention to change lanes through the indicator, it adds a warning beep.

Collision Prevention Assist combines an audible proximity warning and primes the brake assist systems when it detects the vehicle bearing down on another.

Also available on most Sprinter van variants is the active Crosswind Assist feature, which relies on the stability control (ESC) system to compensate for crosswind gusts at speeds of 80km/h or more, saving drivers the strain of counter-steering!

The new safety options are available as packages on most Sprinter variants, however, Crosswind Assist is not yet available on shortwheelbase, cab-chassis and Super high roof van variants. The Driving Assistance Package costs $2400 and includes Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and High Beam Assist. The Lane Tracking Package ($1800) has all of the above except the Collision Prevention system.

Otherwise, the Sprinter is little changed apart from external styling tweaks including a redesigned grille, more angular headlights, and higher bonnet for improved pedestrian protection. The chassis has also been lowered to improve handling and fuel economy as well as make it easier to load and unload cargo.

Aussie-spec vans retain the Euro 5-compliant diesel engine line-up: 70kW/250Nm, 95kW/305Nm and 120kW/360Nm (all 4 cylinder), plus a 140kW/440Nm V6. Also carried over is a choice of six-speed manual or Benz’s 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission with lock-up clutch – claimed by the company to be the only auto of its kind available in a large van.

Mercedes-Benz has maintained current pricing on ‘base’ Sprinter variants, kicking off at $44,290 for the 70kW 310CDI SWB manual, rising to $69,480 for the 140kW, 519CDI LWB auto with dual rear wheels. Buyers can also look forward to an expanded nationwide dealer network, with 15 new dealer sites planned to cover more remote areas, adding to the existing 51-strong network.

News

11 Y VIC PARK USER FEES Z

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eople will be asked to pay for the first time at over 100 campsites around Victoria. Premium campsites that currently have charges will also gain a significant fee increase.

facilities and services due to budget cuts. According to a Victorian park ranger there have been talks for some time of increasing fees, as it was seen as a preferred alternative to site closures.

The first introduction of fees is due to be rolled out in March next year and consequent changes rolled out by 2015. The proposed fee structure will see premium parks that currently charge on average $33 hiked up to an average of $59 per night. And over 100 new campsites that are currently free will require booking fees by 2015.

Government representatives argue that a user-pays model will lead to better maintenance and provision of facilities. They state that the proposed fees are necessary in order to keep parks operating and avoid closures due to lack of maintenance.

The decision has come as a result of Parks Victoria struggling to maintain

Campsites at Lake Eildon, Wilsons Promontory and Mt Buffalo are amongst the premium sites which will see significant fee hikes next year. Fees

as high as $90 per night have been reported for group booking sites at Wilson's Promontory.

The government have put forward a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) explaining the decision and providing a number of fee structures aimed at increasing revenue and making camping more sustainable into the future. A copy of the RIS can be found here. The public are invited to express their opinions regarding the RIS prior to 22 of November 2013.

Contact them at camping.ris@depi. vic.gov.au From MudMaps Blog

Y DRIVE-IN AND DINE AWAY… Z technology, while the sound system has been upgraded and is all replayed via FM stereo signal directly to your vehicle.

F

ifty years since opening, the Blacktown Drive In has undergone a $1 million refurbishment. Relaunched on the 25 October as the Event Cinema’s Skyline Drive In, it offers Sydney cinema goers a nostalgic yet new experience as New South Wales’ only twin drive-in movie theatre.

Movies aside, the new ‘Happy

Days’ style diner – the Skyline – offers a range of treats and snacks from milkshakes to hamburgers and hotdogs to frozen soda. It also features everything a traditional American diner would, with all memorabilia, furniture and fittings imported from the US. The drive-in is also equipped with the latest digital cinema

“The Skyline Drive-In represents a distinct part of Sydney’s history,” said AHLs Group Managing Director, David Seargeant. “Being the only remaining Drive-In in Sydney, we saw a duty to preserve this part of history and develop it even further to create a truly unique and nostalgic experience for our cinema customers.”

For more information, session times or to purchase tickets head to www.eventcinemas.com.au

News

12 f DON’T BLOW A FUSE! f

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arva has recently released ‘Add-a-Circuit’ Blade Fuse Holders with 5 and 10 Amp fuses, offering a fast and convenient way for vehicle owners to add a circuit to run additional accessories. According to a Company press release: The new blade fuse holders are available in a standard ATS blade fuse type and mini blade fuse

type commonly found in modern vehicles.

UHF), communications devices, telephones and dispatch systems.

Adding a fuse or circuit to an existing set of fuses can be a messy and complicated process, however, Narva’s blade fuse holders allow users to add a protected circuit to existing fuse holders/boxes with ease, eliminating the need for splicing.

For effortless installation, the blade fuse holders can be simply plugged into existing fuse slots.

Furthermore, the blade fuse holders are pre-wired and ready to use straight from the pack.

Ideal for auto electricians, ‘tradies’ or the home handyman, the blade fuse holders are particularly well-suited for fitment to trucks and vans or older vehicles which typically have fewer standard accessories but require the addition of accessories such as navigation aids, radios (CB/

Narva’s ‘Add-a-Circuit’ Blade Fuse Holders are priced from RRP $6.99 and are available from automotive and transport outlets throughout Australia under product numbers 54409BL for the standard ATS Blade Fuse Holder and 54408BL for the Mini Blade Fuse Holder. For more information visit narva.com.au

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News

13

Y ESPRESSO TO GO GO Z The EspressGo looks like a high-tech thermos with an ‘on' button, a temperature dial and a 12-volt plug. The lid doubles as a portafilter: unscrew it, fill the reservoir with 50 ml of cold water, pop a capsule in and screw the lid back on. Plug it into the cigarette lighter, press the 'on' button and it starts to brew. The process take three to four minutes and produces one cup at at time. When done, unplug it, invert it over a cup and press the button: a foamy stream of coffee is expressed!

