iMotorhome+Caravan – Sep 2019

iMotorhome + caravan

e l p m i S

Sep 2019

DREAMS UNICAMPA’S SIMPLE VALUE IS MORE THAN A DREAM DUSSELDORF HIGHLIGHTS I TRAILLITE OAKURA 354 HORIZON WARATAH READER REPORT I VIRTUAL ANTARTICA 1

iMotorhome caravan +

Reader Weekend

8-11 November 2019 Southern Highlands NSW

Vines S t e am Trains! & Wines Automobiles T

Highlights!

Three nights self-contained camping ‘in the vines’ Welcome barbecue, wine tasting and winery tour Three-course dinner with matching wines Pizza and pasta night Farewell breakfast Staying amongst the vines at the award-winning SouthBerrima Museum entry ern Highlands Winery, we’ve got a great weekend of Berrima River walk exploring its WW1 German POW activities lined up, all built around the winery’s superb past and their remarkable story food and wines.

• NSW Railway Museum entry This will be an unforgettable weekend, but numbers are • 45-mintue steam train ride limited and you’ll need to book early to secure your spot. • Private coach transfers Click HERE for full details and bookings. See you there! Cost: $245 pp – and no single supplement!

2 his November 8-11, join us for a fabulous weekend of fun, food, wine, history and steam trains on the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW!

• • • • • • •

ON MY MIND

Pressing On!

I

t’s late afternoon in Dusseldorf, Germany, and just three days until publishing. My mind is awash with thoughts and impressions from the 2019 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon – the World’s biggest RV show – which covers some 75 acres in more than a dozen Bunnings-sized halls and runs for 10 days. The sheer number of RVs of every type, shape and size is mind overwhelming, as are the visitor statistics – something like 250,000 last year, I believe.

designers eking efficiency from every last centimetre of space, or from their love of form and function, or a combination of both. I also think that because diverse cultures live in borderless proximity there’s a fusion of attributes and abilities that results in ideas that otherwise might not arise.

As an aside, it’s kind of special to be publishing from Germany, because nearly 600 years ago, Johannes Gutenberg revolutionised the world with his printing press. I wonder what he would make of electronic publishing, the Internet and the way you are reading this? I think he’d be astounded and possibly curse his misfortune of being born six centuries too soon, although Johannes, we wouldn’t be doing this without you. Danke!

Finally, don’t forget to join us for this year’s readers’ weekend, from 8-11 November. It’s filling nicely but there’s still room for you, so hurry up and get your booking form in. Click HERE for details and to reserve your spot!

This trip I have the good fortune of being accompanied my Mrs iM. She has an uncanny nose for detail and is far more adept at discovering the All this is by way of explanation as to why this issue little (and big) gems of design; usually while I’m isn’t quite ‘normal’. It’s one thing to bring the content rushing off to photograph the next exciting ‘thing’. together, but add the layout and production – on a Over the last week we have oohed-and-aahed our laptop at a hotel-room desk after mornings at the way around the show like a pair of big kids, pointing show – and that’s a whole different ball game (test excitedly to this feature or that design and it has match?). I hope you enjoy this issue however it been a real tonic. While some changes, like new base ends up, and can assure you we’ll resume ‘normal vehicles, will head Down Under in due course, I can transmission’ next month! only hope more of the innovations follow.

Finally finally, the fall in the value of our dollar means I’m putting on hold plans for a Route 66 tour across America in 2020. New Zealand is still in the works, but will be later in the year – probably October/November – so watch for an update. Enjoy this issue, we’ll catch you next month when we’re home and back to reality...

Speaking of revolutionising the world, the Europeans are still firmly at the forefront of recreational vehicle design. Perhaps it stems from generations of

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iMotorhome+Caravan iMotorhome+Caravan is free and published monthly.

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All back issues can be found HERE Publisher/Managing Editor Richard Robertson (+61) 0414 604 368 richard@imotorhome.com.au

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CONTENTS

3 8 11 23 36 51

58

ON MY MIND Pressing On – greetings from Dusseldorf 2019!

66

STREET VIEW Haere Mai! Thoughts from a globe trotting Malcolm

71

SHOW Highlights from the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon even before it ends!

78

TESTED UniCampa’s UE401 offer simple value and is worth investigating

83

TESTED TrailLite goes VW Crafter for its desirable new Oakura 354

READER Colin Oberin’s journey to buying his new Horizon Waratah!

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CUSTOM Old school buses never die, they just become great motorhomes

TRAVEL Virtually visit Antartica at the National Museum in Canberra

TRAVEL Sounds of Silence await in the remote desert near Joshua Tree...

RV FRIENDLY Three more country towns supporting our great way of life!

APPS Meals on Wheels! Apps to satiate your hunger, at home or on the road

This is living Just arrived. The latest in premium motorhoming with the 2019 Bürstner Lyseo Harmony Line. New features of the range include a more spacious entertaining area with twin couch layout, and a groundbreaking dropdown island bed. Create your ‘apartment on the road’ with a choice of interior styles in Bürstner’s innovative wohnfühlen design combined with premium fittings for a modern, comfortable home away from home.

Come and see the new Lyseo range at our sales centre in Auckland and Christchurch.

Motorhome in photo: Carado T449

Exclusively distributed in New Zealand by

11 Pavilion Drive, Airport Oaks, Auckland | 3 Export Ave, Harewood, Christchurch | 0800 005 312 (NZ) | imotorhome@smartrv.co.nz | smartrv.co.nz

STREET VIEW

Haere Mai

T

figures, but also the fact that the fifth wheeler has three slide outs, an island kitchen, a two-way bathroom and two awnings!

his issue really comes from your globetrotting iMotorhome team. As you’ll see elsewhere, Mr Publisher is currently doing the rounds of the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon and I have not long returned from a trip to Canada and the USA. The latter was mostly a non-motorhome and caravan holiday, but I did spend a little bit of time checking out the local RV industry.

In many ways that fifth wheeler is aptly named because it demonstrates the difference between the RVs seen in North America and those seen in New Zealand (and Australia for that matter). The Americans seem to create space and then build an RV around it, whereas the Antipodeans do it the other way around: Build an RV and then see what can be fitted inside! That’s even more noticeable in some of those fine European built motorhomes we get to see in New Zealand and, I am thinking, Mr iM publisher is observing right now. The Europeans are masters in the use of space in an RV and do it very well.

Having been to Canada and the USA a number of times, I have long thought that both countries have a similar RV scene, which they do given the influence of the larger US industry. However, a Canadian did point out to me that there are some differences; the principal ones being distance and a lack of population in the northern part of the country.

Some US built RVs don’t cope well with the rougher conditions and then there’s the climate: it’s a lot colder in the north of Canada. It struck me that’s a bit like Australia – apart from the cold, that is.

I am sure my colleague will give you all the news out of Europe, but I reckon one of the more exciting bits is that Fiat has finally brought out a fully automatic gearbox for the Ducato range, and it has nine speeds at that – yay! That should go down very well in NZ motorhoming circles...

On the local front, there are some very obvious differences between North America and New Zealand, like size and weight. Whilst there are some motorhomes and caravans that are very similar in size, the majority are considerably larger. Take this Grand Design Reflection Fifth Wheeler I looked at in an Edmonton, Alberta sales yard. It has an external length of 10 m (32’ 6"), a tare mass of 6464 kg and an ATM of 7620 kg. Yes, they are correct and you did not read those figures wrongly. It’s not only the available space that is responsible for those impressive

Finishing up, are you going to the NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan and Leisure Show in Hamilton a bit later this month. If so then having booked up a motorhome, I’ll see you there. I’ll be the fellow with the camera in one hand and the notebook in the other!

Haera ra!

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NORTHCOACH NORTHCOACH STARFIN AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

STARFIN AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

NEWS

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REDARC has released the latest addition of its co-branded DEFA AC battery charger range to the Australian New Zealand – a 12-volt 30Predator A FrameandCRN48985 Ratedmarket to 3.5tonnes amp showroom charger. It’s designed for long-term battery maintenance charging, providing fast battery charging and is ideal for showrooms or at home when connected to infrequently used vehicles, RVs and boats.

In use, it can be placed under a vehicle, out of view.

The clamping is detachable and easily passed Readybrute A Frame cable CRN 50255 Rated to 2.2tonnes through the engine bay. Also, the charger hasAfter no an intensive eighteen month programme, Northcoach RV is pleased to announce the ADR 62/02 certification of its fan, so it’s noise free, allowing the unit to remain incognito in a showroom or garage.

Predator and Ready Brute A Frames plus the full range of

Base Plates.