I

f a Nespresso machine or similar is a bit cumbersome for your travels, Lavazza now has a 12-volt expresso machine that could be just the thing!

EspressGo costs $199 and uses Lavazza's A Modo Mio range of coffee capsules, which includes 10 blends of increasing roast intensity.

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Trailblazers Slide On Campers are Australian designed and built for our conditions. With all the features of a luxury motorhome, a slide on can be easily removed to free up your vehicle. Touring holidays, fishing trips with the tinny behind and 4WD adventures in the outback are more fun with a versatile, manoeuvrable slide on, they even make great demountable site offices. With a range of models to choose from, all campers are built to order to enable you to choose from a range of features and options including appliances, interior finishes and fabrics.

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Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4

Little Suncamper’s ‘little’ Sherwood is a beauty whichever way you look at it…

Review and images by Richard Robertson.

14

Beauty

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4

15

Compact and manoeuvrable, the Sherwood 4X4 makes getting to out-of-the-way places easy

T

he very first motorhome we reviewed here at iMotorhome was a Suncamper Sherwood. That was back in May 2012 and since then dozens of other vehicles have filled our pages.

So it’s good to revisit an old favourite – albeit one with a difference – and see what effects, if any, evolution has had on this already well sorted design.

Pigeon holing the Sherwood is a little difficult as it sort of spans a couple of categories.

Strictly speaking it’s small C-Class motorhome, due to it having an over-cab bed and the fact the separate body is built on the base vehicle's cab-chassis. However, due

to its particularly compact dimensions it rivals many campervans in size and is also about the same size as a ute with a slide-on. Whatever the classification, the Sherwood is a well built and thoughtfully appointed motorhome that in many ways is absolutely ideal for one or two (organised) people.

network. On-road prices start at $94,900 for a twowheel drive and $112,990 for a four-wheel drive. The test Sherwood 4x4 was a customer order loaded with goodies, including special roof reinforcement, mounts and rack for a surf ski, bringing it’s on-road price to a notinconsiderable $139,990.

Spoiled For Choice uncamper builds the Sherwood on Toyota’s proven, if aging, HiLux cab-chassis. Available in two or four-wheel drive and at vary specification levels depending on your needs, wants and wallet, it’s a safe bet, given Toyota’s proven toughness and Australia-wide service

A fair part of the price must be Toyota’s premium price tag for its 4WD products. The test Sherwood’s SR 4X4 cabchassis featured the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, which puts out 126 kW @ 3600 rpm and 343 Nm from 1400 rpm, coupled to a 4-speed automatic and part-time 4WD system. While far from class

S

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4

16

leading in terms of power or the number of gear ratios, it does the job well and will probably do so for years.

The test Sherwood featured a gross vehicle weight (GVM) upgrade from 2800 kg to 3300 kg. This required discarding the factory suspension system and fitting a Lovell suspension lift kit, complete with new springs and shocks at both ends. Not only is the extra 500 kg load capacity a welcome reward, the suspension feels particularly well sorted and capable (more on that shortly).

Sixteen-inch wheels are Toyota’s standard, but this Sherwood had optional 17inch steel off-road rims fitted with chunky 265/65 R 17 light truck Cooper Discoverer tyres.

Other vehicle options fitted were a steel bullbar, snorkel, a 128-litre long range fuel tank, steel side steps, wheel flares, bonnet and headlight protectors, stereo controls on a leather steering wheel and twin reversing cameras (down/ distance).

Safety wise the HiLux 4X4 now comes with 6 airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS), but not vehicle stability control yet. When that finally arrives (it’s due soon) the HiLux will be five-star safe, but for now it makes do with 4 stars. Convenience wise the SR HiLux comes with remote central locking, power steering, electric windows and

Well sorted after-market suspension provides safe on-road handling. mirrors, and an MP3/CD audio system with USB input and Bluetooth capabilities.

true nature is revealed: mild mannered Clark Kent – in an entirely positive way!

Supervan or Clark Kent? ith its raised suspension, bigger wheels and chunky tyres this offroad Sherwood looks pretty impressive. Indeed, it looks like something of a Supervan, especially amongst regular 4WD campers. Slip behind the wheel, however, and its

Whereas I was expecting this vehicle to feel top heavy and to rock-and-roll on its modified suspension and big wheels, on the road it was steady and difficult to discern from a standard Sherwood. The Lovell suspension system is particularly well sorted and provides a degree of ride suppleness and control belying

W

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4

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The HiLux SR’s cab is typically Toyota: Grey, but functional and ergonomic.

the vehicle's size and weight.

It’s handling quickly inspired confidence and on our brief sojourn, which included a twisting section of the Old Pacific Highway between Hornsby and the Hawkesbury River, plus some crappy old broken-bitumen side roads

and a tiny bit of off-road work, this Sherwood 4X4 remained stable and comfortable.

In the performance department the HiLux is happy to keep up with the cut and thrust of suburban driving, although on the Freeway

it’s happier at 100 than 110 km/h. Sherwoods have a lot of frontal area for a small vehicle, but when you put one on stilts and add heaps of extras the combination of increased wind resistance and weight take its toll. However, the HiLux’s cab is a pleasant place to spend your time and as I remarked to Mrs iMotorhome within a few minutes of leaving Suncamper’s factory in the morning, “We could have one of these...”

Body Matters s I said in my original test last year, There are some motorhome manufacturers that won't tell you how they construct their vehicles or allow you to see

A

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4 the manufacturing process.

Fortunately, Suncamper isn't one of them. The company uses a simple, rugged and straightforward construction method that has been proven over decades.

To quote from the Company's website: All motorhome models boast a steel frame base and aluminium, fully welded framework for the walls, rear, nose and singlepiece roof. Walls and roof are fully insulated with fireretardant foam and pressed.

Framework is extensive so every fitting is screwed into a solid spot, not into insulation.

The walls are more than 30mm thick and the roof is more than 45-mm. This is more than double (and in some cases triple) other manufacturers.

A rustproofing and sound deadening agent is applied under the floor to protect from noise and road damage.

The Sherwood’s interior layout is conventional. It features an over-cab main bed, a driver’s-side mid bathroom and kerb-side mid kitchen, plus an inwards-facing rear cafe style dinette/second bed. For a small vehicle it seems to provide a surprising amount of space and I’m sure a well organised couple could happily tour for months on end.

Fold down table is a good idea but sits high on the 4X4.

A bit too high for sundowners!

It does make an excellent outdoor office desk, though!

Starting on the outside the test Sherwood’s body options were as follows: A 3-metre

Good ground clearance is handy for off-road work.

18

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4

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Another nice touch is a freeform ceiling moulding that encompasses the main roof hatch and salon lights, and also conceals recessed LED strip lighting around its edge.

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4

Optional TV’s multi-adjustable arm allows bedtime or dinette viewing.

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awning, over-bed roof hatch, auxiliary shower, kerb-side external storage access hatch, fold-down table, mains power point, electric double entry-step, a bathroom side window and 2 x 120 W solar panels. Inside, the options fitted comprised a 4 speaker cinematic sound system plus a DVD/CD/MP3 sound system and 54 cm (21.5 in) LED TV; an Eberspacher diesel room heater, second 120 AH house battery, leather motorhome upholstery and an innerspring main bed mattress. Very nice...

Suncamper has certainly lifted its game in the last couple of years in terms of fit, finish and style. The Sherwood is bright and fresh inside, with contemporary high-gloss cabinetry, extensive and clever use of LED lights – both fixed, reading and strip – and a general feeling of quality that’s very pleasing. It’s fixed rear window plus two opening side windows at the rear provide a flood of natural light and, along with a generous roof hatch, ensure plenty of fresh air.

A nice touch is the use of push button latches on all cupboards that lock automatically when closed.

They also look good and work well. Another nice touch is a freeform ceiling moulding that encompasses the main roof hatch and salon lights, and also conceals recessed LED strip lighting around its edge.

LED reading lights are great, but would be better at both ends of the bed.

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4

21

Living and Dining Room ompact is as compact does (so Forrest Gump’s Mother might have said) and compact is what living in the Sherwood is all about – but don’t confuse compact with cramped.

Thanks also to wraparound windows at the rear, you sit in the view when seated at the dinette. This is one of the little vehicle’s biggest attractions and because it’s so manoeuvrable you can easily back into just about any spot and enjoy the view.

C

The dinette table stores cleverly away when not in use, opening up the whole dinette area.

Wrap-around views, comfy seats and a solid table. How good is this?

With the bedroom up front, the kitchen and bathroom in the middle and the dinette-cumsecond-bed at the back it’s easy for two people to keep out of each other’s way. It’s also a great space for a solo traveller.

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4

22

Bedtime Nirvana? Optional over-bed roof hatch was certainly a hit with Mrs iMotorhome!

Apart from the bed, the only place to lounge around is the dinette. It has two inwardfacing sofa-sty;e seats and a clever lift-up dining table between them, which tucks neatly out of the way in a small cabinet on the back wall when not required. The cabinet also has a small table on top for when you’re just siting back with coffee, a drink and/or your favourite book. When deployed, the dining table is both sturdy and a good size.

Both lounge sofas have removable back cushions and hinged bases; the latter lifting easily to access storage space below. That’s where you’ll find the house batteries, charger and diesel heater (on the driver’s side) and the hot

water system and boards to convert the lounge/dinette to a secondary bed (on the kerb side). Mrs iMotorhome tried making up this bed, but was snafued by the absence of two vital extra base cushions in the test vehicle.

Overhead there’s good cupboard space down both sides and across the back wall, with neatly positioned LED downlights in each rear corner. Although not particularly deep (and needing lips along the bottom edge to stop things falling out when you open them), the cupboards provide invaluable storage space in this small vehicle.

Meals on Wheels uilt galley style in the middle of the Sherwood, the kitchen’s two sections contain the cooker and rangehood, fridge and cutlery drawer/ cupboards on the kerb side, and the sink plus extra cupboard space on the driver’s side.

B

The three burner gas cooker is set in a small run of bench space between the entry door and dinette. The cooker has a glass lid for added bench space and a large gas ring that could handle a small wok while still leaving space for two small pots alongside. This might not seem like much, but in a small vehicle being able to cook well isn’t always easy.

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4

23

Thanks to wraparound windows at the rear, you sit in the view when seated at the dinette. This is one of the little vehicle’s biggest attractions.

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4 Above the cooker is a ducted stainless steel rangehood with cupboards above, while below it is a 90-litre 3-way fridge with a small freezer section (a 12 V compressor fridge is optional).