The REDARC Showroom Charger by DEFA is based and longevity and is designed for use with 12V lead on modern switch-mode technology and galvanic batteries.

Thetowing Showroom Call us onacid, 0409AGM, 581EFB 471and to GEL discuss all your needs. isolation. The charger represents the latest in Charger is simple and easy to operate, has just Northcoach RV CRN50112 Rated to 3.5tonnes long-term battery maintenance charging and will one button and features a user-friendly display for Range of Base Plates maximise the lifespan of a battery. It uses a 7-step monitoring the battery status. The unit is covered by charging process to optimise battery performance a two-year warranty, so to learn more click HERE.

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H A B I TAT SHOW

GO FURTHER. STAY LONGER

EXPLORE ONE TODAY AT YOUR LOCAL SUNLINER DEALER.

www.sunliner.com.au RANGER

SWITCH

PINTO

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HABITAT

NAVIAN

MONTE CARLO

SHOW

SHOW ’N

by Richard Robertson

I

nitial take-away from the 2019 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon is that innovation is driving a booming German RV market; one excited by developments in technology and design. Another record show attendance is expected, while exhibitor space sold out months ago and there are fears the current site might become too small in the not too distant future.

TELL image: Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

units; and that in a country with 4 times Germany’s population. Okay, Americans bought around 430,000 caravans in 2018, but German motorhome registration figure are still remarkable.

Across Europe the outlook isn’t so rosy, with total registrations up just over three percent. Germany, France and the U.K. are by far Europe’s biggest In just the first half of 2019, German RV registrations RV markets and despite the German gains, French are up 13.1% on the same time last year. That equates registrations are flat, yet amidst the Brexit chaos, U.K. to 61,175 vehicles, comprising 20,321 caravans and registrations are still up, if just by one point five percent.

40,854 motorhomes. I can’t even get registration It will be interesting to see how 2019 pans out on the figures for Australia, but it seems something like 20Continent against an increasingly uncertain global 25,000 caravans and maybe 1100-1500 motorhomes economic and political backdrop. For now, however, were sold in all of 2018. The German figures are all the Germans are buying record numbers of RVs and the more remarkable when you consider that in 2018 – a market couldn’t be happier. Here are a few that have record year – motorhome sales in America (inc dealer caught our eye so far, with more to follow next issue. stock, not actual registrations) totalled some 65,000 11

SHOW

Hymer’s Vision Vantage was the undoubted star of the show.

Touted as a concept, it pays homage to the VanLife movement while serving as a showcase of new ideas and concepts. Built on a new 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Hymer says it has no plans for production, but we think it’s a walk-up start and would sell out, especially in North America.

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SHOW

From wrap-around windows to a rear deck and tailgate, the Vision Vantage is design to bring the outdoors inside and blur the boundaries between them. The roof is air operated with inflated sides and the bed accessed via a proper staircase.

Decor features natural fabrics and colours, but don’t be fooled, the van bristles with technology and innovation. Watch for a detailed report next issue!

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SHOW

image: Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

Above: Iridium is the first serious all-electric production motorhome. Featuring a real-world range of 400 km and a 190 kW/750 Nm motor, the downside is a near 200,000 Euro (A$325,000) price tag! Watch for driving impressions next issue. Below/Left: In conjunction with huberGroup, AL-KO has released the Hybrid Power Chassis based on a Fiat Ducato.

Four modes – diesel-only, electric-only, combined and generating – are provided and an electric-only rage of 50 km at up to 80 km/h is touted. It’s a hybrid response to European cities becoming emission-free zones, with the added benefit of offering 4x4 grip on demand. Expect it Down Under eventually.

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SHOW

Dethleffs featured an e-double: The Globevan e.Hybrid campervan and E.Home Coco electric-drive caravan!

The former is a Dethleffs pop-top camper conversion of Ford’s production Transit Custom PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and features 50 km all-electric range. That’s augmented by a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that acts purely as a battery charger, providing up to 500 km range.

The latter is an e-development of Dethleffs lightweight Coco caravan and appears to ride on AL-KO’s electric drive caravan chassis, but that’s to be confirmed as we go to press.

Designed to take the pressure off the battery of electric cars, it‘s also ideal for small cars as it equates to about a 100 kg load on the tow vehicle. It also has its own stability system to prevent sway, plus sensors to maintain position and detect acceleration and braking. More details to come!

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SHOW

Toy haulers are increasingly popular in Europe and this Deseo 400 TR by German manufacturer Knaus is one of the new wave. Measuring 5.99 m and riding on tandem axles, it has a tare weight of 1320 kg and can handle an almost 700 payload.

Features include a proper kitchen, wet bathroom, pop-up LED TV, removable dining table and stools, a removable lounge/ bed unit measuring 2 m x 1.4 m and a drop-down roof bed of the same measurements. Remove the bottom lounge/bed and there’s room for a quad bike, second motorcycle or whatever. The optional tailgate or side awning adds extra living space and versatility. Base price in Euros is 22,890 (A$37,000) and as displayed, 33,339 (A$54,000).

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SHOW

The Beauer 3X is a compact French caravan that’s comprises three sections that telescope out to form what’s essentially a one-bedroom apartment. In the European tradition it comes with a ‘dry’ bathroom – one with a toilet but no shower – and is ideal for people with small cars (it weighs 1000 kg) and small home parking spaces (folded, it measures 2.6 m L x 1.85 m W x 2.6 m H). Operation is electric and takes just 60 seconds; it rides on an AL-KO chassis and the design has actually been on the market since 2013. Price is around 25,000 Euro (A$40,000), but we do wonder how you’d park it on a standard caravan park site, especially in space-conscious Europe...

images: Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

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SHOW

Adria’s new Astella is a line of luxury caravans that blur the lines between traditional caravan design and modern holiday homes.

Featuing double entry doors, big windows and open plan living with contemporary interiors, Astella attracted plenty of interest . Will we see it Down Under? Juding by the lackluster efforts so far to promote Adria in Australia, don’t hold your breath... images: Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

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SHOW

No Dusseldorf Caravan Salon report would be complete without a look at expedition wagon king Action Mobil’s latest outrageous offering. This year it’s the Global XRS 7400, built on a MAN TGS 26.540 BL 6x6. Measuring 9.90 m long and 3.79 m tall, it weighs in at 18 tonnes and grosses at 26 tonnes. Water capacity is 630 L, battery capacity 800 Ah and up top is 1680 W of solar. That’s in additon to a 5 kW diesel generator – of course. Price? Don’t ask, unless you have a seven digit Australian dollar budget or are expecting a serious Lotto win...

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SHOW

Finally for this issue, and still in the seven-digit A$ price category, we have the Volkner range of A-class motorhomes.

Reputed to be the last word in extravagent opulance, many cost more than one million Euros – not including the Porsche 911 convertible in the drop-down-slide-out garage.

If you don’t want to take the Porsche, why not use the garage as a slide-away alfresco dining area, and keep you bicycles tucked safely in behind for that after lunch ride? Such are the dilemmas facing Europe’s super-rich RVers...

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SHOW

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SHOW

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e l p m Si

TESTED: UNICAMPA UE401

DREAMS UNICAMPA’S SIMPLE VALUE IS MORE THAN A DREAM

by Richard Robertson 23

TESTED

H

ow much motorhome do you really need? Wants and needs are very different things, but in reality just what do you need to travel in reasonable comfort with the expected mod-cons? That’s the question Mrs iM and I ended up asking after an afternoon in UniCampa’s compact UE401 – a Renault Masterbased coachbuilt with a drive-away price of just $119,900.

“Uni who?”, you ask. UniCampa: a value brand that largely flies under the radar, but is built by RVIA, a Melbourne manufacturer with some 40 years of experience building RVs for Australia and New Zealand.

UniCampa’s position as a value brand is a clever one. Savings start with the chassis choice – Renault’s capable but underrated Master – and continue by eliminating ‘bling’ without sacrificing features. For example, the test vehicle’s standard fittings include

cab and body air-conditioning, electric bed, wind-out awning, TV aerial and connections, security screen door, electric steps, 140-litre two-door fridge/freezer, gas cooker including grill and oven, microwave, 100 Ah house battery, 80 watts of solar, reversing camera, instantaneous gas/electric hot water, solar shades, swivel seats and more.

That’s a pretty impressive list for a ‘value’ motorhome.

About the only thing missing is a TV – a bit odd really – plus a diesel heater to make it a full, year-round tourer off the showroom floor. However, even adding both still makes this a very affordable motorhome.

The Renault Master is a proven if underrated motorhome base vehicle, yet it’s widley used in the rental industry – a place where reliabilty and durability are vital.