To the right of the cooker is a small but useful piece of bench top, below which is a single cutlery drawer with a shelved cupboard below. A flip-up bench extension by the entry door would be a very worthwhile inclusion, as would a second utensil drawer at the cost of a smaller cupboard below. It should be noted that a microwave is standard equipment and usually mounted in the overhead cupboard above the free bench space. However, it was deleted in this instance at the customer’s request.

Across the aisle is the other

kitchen unit, which sits between a small three quarter height wardrobe and the dinette. It has a single-bowl stainless steel sink with a glass lid set in a small run of bench top, plus a flick mixer tap off to the right that can be used when the sink lid is closed. The sink has no drainer, although a small drying rack is provided.

Below the sink is a panel that houses the light switches, tank gauges and hot water system switch and below that is a shallow pantry-style cupboard with double doors.

The three-quarter wardrobe unit to the left of the sink provides valuable extra bench space on top, while above it is space for the optional TV and entertainment system.

Recessed at the back of the wardrobe top, between the

24

bathroom wall and the end of the overhead cupboards that run across the top of the sink and dinette, is the main electrical circuit breaker, TV aerial point, Eberspacher heater’s digital controls and the Projecta-brand digital solar controller.

Cleaning Up! ositioned directly opposite the entry door the bathroom is compact yet functional and, due to its square shape, surprisingly roomy. A padded magazine rack on its outside wall is a nice touch, too. Water capacity is 72 litres fresh and 45 litres grey, while the gas/ electric Suburban hot water system is good for 23 litres.

It’s not excessive, but enough for a few days free camping if you’re careful.

P

Main kitchen area is compact but functional. Fortunately, any passengers sit well out of the Chef’s way…

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4 Inside, the bathroom has a Thetford bench-style cassette toilet on the forward wall, facing aft. There’s a small corner basin with a pullout hand nozzle that doubles as both basin tap and shower unit, which can also be wall mounted. Only a fan hatch is standard for ventilation, although the test Sherwood had an optional bathroom window. A wall mirror, folding drying rack, shower curtain over the door and a sexy white/blue LED light are also standard inclusions.

Bathroom light is blue or white, while fold-out drying rack is great.

Good Night? any people are put off by the thought of sleeping in an overcab bed and while it’s true that if you have mobility issues then getting up there can be a problem, for the vast majority of us it’s a non event. Getting into the Sherwood’s bed is aided by a neat step built into the base of the bathroom wall, which also provides storage space and even houses a handy tissue dispenser accessible from the cab!

M

The Sherwood’s deep nosecone provides quite reasonable sitting up room, while the bed itself is a decent size. I measured it at about 1900 mm x 1400 mm (6 ft 3 ft x 4 ft 7 in), which is a bit bigger than Suncamper’s published figures. Reading lights are only provided at the kerb-side end, which limits your sleeping options, but

25

Basin tap doubles as the shower head: Simple and effective…

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4 does help prevent possible The Final Word feelings of claustrophobia if make no bones of the fact sleeping the other way around, both Mrs iMotorhome and I with your head tucked away have always been very fond behind the bathroom wall. of the Suncamper Sherwood.

It’s size and layout suits the Large windows at both way we travel and it’s a vehicle ends provide plenty of air we could happily live with. and light, while the optional over-bed roof hatch of the For some people the lack test vehicle seems like a of easy through-cab access worthwhile consideration. might be a deal breaker, There’s a magazine rack on but that would be selling the bathroom wall, too, plus the Sherwood short. True, a privacy curtain that can be you need be something of a pulled across when desired. contortionist to get between cab and body and it’s far

I

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easier, if far less convenient, to get out and walk around, but all vehicles have their compromises.

The Sherwood packs a lot of features into a small space and is a surprisingly practical touring motorhome. Well built, proven and able to take you places bigger vehicles simply can’t go, it could even be your daily driver if required. Add the versatility of four-wheel drive and the possibilities are almost limitless.

Optional over-bed roof hatch has other uses, including a handy escape hatch in case of emergencies.

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4

27

The Sherwood packs a lot of features into a small space and is a surprisingly practical touring motorhome for one or two people.

Being 4X4 makes it even better .

Day Test: Suncamper Sherwood 4X4

Specifications Manufacturer

Suncamper

Model

Sherwood 4X4

Base Vehicle

Toyota HiLux Sr 4X4

Engine

3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

126 kW @ 3600 rpm

Torque

343 Nm @ 1400 rpm

Gearbox

4-Speed auto

Brakes

ABS Disc

Tare Weight

2335 kg (2680 kg opt)

Gross Vehicle Mass

2800 kg (3300 kg opt)

Licence

Car

Approved Seating

3

External Length

5.661 m (18 ft 7 in)

External Width

2.091 m (6 ft 10 in)

External Height

3.033 m (10 ft)

Internal Height

1.925 m (6 ft 4 in)

Bed Size

1.9 m x 1.4 m (6 ft 3 ft x 4 ft 7 in)

Cooktop

3 burner

Fridge

Thetford 90-litre 3-way

Microwave

LG

Lighting

12 V LED

Batteries

1 x 120 amp hour

Gas

1 x 4.0 kg

Heater

Optional

Solar Panels

Optional

Air Conditioner

Optional

Hot Water Heater

Suburban gas/electric 23 litre

Toilet

Thetford cassette

Shower

Fixed height, flex hose

Fresh Water Tank

72-litre

Grey Water Tank

45-litre

Price

From $112,990 ($139,990 as tested)

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Pros • • • • • •

Compact and maneuverable Dinette views!