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TESTED

Master of the House

P

While AMTs are becoming rare – the all-new Ducato replaces it with a ‘proper’ nine-speed auto – there’s nothing wrong with them. The Master’s gear selector is certainly simpler/more intuitive than the Ducatos and I’m pleased to report shifts are (relatively) quick and quite smooth. You can still catch it out ‘dithering’ on a light throttle at low speed/revs, but driven decisively I think it’s the best AMT in the market. It mates well with the willing engine and allows the UE401 to easily keep up with urban traffic and make a comfortable mile on the open road.

erhaps the single biggest cost saving in the UE401 is the Renault Master cab-chassis it rides on.

Renault claims to be Europe’s largest producer of light commercial vehicles, but in Australia it has very much been a bit player – hardly surprising given the level of competition in a tiny market dominated by big German and Italian manufacturers.

However, the current Master is showing its age and an updated model has just been released in Europe, although doubtless it will take some time to make its way Downunder. That also probably means Renault sharpened its pricing pencil even more when UniCampa called, hence the great overall value.

Mechanically, the current Master has a 2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 110 kW and 350 Nm: modest outputs by current standards but certainly more than sufficient. The chassis used for the UE401 employs front-wheel drive and a 6-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3800 kg and a 2500 kg braked towing capacity. Fuel capacity is good at 100-litres, meaning a range approaching 1000 km with gentle driving should be possible.

It’s a long time since I’ve driven a Master and my overriding memory was of its smooth-shifting AMT; smoother and quicker than the one in Fiat’s Ducato.

The Master’s cab is a no-nonsense workplace, but one clad in acres of grey plastic. While it wins no awards for aesthetics, it loses nothing in functionality and practicality. The driving position is upright and although the steering has tilt adjustment it’s fixed in reach and delivers a bus-like driving position. Visibility is good, but the red lighting for the trip computer and dash functions is a bit hard on older eyes in daylight.

Handling is confident and the ride is well controlled, while 12 month/30,000 km capped price service intervals and a 3 year/200,000 km warranty with roadside assist will provide ownership peace of mind.

Renault’s dealer network isn’t extensive, the company has been providing commercial cab-chassis for years – including into the motorhome rental market – so I’m thinking they have things sorted.

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TESTED

The House

M

easuring just 6.5 m (21’ 4” ) long – about the same as our Project Polly Ford Transit van – the UE401 is compact by coachbuilt motorhome standards. The body appears to be made of composite panels with a fibreglass nosecone and tail trim, and is finished with simple, two-tone graphics on an overall silver body.

There’s only on external locker (apart from the one with the pair of four kilogram LPG cylinders) and it’s between the entry door and back wall, and looks to have enough room for a couple of outdoor chairs, hoses and not much else. Perhaps the lack of external storage is part of the price/value equation, but another locker would be a great feature.

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TESTED

Despite looking like a B-class motorhome because of the relatively slimline and windowless nosecone, this is a four-seat and potentially four-berth C-class vehicle, but more on that ‘potential’ later…

The UE401 has a mid-positioned entry door, front lounge/dinette with electric drop-down bed above, and a kitchen that basically takes up the rear half of the vehicle, apart from a compact, ‘wet’ bathroom.

Decor is plain and simple – literally – with no fancy colours, trim or features. Cupboard doors are flat, there are few power points (and no USB charging outlets), the switch gear is simple and scattered in various locations, and you get the sense ergonomics and convenience were secondary considerations to keeping down the drive-away price. But the windows are double glazed, with inbuilt insect and privacy screens and the lighting is all LED, meaning that for things that count in daily use the UE401 gives little away to more expensive motorhomes.

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TESTED

Living Room

Y

ou travel, dine, relax and sleep in the front half of this motorhome. It has a walk-through cab with swivelling seats that integrate reasonably well with the lounge/dinette, although the driver’s seat has limited swivel due to the position of the cafe-style dinette.

The lounge area itself can easily seat six – four at the dinette and two on an inwards-facing lounge between the entry door and passenger’s cab seat. Add another two in the cab and you can comfortably host a party for eight, not counting those standing/dancing in the kitchen!

The dinette seat cushions are quite shapeless, but the dinette itself is a good size and has a removable table of decent proportions. There are large windows on both sides and a couple of lights overhead, in the base of the drop-down bed. But while a TV aerial and connection point in the cupboard above the fridge is provided, there’s no TV, which seems a bit odd. Finally, the gas/electric hot water system is under the forwardfacing dinette seat and I do wonder if this might literally become the Hot Seat when the system’s on…

Above: Plain and simple decore and design-wise, but really lacking little in terms of features, the UniCampa’s 401’s interior is also surprisingly spacious. Right: The hot water system and house battery are under the rear dinette seat, along with one of only two (double) power points in the living area – the other being in the kitchen.

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TESTED

Cooking Room

R

oad Chefs will find the kitchen impressive for a small vehicle, including the large amount of storage. And being in the kerbside back corner means no-one will wander through your cooking space, unless on their way to the bathroom.

While there’s not a huge amount of bench space, the three-burner Thetford Triplex gas cooker with grill and oven has a glass lid for extra workspace. There’s a neat rangehood above, a sink-with-drainer alongside, and tons of drawer and cupboard space all ‘round. In the back wall is a rather low-set microwave, above which is a double-doored wardrobe.

Across the aisle from the entry door, between the dinette and bathroom, is the slimline Thetford two-door fridge; its clever slide-out bottle drawer at the bottom allowing access to drinks without disturbing the cold air keeping food fresh. Alongside it is a slide-out wire pantry to the left, with a blanked-out cupboard above that provides the recesses for three shelves in the panel behind the rear dinette seat.

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TESTED

Bathing Room

T

he rear-corner bathroom has all the essentials within its compact dimensions. It’s ‘wet’, with a bench-type cassette toilet set across the back wall and small moulded-in handbasin above. Overhead cupboards adorn the top of the back wall, while a height-adjustable chrome shower unit is on the side wall.

A shower curtain wraps around inside, covering the door, loo and basin, and keeping those things dry while you wash. Worth noting is a small raised moulding in the floor that keeps you standing an inch or so above the soapy water as it seeks to drain away, which is a nice touch.

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TESTED

Sleeping Room

A

sign says to remove the dining table and dinette seat-back cushions before lowering the bed. That done, a press of a button for about 40 seconds takes the bed to its lowest level; one easily accessed without the need for steps or a ladder. Once lowered, a roof hatch is revealed, along with a celling light.

The bed itself is slightly chamfered at the corner closest to the entry door, but long enough for a couple of average sized snoozers. Lowering the bed is also required to access the over-cab bed, which feature a light but no ventilation, save for the entry opening.

Realistically, it’s big enough for one adult or a couple of kids, but two adults would really be stretching things.

Still, it comes with a safety net to stop people falling out on top of you (!) and the bed tilts-up for easier cab access.

An attraction of roof beds is being able to leave them made up, and this one is no exception. To stow it all away, just press that button again, put the seat back cushions and table into position and you’re ready to tackle the day.

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TESTED

What I Think

T

o be honest, Mrs iMotorhome and I didn’t have high expectations for the UniCampa UE401. However, we came away impressed and questioning what’s really needed in a new motorhome. For under $120k drive-away it has virtually all mod-cons, appears well built, is quite liveable and comes with a new vehicle warranty.

It’s an impressive value proposition that would make an ideal solo’s motorhome as well as suiting couples happy to live in closer quarters. The Renault Master is a proven base vehicle that helps tip the value equation in UniCampa’s favour, and overall this motorhome provided a pleasant surprise. If you’re looking to live your RVing dream simply and affordably, you need to check it out.

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SPECS GENERAL Make

UniCampa

Model

EU401

Type

C-Class

Berths

4

Approved Seating

4

Licence

Car

Pros...

VEHICLE Make/Model

Renault Master

Engine

2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

110 kW @ 3500 rpm

Torque

350 Nm @ 1500 rpm

Gearbox

6-speed automated manual (AMT)

Safety

ABS, ESP, driver and passenger air bags

Fuel

100 L

WEIGHTS Tare Weight

2940 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

3800 kg

Braked Towing Capacity

2500 kg

Value Standard equipment Lounge size Kitchen size Internal storage Renault’s driveability

DIMENSIONS Overall Length

6.50 m (21' 4")

Overall Width

2.30 m (7' 7")

Overall Height

3.20 m (10' 6”)

Internal Height

2.04 m (6’ 8”) min

Bed - Main

1.83 m x 1.40 m (6' x 4' 7”)

Cons...