Car licence only Quality fit and finish Good space efficiency Serious off-road ability

• • • • •

Pricy when fully optioned Limited bulky storage HiLux no longer cutting edge Smallish water capacity Limited through cab access

Cons

Contact Suncamper

Click for Google Maps

3/9 Sefton Rd Thornleigh. NSW. 2120.

Ph: 02 9484 3952 E: freedom@suncamper.com.au W: www.suncamper.com.au

Touring Test: Suncamper Sherwood Twin Beds

In two minds A few days getting to know Suncamper’s prototype twin-bed Sherwood...

Review and images by Richard Robertson.

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Touring Test: Suncamper Sherwood Twin Beds

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Sherwood Twin looks pretty much the same from the outside. Older 4X4 Triton was an interesting drive.

H

ot on the heels of our day out in the Sherwood 4X4 reviewed elsewhere in this issue, Mrs iMotorhome and I had the opportunity to do some travelling in Suncamper’s brand new twin bed Sherwood.

The layout is a significant departure from the ‘traditional’ Sherwood and it’s a real swings-and-roundabouts design trade-off in many ways.

Whether it will suit you is a matter of personal priorities; but as we found during our four-day sojourn, some things you just have to try to see how they work for you – and you’re allowed to change your mind.

Old and New uncamper is a small manufacturer and that sells factory direct. This means it takes trade-ins and for a while a 2007 Mitsubishi Triton 4WD ute with a very basic camper body was sitting out the back, looking for a new home. When the idea for the new Sherwood layout came about the decision was taken to use the Triton as a test bed, seeing as Suncamper already had compliance for the vehicle on its books.

S

Having driven a steady stream of Toyota HiLuxes in recent times it was interesting to slip behind the wheel of a sixyear old Triton. With about 140,000 km on its turbo-diesel

engine the combination of age and milage meant it was never going to feel factory fresh or as sprightly as a new vehicle, but for our travels it certainly held its own. In an interesting aside, it’s worth noting that if you have an older Triton (or HiLux for that matter) Suncamper can build a Sherwood on the back, saving you a considerable amount of money.

What’s the Plan? he twin-bed Sherwood has lengthways single beds in the over-cab nose, a driver’s-side kitchen, kerb-side dinette and rear bathroom.

T

Touring Test: Suncamper Sherwood Twin Beds Outside, there’s a decent side storage locker on the kerb side, just aft of the passenger’s cab door, which accesses space beneath the dinette. The entry door is just to the rear of the back axle, but not right in the corner.

Between it and the back wall is a generous vertical locker ideal for chairs, etc, that can also take taller items like skis, because it has a false top inside that can be removed, which accesses space in an inside cupboard. Very clever!

We actually used this locker to carry two pot plants home from the In-Law’s place before we went on our travels, which illustrates what a useful space it is. There is no additional external storage space, but owner’s of ‘conventional’ Sherwoods will be pig-sick at the amount this new layout provides!

Another departure for this Sherwood is Suncamper’s use of Chinese-made Maygood windows. These CLOSELY resemble the popular European style Seitzbrand windows used in many motorhomes, meaning they are double glazed acrylic hopper-style windows with inbuilt insect and privacy screens. Unlike Seitz windows, however, the Maygoods have a much more robust and user friendly internal screen system that Australian hands can easily use. If you’ve ever used the Seitz windows you’ll know exactly what I mean.

32

Free camping in Albury. Small size opens up many opportunities.

Single car spaces pose little trouble to this diminutive motorhome.

Touring Test: Suncamper Sherwood Twin Beds Being mounted on a 4X4, the test Sherwood had checkerplate lower body trim and like all Suncampers now, LED exterior lighting. The 4X4’s raised height also necessitated the fitting of two-step electric entry stairs.

Better by Design? f you’re familiar with the traditional Sherwood layout then this twin bed model is a very different proposition.

Mrs iMotorhome’s preference is for layouts that allow the cook free reign in the kitchen and place seated occupants in

I

Kitchen is a good size. Note over-cooker bechtop lid for added work space.

33

a separate lounge/dinette, well out of harm’s (her!) way. This has always been one of the Sherwood’s strength’s; along with its wrap-around rear windows that provide plenty of light as well as panoramic views from the dinette.

The twin bed Sherwood’s centre kitchen and inwardsfacing dinette changes all this, placing the cook and bottle washer within conflict range and providing said bottle washer with views of the kitchen and cook first and the outside world second. By trading kitchen and dinette space, however, Suncamper has been able to provide a rear bathroom that includes a generous shower cubicle and separate loo. Is it worth it?

Yes. And no. Read on...

Mrs iMotorhome in her element. Honestly. Fixed TV is viewable from the lounge or beds.

Touring Test: Suncamper Sherwood Twin Beds Motorhomes are a compromise of space and features and you need to weigh up personal requirements with those provided by any vehicle you are considering. One manufacturer I know defends occasional comments about the relatively tight dimensions of its vehicle’s bathrooms by asking how much time you’ll spend in it compared to living in the rest of the vehicle. It’s a valid point, especially the smaller the vehicle, and one I totally agree with. However, at the end of a long/cold/dusty day it’s lovely to luxuriate in a generous shower, so this is really a horses-for-courses

34

argument and there is no right or wrong answer.

A Living Thing iving with the twin-bed Sherwood is easier than the above might suggest. Also, Suncamper’s use of high gloss cabinetry with self-locking latches and concealed LED ceiling lights lends a pleasing feeling of quality and as our short trip progressed we found ourselves quickly slipping into a system. Here are some thoughts and observations about the vehicle:

L

Lounging/Dining: The inwards facing dinette runs along the kerb-side wall and

The lounge’s corner is the ideal place for a drink and to watch TV (and your partner cook). Ouch! Sorry dear…

Touring Test: Suncamper Sherwood Twin Beds

35

Two external storage lockers – the rear one being vertical and accessing extra internal space – are a big plus for this small size of motorhome.

Touring Test: Suncamper Sherwood Twin Beds has a small L-shaped return at the front, where the body rises to form the over-cab bedroom. It’s generous for two and in normal use the most comfortable location is in the corner of the “L,” facing diagonally aft. The removable swivel table is a sort-of free form affair that could be a bit bigger at its bulbous end, making dining for the person in the corner a little easier.

A more easily removable polemount table with Zwaardvis multi-directional top mount would be even better, allowing the whole area to be opened up when the table isn’t required (Its could be stored

in the vertical corner cupboard by the entry door, I think). In the evenings I found myself sitting in the corner with my legs on the lounge while watching TV, while Mrs iM either sat on the step seat (more on that later) or watched from bed (or watched TV on her iPad).

Cooking: Running down the driver’s side between the beds and bathroom, the kitchen has a decent amount of bench space and is well equipped.

At the bathroom (rear) end is a single-bowl sink with glass lid and fold-down flick-mixer tap, below which is a single

36

cupboard and a stack of four drawers. The four-burner cooker, with grill, is concealed beneath a lift-up section of benchtop in the middle of the kitchen, which provides valuable extra working space when not cooking. To the left of the cooker is the remainder of the benchtop, beneath which is the fridge. There are a couple of cupboards below the cooker plus a run of overhead cupboards the length of the kitchen work area, which also incorporate a rangehood above the cooker and a microwave above the fridge. You can cook up quite a storm in this little Sherwood

Beds are easily accessible. Between-bed storage console doubles as a handy shelf, too.

Touring Test: Suncamper Sherwood Twin Beds

37

and those fond of doing so are unlikely to be disappointed. athing and Things: The B rear bathroom isn’t quite full width, due to the corner external locker/internal wardrobe thingy just inside the entry door. It has a sliding door that recesses nicely between the kitchen and shower cubicle, while the ceramic loo sits rather prominently in full view, beneath a small mirrored shaving cabinet. Suncamper was at pains to point out this was a prototype vehicle, with many detail design points still to be decided. So the absence of a bathroom hand basin, for example, wasn’t the issue it would be in a full production vehicle. The separate shower, with its opaque slide-across door, seemed particularly large and was a welcome and unexpected surprise the first time we used it. For those few lovely minutes each night the dinette/kitchen/bathroom design compromises seemed entirely worthwhile!

Snoozing: We were keen to try the single beds, as in some smaller vehicle the only bed is often a bit small for our liking.

Running lengthwise along the vehicle, each bed has a small foot extension to bring it to full length (1.9 m), which comprises a small board that drops in and a small extra cushion to match. Because they’re right in front of you and at chest height, each only took about 30 seconds to make

Forgot the bathroom pics! You can see the loo and shower cubicle just beyond the bubbles. Sorry…

Bed extensions slide out and have a small base-board and insert cushion.

The bed step swings up during the day and provides limited through-cab access.

Touring Test: Suncamper Sherwood Twin Beds up. A clever feature is a swingdown step box which, during the day, folds up between the beds, providing much better through-cab access than a standard Sherwood. At night the step box hinges down over the cab opening and not only makes for easy bed access, it makes a great extra seat.

Mrs iM used it for watching TV and while waiting for things to cook, and we’ve suggested Suncamper pads the base and back to make it a ‘proper‘ extra lounge seat. The beds themselves, at 1.9 m x 0.7 m where even big enough for me, and with big windows beside each, a reading light, abovewindow shelf and between bed storage box the twin bed layout worked particularly well.

So?

D

espite its compact dimensions and our initial concerns over practicality, our time in the prototype twin-bed Sherwood was enjoyable and over too soon. In fact we stayed away an extra night, about 90-minutes short of home, just because we could.

What was most interesting was contrasting our preconceptions with our experiences and seeing how our priorities and perceptions changed as we travelled.

In the end we decided we could easily live with the kitchen/dinette compromise, given the advantages of the single beds (like not climbing

38

over one another to get to the loo) and the luxury at the end of each day of a shower big enough to pick up the soap in – and dry off! We also liked its generous (in-class) external storage.

Suncamper is experimenting with other layout options, I believe, so take this review as a guide, not gospel. It will also only be available new on Toyota’s HiLux, hence the details in the Spec’s page. The bottom line is the Sherwood Twin is a versatile and fully featured little motorhome which, like it’s traditional sibling, is more than capable of taking one or two people on an extended tour in comfort and without breaking the bank.

What more could you want?

Small size and 4WD ability provides easy free camping opportunities, even in unlikely places.