EQUIPMENT Slide-Out

No

Awning

Wind-out

Entry Steps

Electric

Hob

3-burner Thetford Trilpex with grill and oven

Rangehood Sink Fridge Microwave Lighting 12 V Sockets/USB Outlets Air Conditioner Space Heater Hot Water System Toilet Shower CAPACITIES Batteries Solar LPG Fresh Water Grey Water Hot Water Toilet PRICE - NSW As Tested Warranty - Vehicle Warranty - Motorhome Warranty - Appliance

Yes Stainless steel with drainer 140 L Dometic 2-dor 3-way Yes 12 V LED In cab Yes Optional LPG/electric - instantaneous Thetford cassette Wet bathroom

External storage Few power points Wet bathroom Utilitarian cab Manufacturer

UniCampa E: info@unicamp.com.au W: unicampa.com.au Supplied thanks to

Australian Motor Homes & Caravans

1 x 90 Ah deep-cycle 80 W 2 x 4 kg 100 L 60 L Instantaneous 17 L

31 Pacific Highway Bennetts Green, NSW. 2290 T: (02) 4948 0433 W: australianmotorhomes.com.au

$119,990 3 years/200,000 km 2 years As per manufacturers

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NEW RV’S AT

VALUE PRICES

VALUE FUNCTION DESIGN

www.unicampa.com.au

MOTORHOMES & CAMPERVANS 34

READER TESTED

35 71

TESTED: TRAILLITE OAKURA 354

Crafty

Move!

TrailLite’s VW Crafter-based Oakura 354 combines German knowhow and Kiwi cunning...

by Malcolm Street, with additional images supplied 36

TESTED

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railLite’s relatively new 300+ range of motorhomes comes with a few features of note, including the layout and the fact it’s based on Volkswagen’s latest Crafter cab-chassis. Currently in the 300+ range there are 3 layouts: one has a drop down bed in the rear, another has single beds in the rear and yet another – the Oakura, and the subject of this review – has an island bed at the rear.

Starting with a few facts, the Oakura 354 is quite a large motorhome. With an external length of 8.0 m (26’ 3") and a GVM of 5500 kg, it’s designed to not

only offer generous interior space, but also to carry a bit of weight as well. Some of the weighty items that have to be accommodated includes 300-litres of fresh water and 270 amp-hours of AGM housebattery capacity. The 220-litres of grey water gets in there somewhere too, but it’s generally assumed that when the freshwater tank is filled, the grey water tank is emptied.

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New Crafter by VW

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ne of the items of interest to me in this particular motorhome was my first time drive of the new Volkswagen Crafter cab-chassis. What’s new about the Crafter is that it’s purely a Volkswagen design, unlike previous models, which have been a shared design with Mercedes-Benz and its Sprinter.

Crafter’s features are interesting; namely rear-wheel drive, plus max power of 130 kW and max torque of 410 Nm from a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. It’s actually a twin turbo engine, hence the higher power for the engine capacity. Undoubtedly the major feature is the replacement of the old (and unloved – Ed) sixspeed automated manual transmission (AMT) that

harked back to early Mercedes-Benz Sprinter times, by the new super-smooth eight-speed full auto. Its gear changes are seamless, making driving the Oakura 354 a real treat.

If you want a bit more fun with your driving, then a six-speed manual gearbox is also available. In the driver’s cab, the dashboard layout does have that distinctive, teutonic VW look about it, but all the controls and instruments are where they should be.

Good sized external mirrors give a good rear view, while on the right of the dash board is the rear view camera display.

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TESTED

Around the Outside

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rom the outside the Oakura 354 is quite a stylish looking motorhome, the effect added to by the raked back area above the cab and the metallic grey and white colour scheme. There’s no problem with external storage, there being a good sized rear tunnel boot, done in the Euro ‘garage’ style. In addition, there are two smaller lockers along the driver’s-side, one being for the battery management system and the other for the pair of 9.0 kg LPG cylinders.

Covering the Hartal entry door and most of the kerbside wall, except for part of the rear window area, is a Thule Omnistor awning. Mostly out of sight, a 600 mm Kiwisat satellite dish sits atop the roof.

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Stepping Aboard

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benefit of a motorhome this length is that it’s possible to design a layout with few compromises. Thus we have an island bed in the rear with a split bathroom separating the sleeping area from the front living space. Mid-station is the kitchen, leaving the front for the lounge/dining area.

The overall colour scheme consists of darker hues

for the cupboards and overhead lockers, with light beige-and-white for just about everything else. Like many a classy motorhome these days, lighting is a mixture of ceiling fixtures, reading lights and LED strips. It’s quite effective and obvious, even in daylight.

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Using the Cab

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s expected, both cab seats swivel. They are a little awkward to get to, given the table location between the two sideways-facing lounges, but they do ensure comfortable seating for two and the additional bonus of four being able to sit around the table without much difficulty. The table can be folded down to form a second bed. Cupboards are fitted above both seats and there are a couple of handy compartments on both sides of the cab. There are large windows on both sides of the lounges, while the cook doesn’t miss out either.

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Catering

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itted into the kitchen bench, the square stainless steel sink does give the kitchen bench a contemporary look, but I did wonder if it’s central location between cooktop and bench end is as useful as if it were at one end or the other. However, that might not have allowed a cut-out in the top drawer – nothing like using every available space for storage!

Even with the grill under the oven there are still four good sized drawers.

There is indeed a fridge cabinet, complete with 190-litre 3-way Dometic refrigerator plus a Panasonic microwave oven above, and it comes with a wine rack, a couple of high shelves and a TV in-between.

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Separate Bathroom

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plit bathrooms seem to be almost de rigueur these days and this one works well, with the shower cubicle on the driver’s side and the toilet cubicle opposite. The door to the latter can also be swung fully open and used to close off the rear of the motorhome, for privacy. Slightly different shapes are used for the respective cubicles; the shower being a quarter circle and the toilet a slightly angled arrangement, which provides space to use the cassette toilet and also the wash basin on the vanity.

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TESTED

At the Rear

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verybody’s favourite these days, the island bed sits in full splendour in the rear of the Oakura.

Wardrobes are fitted on both sides and each has mains power points and charger outlets. Given the height of the bed due to the garage underneath, six drawers are built into the bed base that faces the front, while steps are fitted on either side.

Large windows on both sides provide plenty of light and fresh air, and like the front windows, these have Roman blinds in addition to the integrated blind and insect screen in the frames.

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Utilities

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his is a very well equipped motorhome, both for those who like to stay in holiday parks and those who wish to roam off the beaten track. Power points are fitted into all the likely-use places, including the ‘garage’ storage area.

The 270 amp-hours of AGM battery capacity supplies the 12-volt load and is charged-up by a 30-amp Redarc battery management system and 300-watts of solar panels. An option for those who require mains power when off-grid is a Redarc 2000-watt inverter (which should perhaps be standard in a vehicle of this capability and price – Ed).

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TESTED

What I Think

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olkswagen’s all-new Crafter is a refined performer, while the ‘house’ area is built very much in the TrailLite tradition and provides plenty of space in its 8 m (26’ 3") length. It’s a motorhome with room to move, plus ample storage, features and liveability.

The Oakura 354 also provides buyers with a Germanchassied alternative to the Sprinter, while building on TrailLite’s proven expertise – a very Crafty move indeed...

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SPECS GENERAL Make

TrailLite

Model

Oakura 354

Type

B-Class

Berths

4

Approved Seating

4

Licence

Car/WOF

Pros...

VEHICLE Make/Model

Volkswagen Crafter

Engine

2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power

130 kW @ 3600 rpm

Torque

410 Nm @ 200 rpm

Gearbox

8-speed automatic

Safety

ABS, ESP, driver and passenger air bags, etc

Fuel

75 L

WEIGHTS

New VW Crafter 8-speed auto Build quality Island bed Split bathroom External storage

Tare Weight

Varies

Gross Vehicle Mass

5500 kg

Max Payload

Varies

Braked Towing Capacity

2000 kg

Cons...

Overall Length

8.00 m (26' 3")

Overall Width

TBA

Overall Height

3.05 m (10' 0�)

Internal Height

TBA

Rear Bed

1.80 m x 1.47 m (5' 11" x 4' 10")

Kitchen sink sans drainer Thru-cab access 12 V fuse access

DIMENSIONS

EQUIPMENT Slide-Out

No

Awning

Thule Omnistor

Entry Steps

Electric

Hob

Thetford 3-burner with grill and oven

Rangehood Sink Fridge Microwave Lighting 12 V Sockets/USB Outlets Air Conditioner Space Heater Hot Water System Toilet Shower CAPACITIES Batteries Solar LPG Fresh Water Grey Water Hot Water Toilet PRICE - NZ As Tested

Yes Square stainless steel 100 L 2-door Dometic 3-way Panasonic 12 V LED 3 x USB in motorhome No Ebespacher diesel Suburban gas/electric Thetford cassette Separate cubicle

North Island

TrailLite Auckland 77 Paerata Road Pukekohe. 2120.

T: 0800 872 455 W: traillite.co.nz South Island

TrailLite Christchurch

270 Ah AGM deep-cycle 300 W 2 x 9 kg 300 L 220 L 23 L 19 L

61 Hayton Road, Wigram, Christchurch. 8042.

T: 0800 872 455 W: traillite.co.nz

$222,000

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TRAKKAWAY 700 Sleep never looked so good 49

READER

! n o z i r o H ne w

lly straightforward... ta to t n’ as w er dd la sion ep up the van-conver st g bi ’s in er b O n li Co

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READER

F

or quite a few years I had been enjoying my Toyota HiAce-based campervan. I enjoyed it so much I even wrote a report on the vehicle which appeared in iMotorhome issue 113 under the very apt title, "Size is everything, but not like you might think". The little van had done sterling service and taken me safely to many parts of the Eastern States, including Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the Grampians in Western Victoria, South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, the iMotorhome Reader Weekend at Dalgety in 2016, and two trips through Outback New South Wales and Queensland; the latest trip going as far afield as Mt Isa, the Gulf of Carpentaria at Karumba and Cooktown. In addition, the Toyota served as a second car and I found it to be an ideal size for driving around the city.

However, as foreshadowed in my letter to the Editor in the Dec 2018-Jan 2019 edition of iMotorhome, I had been considering trading up to a new vehicle.

Why you might ask, when I so enjoyed my Toyota HiAce? Well that’s a long(ish) story that started in

the Queensland town of Charleville. I was partway through a safari around Queensland with OutbackXpeditions, when around midday I received a phone call saying that my wife Anne had just had a stroke and was in Box Hill Hospital in Melbourne. Before I go on, rest assured dear reader that Anne is now fully recovered. In fact if you met her now you would never suspect she had been a stroke victim.

Good old country spirit in Charleville had me on a plane to Brisbane that same afternoon and by 10 pm that evening I was at my wife’s bedside, back in Melbourne. My wife’s stroke set in train a series of events, including the sale of our large family home.

It led to the camper making many trips to the Op Shop and many more to a long term storage facility, plus a few to our downsized apartment, packed on each occasion with an unbelievable array of items.

Without my Toyota HiAce I can’t imagine how we could have moved such a mountain of paraphernalia so efficiently.

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Decisions Decisions

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fter the frenetic pace of downsizing, and with my fully recovered wife’s encouragement, I took another trip to Queensland. This trip gave me time to reflect on events and in particular, on my family’s suggestion I consider a new bigger van. Some of the factors behind me considering a bigger vehicle were my grandchildren’s wish to go camping with me, plus the fact one of my sons loves to go camping with his daughter. However, as the Toyota only has two seats they have to take two vehicles when his girlfriend wants to go with them. Then, there was the fact my wife was finding it increasingly difficult with her artificial hip to access the passenger seat of the Toyota.

The HiAce met the self-contained vehicle policy of CMCA in having an external grey water tote and a fitted Porta-Potti. However, some campgrounds for self-contained vehicles where I would have liked to have stayed, required in-built showers, in-built toilets (not Porta-Pottis) and on-board grey water, which my HiAce did not have. This was another factor behind my decision to consider upgrading.

What followed were many hours of internet research, many chats with friends about their vans and visiting a couple of camping and caravan shows. The result? I had a short list of three. The next step was to prepare a list of Pros and Cons of the three vehicles.

Once I had done that I realised I was like the little boy allowed to choose between an apple, an orange and a pineapple. Each had its appeal but also some downsides, so how to choose? Perhaps I should just keep my trusty Toyota?

Each time I considered the advantages and disadvantages (for me) of the vehicles on my short list I came to a different conclusion: One vehicle had good accessibility and could sleep four, but couldn’t take my kayak. Another could take the kayak, but passenger seat access was restricted. Also, one vehicle was available in Melbourne right away while another was only available in Northern New South Wales and had a waiting list. Clearly a different approach was needed to help me choose between the different offerings.

Therefore, instead of looking at each vehicle’s advantages and disadvantages I compiled a list of

my requirements grouped into essential, preferred and optional features, and then rated my current van and each of the vans on my short list on each of these features. Only one of the vans I considered, the Horizon Waratah, was equipped with all of my essential features and all of the features on my preferred list, except for having only two beds. That issue could be easily solved by taking a tent along if four people were going on a trip. The other features lacking were all on my ‘optional’ list and hence not deal breakers.

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Decision Time

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rom this analysis you might think the choice was straight forward. However, although the Waratah met my essential and all but one of my preferred requirements, it was also the most expensive of the options considered. Having spent all of my working life trying to improve our family’s financial position, I was struggling with the idea of spending any money on a new van, let alone choosing the most expensive option.

and loved the Horizon Waratah. The final step was to again visit the Horizon stand a few days later with my son Hayden and granddaughter Lyra, who often borrowed my HiAce to go camping. My granddaughter climbed over every inch and checked out every possible hiding place for a six year old before giving the Waratah the thumbs up. Hayden was equally supportive and keen to go camping in a Waratah, so I got down to tin tacks with Paul Spotswood from Many retired men I have spoken to who, like me, have Horizon to discuss price, which options to include spent their whole working life building up assets (tow bar, air conditioner, solar panels, external gas and saving money for their retirement, struggle with bayonet, electric sliding door, double dinette, etc.) spending that money and liquidating some of those and which engines were available. assets when they retire. However, my family was firmly of the view that now I was in my seventies I Hayden and I ultimately agreed a Mercedes Benz deserved a bit of luxury. Also, as I loved the outdoors Sprinter 419 CDI with a V6 engine would suit us best and touring they encouraged me to buy the vehicle and I signed the contract that day. The vehicle was best suited to my needs, even if it was more soon to arrive in Australia and allowing for Horizon’s expensive than other options. production time, would be ready for delivery in midJune. As Anne and I were heading off for a holiday I was still not convinced, so I took my wife Anne in Canada and Alaska at that time, Horizon kindly and her best friend Marilyn to the Horizon stand at agreed to hold the van in their showroom until I the Victorian Caravan Camping and Touring Show returned. in February 2019. They were both very encouraging 53

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Finally!

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xactly one week after arriving home it was back to the airport for my flight to Ballina. I arrived late afternoon and although delivery was scheduled for the following morning I couldn’t resist walking to the showroom to take a peek at my new van, just as soon as I had dropped my bags at the motel.

Next morning it took several hours for Paul to demonstrate how all the features worked. Everything from the awning to the stove, the hot water unit, drinking water filter, switch panel, TV, aircon and the toilet system was explained and, where appropriate, demonstrated. Then it was off to buy lunch and some supplies for the trip down to Melbourne. By this time my head was crammed with so much new information I was glad to make use of the voucher Horizon provided at a local caravan park for the first night in my new van.

The following day I started the long drive home to Melbourne. I had been a little apprehensive about driving an unregistered vehicle with no number plates all the way to Wodonga, where it could be

registered in my home State of Victoria. I needn’t have worried, Horizon procured an Unregistered Vehicle Permit that allowed me to legally drive the van from Ballina to Victoria without number plates.

They also provided the Certificates required for registration and made the booking for me to register the vehicle at VicRoads in Wodonga.

The Mercedes Benz Sprinter is a dream to drive and I quickly became familiar with all of the controls. I especially liked the speed limiter and cruise control buttons being on the steering wheel, and found the warning system when a vehicle is in the blind spot especially helpful. That’s because the van is quite big and there are several blind spots big enough to easily hide an overtaking vehicle. The V6 engine had lots of power for the inevitable hills and the ride was smooth as I made my way south. The fuel consumption was 11.3 l/100km for the trip and with the larger-than-usual fuel tank fitted the range was over 800 kilometres, so I didn’t have to stop too often to refuel.