Touring Test: Suncamper Sherwood Twin Beds

39

Specifications Manufacturer

Suncamper

Model

Sherwood Twin

Base Vehicle

Toyota HiLux

Engine

2.7L/3.0L/4.0L

Gearbox

Manual or auto

Brakes

ABS Disc

Tare Weight

2284 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

2800 kg

Licence

Car

Approved Seating

3

External Length

5.646 m (18 ft 6 in)

External Width

2.091 m (6 ft 10 in)

External Height

2.839 m (9 ft 4 in)

Internal Height

1.925 m (6 ft 4 in)

Bed Size

1.9 m x 0.7 m (6 ft 3 in x 2 ft 4 in)

Cooktop

4 burner

Fridge

Thetford 90-litre 3-way

Microwave

Yes

Lighting

12 V LED

Batteries

1 x 120 amp hour

Gas

1 x 4.0 kg

Heater

Optional

Solar Panels

Optional

Air Conditioner

Optional

Hot Water Heater

Suburban gas/electric 23 litre

Toilet

Dometic cassette

Shower

Fixed height, flex hose

Fresh Water Tank

72-litre

Grey Water Tank

45-litre

Price driveway NSW

From $94,990 (2WD)

Pros • • • • • •

Compact and manoeuvrable Twin bed versatility Car licence only Quality fit and finish Good external storage Big shower

Cons

• Living space compromises • Smallish water capacity • Still limited cab access

Contact Suncamper

Click for Google Maps

3/9 Sefton Rd Thornleigh. NSW. 2120.

Ph: 02 9484 3952 E: freedom@suncamper.com.au W: www.suncamper.com.au

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Rally Update: Narrabri

Nothing like having your reserved site ready for you!

Rally Ho

Malcolm Street’s round-up from the latest CMCA National Rally‌

41

Rally Update: Narrabri

42

Having worked hard for a week or (much) more, the volunteers relax over a meal before the rally begins.

A

bout 800 motorhomes – and their owners – attended the recent Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) National Rally at Narrabri, in northwestern NSW. It was something of a hot, windy and dusty week, but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

up and running and there was certainly plenty for all to see and do, including tours around the area, seminars, plenty of trade stands, night time entertainment, craft and of course, that essential daily activity -– happy hour! iMotorhome spent the week there catching up with old friends and meeting new ones Don Mackrill and his large team as well. All from the comfort of of volunteers did a sterling our motorhome – a Trakkaway job in getting the challenging 770 – courtesy of the team at Narrabri showground site Trakka.

Planning is now well underway for the CMCA’s Anniversary Rally, which takes place at Robinvale, Vic, (31st Mar - 6th April) and the next National Rally, at Nelson Bay, NSW, next October. We’ve also heard rumours that in 2015 there's going to be a combined rally with some of the caravan clubs. Big things ahead, that’s for sure!

Rally Update: Narrabri

Day one and the rally attendees line up to get in the gate.

The Meet and Greet team on hand to welcome everyone – as usual!

43

Rally Update: Narrabri

Often some unusual sights can be seen at the rally, like this 4X4 Bedford ex-fire truck with an Austin coach body

44

Rally Update: Narrabri

An important part of any rally: The Chapter Banner Parade

Every evening great entertainment was provided, aided greatly by an all-new light and sound setup.

45

Rally Update: Narrabri

A new day begins. The cool of the morning is often the best time‌

Happy Hour – a rally institution and plenty of them happened!

46

Rally Update: Narrabri

Chef Mark Holland gave some amazing cooking demonstrations, like the Paella being prepared here.

It's not only the ladies who are welcome in the craft barn.

Often there is amazing talent to be seen at a rally.

47

Rally Update: Narrabri

48

Adrian and Carrol Capel's amazing ex-RAAF fire truck: A Thorneycroft 6x6 now converted to a motorhome.

Its roof top penthouse always draws a crowd!

Rally Update: Narrabri

49

A Coaster conversion with a difference. It might well have done previous service as a luxury mini-coach in Japan.

Competition in the Disc Bowls arena is always keen!

Rally Update: Narrabri

50

One of the more important vehicles at the rally was not a motorhome. The grey/black water tanker was in constant use.

The CMCA motorhomers come to town!

Classifieds: Snapshots

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51

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Mobile Tech: Password Security

53

Secret Stash

line Keep yourdr sosnafe with passwocommended these re d free iPhone paid an roid apps‌ and And Times w York

From the Ne

Mobile Tech: Password Security

54

1Password and LastPass are feature packed, but come at a price.

W

e all know we need to use strong passwords on websites. In fact, a different password for every site you frequent is wise.

Good web security hygiene creates two problems, however. Firstly, you have to remember all those passwords. Secondly, if you lose your smartphone, your many passwords may

be at risk. But there are various password manager apps meant to solve those problems. The best-known password manager app is 1Password by AgileBits. This app keeps your many website passwords, for your bank and so on, safely locked up.

It also can keep track of other data such as passport details, addresses and more.

The app has a plain yet

attractive interface that makes using it a breeze, because its various icons and controls are obvious at one glance.

Tapping the "+" icon brings up a menu that offers you many data categories, like bank account numbers, email details and wireless router passwords. You simply select the appropriate category and enter as much data in the boxes on the next page as you prefer. All your entries

Mobile Tech: Password Security

55

oneSafe is a more affordable option, while the free version of Keeper suits most people’s needs.

are then listed in the main app and you can group them into folders if you want to keep work and home data separate.

1Password also has a secure browser built into it. It allows you to surf to your bank's website, for example, where it will automatically enter your passwords for you or enter credit card details into shopping sites. If you think

your passwords are too weak, 1Password has an automatic strong password generator that will randomly put together a complex password for you. These may be harder to remember than your usual passwords but, of course, the app remembers them for you.

This app excels in security.

There's a master password that protects your data, and data stored inside the app

is encrypted, which makes it safe even if someone steals your device. Its main downside is the price: It's $18.99 on iOS. There is a free Android version, but it's much simpler and you can't enter new data.

LastPass is an alternative password and personal data manager available on iOS and Android. It stores website passwords, credit card

Mobile Tech: Password Security

56

Wolfram’s Password generator costs very little and comes up with super-safe passwords. It will also rate your existing passwords.

information and more behind a master password. It's also designed with simplicity in mind: There's no getting lost in overly complex menus.