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READER

Homeward Bound

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here was no rush to get to Wodonga, so I made over night stops at Bellingen Showgrounds (where I burnt my toast next morning and set off the smoke alarm), Bulahdelah Lions Park (where I checked out the kayak launching options), Carcoar Dam (where I compared notes with other Grey Nomads who had a new van) and Jugiong (where I set up right beside the Murrumbidgee River), before arriving at the Wodonga Showgrounds the afternoon before the registration appointment. Along the way I checked out every feature of the Waratah and found the set-up well thought out and easy to use. The on-board shower and toilet were luxuries I was not used to having and underground car parks are out of the question. the inner spring mattress made for a comfortable However, the extra interior room allows for an inbuilt night’s sleep. toilet and shower and full-length beds, making the While not as large as a typical coach built overall size a worthwhile compromise. motorhome, the Waratah is much bigger than my I found the folks at Horizon friendly and easy to old HiAce, at 6.96 m (22’ 10") long and 1.99 m (6’ 6") deal with, as well as being thoroughly professional. wide. The bigger size has not been a problem when driving around the city or on the highway, but it does Having now driven my new van in both the country and city, and having spent several comfortable mean that parking in the main street of a country nights away, the Horizon Waratah has more than met town or in a supermarket carpark is not always my expectations and I am delighted with my choice. possible. With an external height of 2.95 m (9’ 8"), 55

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CUSTOM

50 shades of

G R E AT 58

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B

us conversions are popular everywhere and in America the profusion of old school buses to feed to obsession seems almost limitless. Simply, both mechanically and in terms of body construction, they can be picked up for just a few thousand dollars and are ideal for a competent DIYer. A whole subculture in their own right, ex-school buses – Skoolies – are hyper cool, apparently especially so with those who don’t know how to spell...

The 1998 Thomas school bus featured here was renovated by Robbie and Priscilla, a young and suitably photogenic couple who naturally documented the process on social media, under the name Going Boundless. The pair say the conversion took around 18 months and they wanted to create more of the Tiny Home look and feel than a While the VanLife movement generally concentrates traditional RV, and so chose decidedly cosy domestic on cheap and hopefully cheerful conversions of materials and design. Not only is it now their home, old vans, Skoolie conversions are usually far more it’s also home to Mr Beebels, the requisite travelling cat. sophisticated, and often set up for full-time living.

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CUSTOM

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aturally, the renovation was difficult: Leaking windows need replacing and a year into the project, the engine expired and the bus spent many weeks in the repair shop. However, with all that behind them, Team Beebels hit the road in late March this year and reportedly haven’t looked back.

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CUSTOM

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he bus features an open floor plan with a full size bed at the rear. Cedar tongue and groove ceilings and white walls make for cosy living, while the kitchen is farmhouse sized and a nod to Priscilla’s love of cooking. The kitchen boasts an enormous sink, quartz benchtops, soft-closing cabinet doors and drawers, and a pull-out pantry. There’s also a huge fridge and an full-size cooker to help satiate those on-road appetites.

A small sofa provides a place to relax, while under the bed is a combo washer-dryer and lots of storage.

A nice touch is the set of under-bed drawers that double as access steps.

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CUSTOM

B

eside the bedroom, the bathroom includes a glass shower door, privacy blinds and a domestic sized tiled shower with brass accents. Outside, two external showers make cleaning off after adventures easy, while the bus also features a reversing camera, air conditioner, wood fireplace, a propane heater, LED lights, skylight and a desk.

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o RV-park-princess, this bus is properly set up for freedom camping and has 6 x 360-watt solar panels and 8 x 315 Ah house batteries. Water capacities aren’t stated, but given the trio have spent the summer in Canada and Alaska, it’s likely they are more than sufficient.

There’s no word on cost, but considering the bus was probably around the US$5000 mark and they did the work themselves – Mr Beebels supervised – the end result is a unique and desirable Skoolie well worth lusting after...

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CUSTOM

“The conversion took around 18 months and they wanted to create more of the Tiny Home look-and-feel than a traditional RV” 64

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TRAVEL

virtually there

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TRAVEL

A

ntarctic tourism is ‘in’, but usually the province of the very well heeled. Well, until now. For the rest of this year (and possibly until the end of 2020) you can visit for just $20 – and you don’t even have to get rugged up, or sea sick.

The secret? Canberra’s National Museum of Australia’s Antarctica Experience: an immersive 20 minute virtual reality (VR) presentation that runs daily at a quarter past the hour, commencing at 9:15 AM and finishing at 4:15 PM. To quote from the Museum’s website, “Travel to Antarctica using the latest 360-degree virtual reality technology and follow in the footsteps of the scientists researching this mysterious continent. Explore Antarctica from a helicopter cockpit and cruise through icy waters to meet a penguin colony. Visit Davis Station and learn about daily life in these harsh conditions, and marvel at the spectacular southern lights.”

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TRAVEL

T

he Experience starts you off at Davis Station, where you get a briefing on the base and a look at some of its facilities, before transporting you to a penguin colony where you watch mums and chicks hurry past, around and quite literally beneath you.

From there a breathtaking helicopter ride takes you over the towering edge of the ice sheet and you view it looking out the windscreen, over the pilot’s shoulder, and from the end of an external arm looking all around, including back into the helicopter – and straight down!

Through a combination of fixed cameras, helicopter and drone footage, you also explore icebergs, take an inflatable boat ride and finally, watch the majestic Aurora Australis dance in the sky all night long, via time-lapse photography. The most amazing thing is being able to look 360º around you, plus above and below. It’s impressive stuff and over too quickly, with the credits coming up when I thought we were only about halfway through.

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TRAVEL

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he Antarctica Experience uses a new form of virtual reality technology in which all participants see the same thing at the same time. That’s because the ‘show’ is broadcast to all headsets, rather than running on individual VR units. It feels something like a cross between an IMAX 3D movie and a private computer game, because you are totally immersed in the experience and can’t see anyone else (although of course you can hear them).

While not perfect – you have to get goggle adjustment just right for focus and there was some blurring and chromatic aberration – rainbow colours – at the edges, the technology is still impressive and a small taste of things to come.

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he rest of the National Museum of Australia deserves a whole day of your time. To make that easier there’s a coffee shop with views over Lake Burley Griffin, and a non-kitsch-gift shop with souvenirs and mementos you’d actually want to take home, at (mostly) very reasonable prices.

Aside from $20 for The Antartica Experience, general admission to the Museum is free and includes free Wi-Fi and even a mobile device recharge station in the cafe. Parking is also free on weekends and public holidays, but $2.90/hour or $14/day on weekdays, but at least the machines take VISA and MasterCards.

The good news is you can use excess carpark time at Questacon, the National Library and Old Parliament House simply by displaying the ticket.

If you have a hankering for penguins, icebergs and the Southern Lights, The Antarctic Experience is for you – especially if you’ve always wanted to hang from a boom outside a helicopter while flying over an ice cliff!

It sounds virtually unbelievable, I know, but it’s true.

Find out more HERE

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TRAVEL

SOUNDS OF SILENCE

By Mitch Crowle Images - Supplied

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he answers you receive when asking locals for directions around Joshua Tree sound like the synopsis for an abstract cabaret: Head to Yucca, turn to Pioneertown – where you must stop at Pappy & Harriet’s – then through Flamingo Heights into Landers, where the Integratron will pop up out of the desert; its bright white dome shining like a beacon.

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TRAVEL #HEDRIVES

Having just come from Pioneertown (where yes, you really should visit Pappy & Harriet’s to have a drink and see a gig out the back) I knew I was close, but no cell coverage was hindering my path. Stopping on the side of the road next to a low building with a sign for The Fraternal Order of Eagles in Twenty Nine Palms, I wandered over to a leathered elderly man leaning against an 8 foot tall carved wooden eagle. Explaining where I was going, he was more than happy to direct me in his own way, splicing the streets to take in between explanations of why the Sound Bath will be an important experience in my life.

Coincidentally, conversations the night before were mainly concerned with what I was doing out on the edge of the desert, where had I been, where was I going. The mention of having booked a Sound Bath at the Integratron brought one of two recurring reactions: a widening of the eyes and a warmly jealous laugh, or the slow closing of heavy lids, a knowing smile and a guarantee that I would not walk away unchanged. A mix of intrigued, skeptical and excited before; as I drove away from the eagle and his friend, in the general direction of the white structure, I was newly ready for a transcendent experience.

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UFOH? Constructed completely of Douglas Fir wood from Washington, excluding the surprisingly small one ton concrete ring acting as keystone at the top, it was built on a powerful intersection of geomagnetic forces, which combine to provide a powerfully resonant, naturally amplified acoustic space.

George Van Tassel was a midcentury aeronautical engineer whose impressive resume included working under Howard Hughes and at Lockheed. In 1953, while in his mid-40s and recently having moved his family to Landers, George claimed to have been woken from sleep

by Solganda – a Venusian space captain aged over 700 years with the ability to speak perfect English (of course).

Inside this space is where the Sound Baths are held; an hour long commune song of sonic healing that promises, “Waves of peace, heightened awareness and relaxation of the mind and body.” To the best of my knowledge, no time travel nor cell rejuvenation has taken place – yet.

Taking him aboard his craft, Solganda explained that our human use of metal throughout the world was taking its toll on interplanetary frequencies. As an alternative a formula was communicated – instructions for how to create a more natural structure; one that would be capable of time travel in addition to human cell rejuvenation.

I arrive forty minutes early and, after parking the campervan, wander into the small, dusty desert garden peppered with a variety of nut and fruit trees. There I find apricot, olive, almond, plum and even eucalyptus. I have time before needing to check in, so I make my way over to the far corner where colourful hammocks are swaying in the wind. I spend the next half an hour swinging peacefully and if I’m honest that was relaxing enough that I was happy to leave then – although there is a woman walking through the garden softly encouraging all of us to make our way to the dome. She stands over me for a second, smiling down, the harsh sun behind silhouetting her against the desert sky.

That structure now sits in the heart of the Mojave Desert, two and a half hours east of Los Angeles. The roads to get there progressively becomes smaller and tighter the closer you get, as if arrowing you towards the destination.

Amongst the Joshua Trees and kaleidoscope sunsets, the 55-ft diameter, 38-ft tall circular domed structure is completely at odds with the surrounding landscape, jutting out of the dust like a mirage – an Unidentified Freestanding Object.

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INTO THE MYSTIC Walking with others through double doors into the Integratron, I’m surprised to discover a ground floor with a collection of cuttings detailing the history and build, scattered around the circular walls. As we remove our shoes and a steward calmly introduces himself, there is a slight air of nervousness replacing my excitement.

One by one we are ushered up a wooden staircase to the main level and all of a sudden the space opens up considerably. Every soft sound we make reverberates, seeming to endlessly echo and bounce between the 16 small rectangular windows dotted equally around the circumference and showing off the surrounding desert.

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Inside, the main space is a marvel in both sight and sound. The geometry and natural materials make the interior seem incredibly warm and inviting. As we take places on soft mats to lie down, our session leader displays the quartz healing bowls that will be ‘played’ for us. It is ok to sleep, she says, as the effects will continue through our body, regardless. My mind is already starting to drift as this introduction – purely listening to her voice in this chamber – is the most soothing autonomous sensory meridian response I’ve ever experienced. It is no more than a whisper from across the room and yet I can hear her clearly, as if she was sitting an inch from my ears.

Once everyone is ready the bowls are played individually, as a sequence. Each is tuned to a chakra – a Sanskrit center of spiritual power in the body. Slowly the sounds swell, without a particular point of origin, at once here and there but also everywhere. The effect is, well... extraterrestrial. This is full. Rich. Lush. Invasive, almost.

These sonic tones amplified by the acoustics result in an overwhelming sensation that is initially perplexing then relaxing, and the longer the Sound Bath continues the deeper I fall into a state of semi-consciousness, vaguely lucid. I lose time and the bowls become deeper, more harmonic, as the bath continues on...

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TRAVEL #HEDRIVES

AWAKENING It takes everyone in the room a few minutes to gather their thoughts, once ambient music is played through a stereo against the wall of the Integratron to symbolise the end of the Sound Bath. Randomly, people are slowly awakening. Some are turning to look into their partners eyes, some are lying on their backs staring at the ceiling. No-one speaks for some time. I have a long glance around the room before reclining back to lie on the mat, feeling as comfortable as I can ever remember. I’ve no need to be anywhere, no impulse to do anything, and I am content in a complete way.

I cannot speak for the science behind the construction, the geological importance of the location or the guidance Van Tassel claimed he received. I’m honestly not interested in debating whether any of that is legitimate or should be taken seriously. All I can say is that you should go and experience this.

It is the first moment that comes to my mind when people ask about great things I have found on the road so far. Joshua Tree has inspired countless creatives with it’s natural beauty, but perhaps the most exhilarating experience isn’t about sight at all – it’s about sound. It’s to open yourself up to opportunity within the wooden walls of a white dome, closing your eyes as you are enveloped in the purest of acoustics.

From this point on, when I meet someone who mentions that they are heading to a Sound Bath at the Integratron, I will slowly close my eyes, smile, and guarantee them that they will not walk away unchanged.

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SOUND BATH AT THE INTEGRATRON 2477 BELFIELD BLVD, LANDERS, CA 92285 (2.5HRS EAST OF LOS ANGELES) T: (760) 364-3126

E: INTEGRATRON@GMAIL.COM

W: WWW.INTEGRATRON.COM

RV FRIENDLY TOWNS

CMCA

RV Friendly Towns image by Liam Edward

he RV Friendly program is a Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Limited (CMCA) initiative aimed at assisting RV travellers as they journey throughout this wonderful country.

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will be provided for them that may not be available in other centres, and they will have access to a safe place to stay overnight and possibly for a longer period.

An RV Friendly Town (RVFT) is one that provides a certain number of amenities and a certain level of services for these travellers.

On the following pages are this issue’s featured RV Friendly towns. If possible please include them in your travels and support the communities going out of their way to welcome those of us fortunate enough to be travelling. Enjoy!

When RV travellers enter a town displaying the RVFT sign they know they will be welcome. Certain services

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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS

Yarram, VIC

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arram is situated in the South Gippsland and is only 2.5 hours from Melbourne. The town was established in 1893 and known as Yarram Yarram until 1924; the origins of the name are thought to be from an Aboriginal phrase meaning ‘plenty of water’. Today, Yarram is a rural farming town with a population of 2100.

Bulga National Park, the Strzelecki Ranges and Wilsons Promontory.Yarram offer RV travellers a wide variety of free services, including 24-hour parking at Tarra River Rest Area and Port Albert Foreshore. For longer stays, 96-hour parking is available at White Woman’s Waterhole. A dump point and potable water can be found along Railway Avenue.

This small town is a wonderful place to visit, especially for RV travellers, as it’s near Ninety Mile Beach, the spectacular cool rainforest of the TarraTourist/Visitor Information Centre

Yarram VIC & Art Gallery, 8 Rodger St, Yarram VIC Ph: 03 5182 6553 Open 10.00am - 3.00pm

Casual Parking (near retail centre)

Lawler St (behind Library)

Short Term Parking

Tarra River Rest Area, South Gippsland Hwy, (24hr) Port Albert Foreshore, (24hr) White Woman’s Waterhole, Won Wron Woddside Rd, (96hr)

Dump Point

Railway Avenue

Potable Water

Railway Avenue

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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS

Warragamba, NSW

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ocated in the eastern foothills of the Blue Mountains, Warragamba is a one-and-a-half-hour drive west of Sydney CBD. The name Warragamba comes from the Aboriginal words Warra and Gamba, meaning water running over rocks. The town is home to the famous Warragamba Dam, the main source of Sydney’s water supply.

Warragamba Dam is the largest concrete dam in Australia and one of the largest domestic water supply dams in the world. Its grounds are open to

the public and provides a visitor centre, Water for Life exhibition, viewing platforms and several visitor facilities.

For RV travellers, short term parking is available at the Warragamba Recreation Reserve. There is no cost for parking and access to bins, toilets, barbecue, plus water is available. Vehicles must be self-contained, and pets on leads are permitted. A dump point and potable water are both located on site.

Tourist/Visitor Information Centre

Wollondilly Shire Council Visitor Information Centre 62 Menangle St, Picton. NSW. Ph: 02 4677 8313 www.visitwollondilly.com.au

Casual Parking (near retail centre)

Warragamba Recreation Reserve, Farnsworth Ave

Short Term Parking

Warragamba Recreation Reserve, Farnsworth Ave (48hrs), self-contained vehicles only, nil charge, mobile coverage, bins, toilets, BBQ, water, covered seating. Pets are allowed but must be kept inside the vehicle or on a lead at all times.

Dump Point

Warragamba Recreation Reserve, Farnsworth Ave -33.89363 150.60124d.

Potable Water

Warragamba Recreation Reserve, Farnsworth Ave.

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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS

KORUMBURRA, VIC

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old fashioned confectionery in the general store or simply enjoy the 36 hectares of natural surrounds, plus enjoy a picnic at one of the many scenic spots around the park.

Visitors can step back in time at Coal Creek Community Park & Museum, where more than 50 buildings and exhibits showcase the rich mining history of the area from the 1870s to the 1920s.