Although it's simpler than 1Password it still has some nice features. It can upload photos or videos to "secure notes" that you store inside the app, so you can keep snippets of text or media private. It's similar to

1Password in use and quality.

But there is one issue: While the app is free, to make the most of all its powers, such as automatically filling in details on websites, you have to pay a subscription of $US12 a year.

A great alternative to these two, on iOS only, is the $6.49 app oneSafe. This app has cuter graphics than its rivals and it offers most of the same

features. It stores passwords, credit card data and personal documents, and it locks them up securely, so if you lose your device, your data is safe.

Its great design makes it easy to use, and it has a couple of nice extras. For example, if you prefer not to use a secure "master" password to access the app, you can use a pattern lock access – where you swipe a unique pattern on the screen with your finger. It also

Mobile Tech: Password Security

57

Keeper’s free version is used by Mr and Mrs iMotorhome and does the essential job of safeguarding passwords simply and effectively.

can automatically alert you if someone tries to access your data.

A rough equivalent to oneSafe is Keeper (used by Mr and Mrs iMotorhome). It's popular and although it looks different from oneSafe, it definitely has an emphasis on ease of use through a simple design. Like 1Password and LastPass, Keeper can automatically fill in website logins and card data

for you. It even includes a neat feature that lets you share some of your information with someone you trust. Keeper in basic form is free and available on Android and on iOS. For $10/year you can upgrade to a range of extra worthwhile features, but the free version will suit many people.

To help you create really strong passwords that may foil all but the most

determined hackers, you can check out the $0.99 iOS app Wolfram Password Generator Reference App. This app uses high-powered maths to come up with tricky passwords full of numbers, letters and other characters that you can use for your accounts. It'll even tell you how long it should take to crack them. Stay safe!

Cook-up: Be Prepared

58

Be Prepared!

Mrs iMotorhome’s tips for making meal times easier on the road‌ When we are heading off on a roadtest I often try to prepare meals before we go, to keep it simple. Motorhome testing can be tiring work. Really!

So at the end of the day it's good to be able to get a meal together in 10 minutes. Our stock standard is a Bolognese sauce with spaghetti, pasta or rice (see recipe following), which I cook at home and take away in ziplock bags.

I have a favourite pot with a colander that fits neatly in the top, beneath the lid. At dinner

time I just put the Bolognese sauce in the pot and heat through. Five minutes before it's ready I put the cooked pasta/spaghetti/rice in the colander, above the heating sauce, and let it warm up. This takes about the same time as opening the bottle of red to go with it‌ You can use this method of reheating with lots of left overs you want to keep separate to serve, especially if you are free camping and don't have the microwave available.

If you have a little more time, the bottom pot can first be used to cook your spaghetti/ pasta/rice before draining it in the top colander. Pop it back over the top of your meal just to heat it through before serving. This system also makes cleaning up much quicker and easier. Same goes for using ziplock bags for food (which you can also freeze food in)!

Cook-up: Be Prepared

Bolognese Sauce You’ll need...

Then...

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Heat oil in a large frying pan

2 tablespoons oil 1 large onion 500 g mince Quarter cup tomato paste 400 g tomatos in juice 1 teaspoon basil 1 teaspoon oregano 4 cups water Salt Black pepper 250 g favourite, cooked Grated Parmesan cheese

And onion and cook until golden, stirring constantly Stir in meat and quickly cook until brown on all sides Add tomato paste Push tomatoes and juice through sieve, add to pan Still in basil, oregano and water Bring to the boil, reduce heat and cook uncovered 45 minutes or until mixture is a thick sauce consistency Season with salt-and-pepper to taste Serve over hot pasta, garnished with Parmesan cheese

Our pot-with-colander is a vital piece of travelling kit!

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Next Issue

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HOLIDAY TIME… Fiat’s popular Ducato. This particular model features an east-west bed and a full-width rear bathroom with an unusual sliding door arrangement.

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ext Issue’s star is a Sunliner Holiday G53, a luxurious and well appointed B-Class motorhome.

November

NOV

8-10 8-10

NOV

8-10

Malcolm has previously reviewed a version of the same model on an Iveco cab-chassis, but this time we sample it on

NOV

22-24November

8-10

NOV

8-10

Mr & Mrs iMotorhome will just be back from NZ, so who know what they might find? Until then be sure to follow us on and Twitter Facebook for breaking news, comments and a laugh or three? See you on Saturday November 16!

NOV

NOV

NOV

NOV

8-10November 22-24 8-1022-24 8-10

Perth 4WD & Adventure Show

South Coast Holiday Expo

Bendigo Caravan & Camping Show

McCallum Park (near Causeway) Victoria Park, Perth. WA. • Open 9:00-6:00 daily (5:00 Sunday) • Parking: Paid, nearby • Adults: $15 • Seniors: $12 • Kids: $7 (5-15)

MacKay Park, Batemans Bay, NSW. • Open 9:00-4:00 daily • Parking: Paid, nearby • Adults: $10 • Seniors: $6 • Kids: Free U 16 with adult

Bendigo Racecourse, Heinz St, Ascot. VIC. • Open 9:00-5:00 daily (4:00 Sunday) • Parking: Available • Adults: $10 • Seniors: $68 • Kids: Free U 15 with adult

http://perth.4wdshow.com.au/visitors/getting_ to_the_show.phtml

http://southcoast.supershow.com.au/Default.aspx

Click for Google Maps

Click for Google Maps

NOV

22-24

http://www.leisurefest.com.au/visitor.html

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.