Ride the bush tramway, feed the ducks, purchase

Short-term parking is available at Korumburra Showgrounds. Parking is only available for selfcontained vehicles and for a maximum of 48 hours.

Unpowered sites cost $10 per-vehicle per-night, and access to bins, toilets, power and a barbecue is included. Powered sites are available for $20 pervehicle per-night. A dump point is located on site, as is potable water. Please be mindful that the grounds are available for multiple use and with a number of events taking place on-site, parking may not always be available.

orumburra is set amongst the rolling hills on the edge of the Strzelecki Ranges, 115 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. This town is often referred to as the gateway to Prom Country-South Gippsland and has a rich history as it is part of the Great Forest of Gippsland. A visit to Korumburra will be enjoyable, with many great cafĂŠs, bakeries, hotels and other food outlets available.

Tourist/Visitor Information Centre

Visitor Information Centre Closed.

Please call 1800 630 704 for information.

E: infocentre@southgippsland.vic.gov.au W: www.visitpromcountry.com.au

Casual Parking (near retail centre)

Little Commercial St between King & Radovick Sts

Short Term Parking

Korumburra Showgrounds, Elizabeth St, Korumburra VIC. Self-contained vehicles only, 48hrs, $10 pvpn unpowered $20 pvpn powered, pets on lead, mobile coverage, bins, toilets, covered seating, power, BBQ, water.

There are some restrictions throughout the year when camping will be unavailable or restricted.

Dump Point

Korumburra Showgrounds Lat: -38.42815, Long: 145.81734

Potable Water

Korumburra Showgrounds

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Avida Opens Parkes Dealership Avida continues to expand its authorised dealer network, with the addition of a new dealership in Parkes, NSW. Parkes Caravans, trading as Avida Parkes, is the newest Avida dealership and is owned and operated

by Troy Thomson, who reportedly has many years experience in the local RV industry. While Avida Parkes carries new caravan stock it is also the place for local Avida enquiries, including service, warranty, spare parts, accessories and insurance work, carried out by an RVMAA accredited technician. The new Avida Parkes dealership is located at 84-92 Forbes Road, Parkes, NSW. Call (02) 6862 6122 and ask for Dyllan or Troy.

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APPS

MEALS ON

by Emily Barker

W H E E L S T

he advent of mobile applications has transformed many aspects of life, and food is no exception.

Never before has it been so time-efficient or affordable to plan, prepare or provide nutritious meals via a mobile app – no matter where you are.

addition to reducing the risk of chronic diseases and maintaining overall health, the improvements in physical health from socialising around food cannot be underestimated. But balancing this with the practicalities of everyday life is hard enough, let alone for those with a mobile lifestyle!

We all know how important daily food choices are as part of leading a healthy balanced lifestyle. Good Emerging technology trends can sometimes seem ephemeral, but some areas have remained positively nutrition is essential and directly affects how you transformed – or ‘disrupted’ – as the industry likes feel today, tomorrow and long in the future. From to call it. Health and wellness has been one of these an emotional health perspective too, good food is a areas; there are apps to help us sleep, exercise, valuable social element. Cultures that base dining around bonding with family, and that develop a close meditate, monitor our health and yes, eat well. The sense of community through shared meals, have Australian hospitality industry is another completely disrupted sector due to this rise of mobile been studied for longevity and reduced incidences technology – but that’s a whole other discussion. of chronic disease. Food can also evoke emotional The following are but a brief collection of ‘foodie’ responses, bringing back memories we hold close apps; from daily practical options to the casual and taking us back to times we enjoyed! In fact special occasion splurge... food is possibly more powerful than we think: In 83

APPS

Hello Fresh Size: 210.9 MB For: iOS & Androind Cost: App Free – food by weekly subscription

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magine never having to plan out weekly meals or grocery shop? What if everything you needed to make an entire meal (or a week’s worth) was delivered fresh, straight to your door? Well, this is the basis of Hello Fresh’s business model and it’s proving incredibly popular throughout the world.

Operating in 11 countries with what appears to be quite a wholesome and straightforward approach to good nutrition and business, Hello Fresh offers a unique opportunity to provide you with nutritionally balanced, home-made meals, minus the timeconsuming planning and purchasing. All ingredients are carefully determined, sourced and delivered fresh to your door, accompanied by easy-to-follow recipe cards.

The app is what you’d expect from such a large and successful multinational company – easy to use and responsive. You can discover and select new recipes, choose your weekly meals, view step-by-step cooking synced via the app using HealthKit. With flavoursome guides and change your subscription settings at any easy recipes that are simple and quick to cook, this time; including to skip, pause or redirect deliveries. genuinely is a case of technology overhauling the Nutritional information for each meal can also be home food delivery industry.

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APPS

UberEats Size: 257.3 MB For: iOS & Android Cost: Free

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ove them or hate them, UberEats has, in a remarkably short period, established itself as one of the major players in our current food delivery industry. It’s an industry there’s no doubt consumers enjoy the convenience of, with Australians spending an estimated $2.6 billion on it each year.

The app, though, is incredibly convenient and not without distinct appeal. You can instantly order food from restaurants and cafes within a 30 km radius of you location and have it hand-delivered, within a set time. For anyone familiar with lunch hour rushes or extended evening waits, this is an attractive concept.

It should be noted that there are many options for home restaurant delivery, depending on your location, but UberEATS is probably the most recognised and convenient service represented throughout cities and metropolitan areas. The ridesharing company is not without controversy though and is the focus of much current ethical discussion regarding its user and employee terms (or lack thereof), particularly among small business, with the delivery giant reportedly taking 35% commission from the meal supplier and 0% responsibility of delivery...

Search features allow you to narrow your selections by applying various filters including food types, cost, restaurant type, dietary requirements and many more. With a variety of payment options including cash, card or Uber account, there are a multitude of options available to customise your experience. Nutritionally it’s all up to you though; the variety of options available are only limited by the participating venues within your search area – oh, and Uber actually operating there!

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APPS

Coles Online/Woolworths Size: 91.9/ 79.2MB For: iOS & Android Cost: Free

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hese two conglomerates have been placed in the same basket for the purposes of convenience – much like the home delivery services they offer.

Online ordering is an incredibly popular way to avoid the shopping centre queues (and carparks!).

With low delivery fees and the ability to change your delivery location, many road travellers are taking the advantage to plan and grocery shop ahead.

Alternatively, you can use the Coles app to browse the store prior to shopping as a price guide and item and store locator.

Within both apps you can save lists, browse the latest catalogue, shop by aisle, category, item or by specials. Both offer online-only specials and you can link and use your rewards cards. Search results can be filtered by previously bought, relevance, cost The apps themselves vary little and are both as yet or unit price. It’s also a great way to make more to be optimised for iPads. The primary difference is conscious decisions regarding products as you that via the Woolworths app, all transactions can be can compare product unit prices, view ingredients completed within the app. Coles application, on the and countries of origin easily. Your ‘trolley’ will also other hand, is designed primarily as a list creator remain full until checkout is complete even if you that will then be exported to your mobile search log out, so you can take your time and shop from the engine to complete the payment and delivery details. comfort of wherever you are, whenever you like!

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APPS

Yummly Recipes + Shopping List Size: 223.4 MB For: iOS&Android Cost: Free

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still have an entire shelf dedicated to remarkably heavy, beautifully presented cookbooks representing just about every cuisine. Unfortunately, this collection accumulates more dust than fingerprints these days as I, like many others, increasing turn to the convenience of a device to seek peer-reviewed recipe inspiration. And of these applications, there are many!

Yummly is your self-proclaimed ‘smart cooking sidekick’, offering personalised guidance every step of the way. From recipe recommendations just for you to handy tools and helpful videos, Yummly apparently has everything you need. Available online or as a free app for phones or tablets, you can literally access millions of recipes.

With an explore tab offering categories such as courses and cuisines, and abundant subcategories, this user-friendly interface generates useful search results. Perhaps the best feature is

the ease with which users can apply and adjust effective filters to searches, such as cuisine type and dietary requirements, and weed out unwanted ingredients. You can also add and adjust shopping list items, incorporate meal scheduling to increase organisation and track your nutritional and serving information via integration with Apple Health App. While recipe websites can filter, save and even help create shopping lists and meal plans, good recipe apps can do all this at a more intuitive and connected level, with some added bells and whistles.

Discover recipes to make right now with what you have on hand. Simply enter the ingredients you wish to use and Yummly will provide you with recipes to suit; this is the kind of gastronomic innovation every thrifty cook needs!

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“As you travel, don’t forget to stop and smell the pot plants. Roses are so overrated...”

Douglas Adams

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image: Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann