iMotorhome eMagazine Issue 43 – 01 Mar 2014

iMotorhome

43 : March 1 2014

Fancy a

magazine

Issue

because getting there is half the fun...

BIG HOLIDAY?

Sunliner’s big Holiday G510 could be just the ticket…

Win!

$50 Caltex Fuel Card!

Win!

MYSTERY PRIZE!

You’ve Got Mail!

But what do you do with it while you’re travelling?

Kea Dreamtime A sound second-hand buy?

Adelaide Show What’s new and happening

About iMotorhome | 3

iMotorhome eMagazine is published twice monthly and available by free subscription from www.imotorhome.com.au.

Your letters and contributions are always welcome!

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Contributor/s

Published by iMotorhome

Design and Production

PO Box 1738, Bowral.

NSW 2576. Australia.

ABN: 34 142 547 719 T: +614 14 604 368 E: info@imotorhome.com.au W: www.imotorhome.com.au Editorial Publisher/Managing Editor Richard Robertson T: 0414 604 368 E: richard@imotorhome.com.au Roadtest Editor Malcolm Street E: malcolm@imotorhome.com.au

Jess Ciampa

Design Manager Agnes Nielsen E: agnes@imotorhome.com.au Advertising Advertising Manager Keith Smyth M: 0408 315 288 T: 03 9579 3079 E: advertising@imotorhome.com.au Legal All content of iMotorhome eMagazine and website is copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content, however no responsibility is accepted for any inconvenience and/or loss arising from reading and/or acting upon information contained within iMotorhome eMagazine or the iMotorhome website.

THE BUILT-IN SPECIALISTS Whether you are buying a replacement or your first recreational vehicle you’ll want the confidence in knowing that you are dealing with a company that can offer you expert advice every time.

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On my mind | 5

Summer goes and autumn leaves Today’s issue marks the first day of autumn and soon many of you will migrate north in search of warmer climes. Depending on where you travel and your personal preferences, the twin issues of free camping and access to cheaper ‘no frills’ campsites will either weigh heavily on your mind or not be an issue.

The Caravan Camping Industry Association (CCIA) of NSW has stated it’s not against free camping, but does oppose “non-compliant camping.” This (presumably) means the likes of Council operated showgrounds or similar that aren’t required to meet the health and safety standards it’s caravan park members do. This is a deeply complex issue to which there is no single, magic bullet solution, but here are a few thoughts to add to the debate.

On one hand the CCIA has a point: Its members have to jump though expensive hoops to meet the very standards the Local Council’s themselves don’t applying to their own properties. Also, it does take business away from some members – a fact the pro-free camping lobby needs to acknowledge.

On the other hand the argument above is pretty weak. CCIA caravan park members take business from hotels and motels (witness the dramatic increase in cabins) as well as shops, cafés and restaurants, yet there is no orchestrated campaign I’m aware of by these people to shut down caravan parks.

The CCIA and its allies need to recognise and acknowledge that many travellers, myself included, have no interest in ‘holiday parks’ that are a destination in themselves. We want safe, affordable but basic places to park our self-contained vehicles and that’s what showgrounds and the like provide. Why should these places be required to meet the same standards as caravan parks, which are densely populated, have limited access/

evacuation points, mix motor vehicles and children in close proximity and provide facilities that are also hazards – like playgrounds, pools and the like – as well as often storing, preparing and selling food?

Additionally, more Local Councils need to wake up to the economic benefits all travellers bring to their shires when they stay and spend money, regardless of where they sleep.

What does need to be addressed is the backpacker/campervan issue, which is a separate issue that requires political will sadly lacking at this point.

What can you do? Contact your local newspaper/s, Council, State and Federal parliamentary members and voice your concerns at a local level. Offer positive solutions. Monitor online media and where possible present a positive counter argument to negative reports. Above all stay calm, use considered language – and let the other side know we’ve only just begun to fight!

Free for all!

This emagazine and our website only exist thanks to the loyal (and growing!) support of our advertisers. We’d like to keep them both free for you, but to do so our advertisers need your support – and business, where possible. All we ask is that whenever you need something for your campervan, motorhome or other recreational vehicle that you visit their websites, take a good look around and if their products suit and are well priced then please choose them. It’s a simple request that benefits all of us. Thanks!

Richard

6 | Content

3

About us

5

On my Mind

8

User Guide

Who we are, where and other legal stuff

Changing seasons, free camping and more…

How to get the best from iMotorhome eMagazine

11 On your Mind

Share your thoughts for the chance to win a $50 Caltex fuel card!

13

News

20

Road Test: Sunliner Holiday G510

34

Feature: You've Got Mail

What’s happening in the wider RV world - and beyond

Big Holiday – Sunliner’s spacious Holiday G510

What to do with your post when you’re on the road

Malcolm gets to grips with two big motorhomes this issue…

Missed a Test?

No problem.

Click HERE to view the complete list of tests.

Content | 7

38

Used Test: Kea Dreamtime

50 56

Show Report: Adelaide

59

Reader Review Templates

60

Cook-up!

62

Next Issue & Show Calendar

Is this big Kea a sound second-hand buy?

What was new, hot and happening in Adelaide this year

Mobile Tech: Iridium Go! A portable satellite hotspot for voice and data

Review your vehicle, a favourite place or whatever for a chance to win a mystery prize

Bags of fun for breakfast‌

What’s coming up and what shows are on soon

Missed an Issue?

No problem.

Click HERE to view the complete list of back issues.

8 | User Guide

How to get the best from iMotorhome eMagazine Note: This magazine is designed to deliver the best reading experience on an Apple iPad.

General This magazine is published in the Portable Document Format (PDF). This means that once downloaded it is a self-contained document that can be stored on your smartphone, tablet device, e-reader, laptop or desktop computer and read off-line at your convenience.

PDFs are clever things and allow a degree of interactivity not possible with a conventional magazine. For example: The front cover and contents page features links in their headings that will take you directly to the appropriate article in the magazine. If you are using a laptop or desktop computer you will see the mouse cursor change to a small hand with a pointing finger, which signifies you can click on the page below All advertisements are ‘live’ and linked to the advertiser’s website. This means if you touch one (smartphone/tablet) or click on one (laptop/ desktop) you will be taken to the relevant website automatically, if you are connected to the Internet. If you are not connected to the Internet you will be asked if you want to connect, to complete the action.

Text that is highlighted and/or underlined in blue is also a ‘live’ link that will either take you to the webpage of the topic being discussed, or open an email (if appropriate).

iPad and iPhone Users Important: Be sure you have the free in iBooks app installed. It displays a full page at a time and allows you to read the magazine by swiping the pages sideways, just like turning the pages in a printed magazine. iBooks has a Library function that displays a small thumbnail of the front cover of each issue. You can also create Collections, so you could store each year’s issues separately, for example.

Using iBooks On downloading each issue of iMotorhome eMagazine you’ll briefly see a message at the very top of the front cover that says “Open in iBooks.” If you miss it, don’t worry. Just tap the space immediately above the iMotorhome title and it will reappear for a few seconds. When it does, tap it and your issue will be moved to iBooks and reopen.

Once open in iBooks you’ll see a number of icons across the very top of the page and a strip of tiny page thumbnails across the very bottom. To get rid of them simply tap the page anywhere there isn't text (touching text will take you to the revenant article inside). To make the icons reappear just tap anywhere on the page.

To read your copy of iMotorhome eMagazine, swipe the page from right to left. Reverse this to go back a page. To go to the font cover at any time just tap on the page your on and then touch the tiny page icon at the far left, along the very bottom. To leave the issue you’re reading and go back to your Library, tap the page and then touch Library in the top left hand corner.

User Guide | 9

How to get the best from iMotorhome eMagazine Laptop/Desktop Computer Users The software that allows you to view a PDF document – Acrobat Reader – has a number of controls at the top of the page. Chief amongst these are two square buttons in the centre; one showing a page with an arrow across it and the other showing a page with arrows across and top to bottom. Press these and you can view the page at the full width of your screen, or the whole page fitted to you screen, respectively.

For further help or information email info@imotorhome.com.au.

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On your mind | 11

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

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

Winning Letter Hi Guys. Firstly congrats with the iMagazine. I really enjoy reading it, just like I like reading the Wanderer. Anyway, just a note about free camping.

I can't understand why the big picture is not seen. If more people are out and about enjoying this fantastic country we live in, “leaving not trace”, spending money on fuel, food, clothes, etc My husband and I plan to start in towns that would otherwise not our new empty nester life in three have this influx of revenue, what years, when our last child leaves is the problem? If they cut out home. We are too young to free camping, the only ones really retire, can't have a motorhome gaining are the caravan parks. and a home, so we are selling Less people will be able to travel, everything, buying a motorhome and if they still can, the money and travelling and working around that they would spend in going Australia. For this lifestyle to work to a cozy little restaurant, will for us, when we are working we be spent on caravan park fees. will be in a caravan park, being There will be minimal “spreading able to afford the rent and boost the love” of money to the the local economy with any of our economy, and less people being living costs, while putting money about to actually do the travelling away. But when we are travelling and enjoying it. in between work commitments, to keep this lifestyle and be able Why make motorhomes that to help smaller communities the are self sufficient for up to seven best way we can doing volunteer days, if you can’t use what work as we travel and using their they can do. I am really looking services, we will be relying on free forward to waking up in the camping to make it work. morning and the only sound you hear is the wildlife around you,

not the caravan parked next door with loud children, or someone sleeping who snores really loud.

The Government should be happy that people want to travel around. When we are self sufficient by working as we go, we are still paying taxes, not claiming any benefits, able to help other communities both financially with the money we can spend and socially with the help we can give whilst volunteering.

How can this hurt anyone if we have one day here and two days there free camping. I would imagine that over an average year, most travellers would spend at least 8 to 9 months at a paid site. Let’s face it, not everyone is happy to free camp. But some of us are really looking forward to it. We have been working at our goal for two years now, and with three years to go we would be devastated and wondering if we were making the right choice if having freedom is taken away Continues...

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On your Mind / News | 13 ...continued.

from us. I would love to hear what the final decision is, and what other people think on this issue. I don’t know how to solve some of the problems when careless campers leave a trail of mess behind.

Maybe they can have free camping only for vehicles that pass specific requirements and that the owners sign an agreement with regards to leaving any mess behind. I don’t know what solution would work.

Hi Allana, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The free camping issue is growing in momentum and is starting to infiltrate mainstream media. iMotorhome will continue to do what we can to promote it and bring it to other people’s attention. Thanks for your thoughts and please accept this month’s $50 Caltex fuel card to help get you both on the road just that little bit sooner!

Hope my thoughts can help towards the campaign.

Kind Regards, Allana

iMotorhome Winners Reader Reports Last month we ran our first Reader Reports, offering a mystery prize for the best one – and the winner is: David Fulcher, for a vehicle and destination report! Congratulations David, your mystery prize will soon be on its way; we’re just awaiting its arrival at the iMotorhome office after having it hand made in the USA. Intrigued?

Watch for photos next issue!

Budget Tips The winner of the Hema Maps, Australia Caravan and Motorhome Atlas for the best budgeting tips is – Grant Whitlock!

G’day iMotorhome people, here are some things we’ve learned in 10 or so years on the road (not all at once I might add).

• Don’t shop hungry • Use roadside stalls for things like fresh fruit, veggies, eggs, etc • Go to local markets, church fetes & school fetes • Buy from the little old ladies selling cakes, jams and other things on footpath stalls

• Look out for supermarket ‘yellow label’ price reductions and learn to cook what’s a bargain or on special, not just what you feel like • Learn to love leftovers! Use BBQs in parks to save cooking gas and keep smells outside • Shop using a credit card where possible for rewards or frequent flyer points, but set a budget and pay it off each month • Fill a thermos in the morning and make your own coffee and tea, instead of buying them multiple times a day • Carry a bike and ride it with a back pack, especially when shopping for smaller things. It saves fuel and will help keep you fit!

• Wrap some money (you choose the amount) in a plastic bag and hide it in a secure place inside or underneath your motorhome. In an emergency, like the ATM doesn’t work or internet banking is down, it’s a real life saver. But only use it for emergencies!

We also keep a piggy bank (yes a real one) for our loose change. It’s amazing how it mounts up, and we use it for treats like a meal out or tour somewhere. Hope this helps.

14 | News

Camp Hosts Wanted

M

Camp Host positions are available from April to September and ideally you’d be able to stay for three to four weeks. In return for free accommodation with power, a free dinner on Monday nights, free Internet access at the library and even a Certificate of Appreciation – amongst other benefits – you’ll be required to ensure campers comply with free registration requirements and provide basic local information.

cKinlay Shire Council in Queensland is seeking enthusiastic individuals or couples to volunteer as Camp Hosts for the Julia Creek RV Friendly Rest Area. Julia Creek is on the Flinders Highway, some 137 km east of Cloncurry, on the Overlander’s Way from Townsville to Tennant Creek. The small town, with a population less than 500, is RV Friendly and the rest area is seen as vital to helping boost the local economy.

To find out more contact Jade Lyons on (07) 4746 7166 or email jadel@mckinlay.qld. gov.au. Alternatively, contact Elizabeth Currin at the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre on (07) 4746 7690 or email tourism@mckinlay.qld. gov.au

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Short term hire also available. www.webbsmotorcaravans.com.au info@webbsmotorcaravans.com.au Tel: 02 99494343/ 0449 824 972

News | 15

Avida Appoints Adelaide Dealer expanding their already successful company; they have decided to establish an Avida Dealership, trading as Avida Adelaide.”

“We are extremely pleased to be able to announce the appointment,” said Ben Binns, CEO of Avida. “The enthusiasm demonstrated as South Australia’s largest Toyota dealership will, without doubt, be part of the culture of Avida Adelaide.”

A

vida again has an authorised dealer in Adelaide, retailing both its motorhomes and caravans from a retail dealership at Para Hills West.

According to Avida, “The Peter Kittle Motor Group is one of Adelaide’s largest Toyota Dealership, located in Adelaide’s North West suburbs on Main North Road, Para Hills and in

“Avida Adelaide is at1429 Main North Road, Para Hills, just a few hundred metres along from the huge Peter Kittle Toyota Dealership and as well as offering new Avida and quality used RVs, the new state of the art service and aftersales centre will cater for both the local RV owners and those people on the move.”

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16 | News

Pinevale Recreation Site Closes

R

esidents and visitors to the Mackay and Hinterland region are being encouraged to look for alternative recreation spots and steer clear of a former camping and water reserve at Pinevale this holiday season.

Regional Manager with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Jason Riethmuller, said it was important locals and visitors understood the Pinevale site, south-west of Mackay, was no longer suitable for recreation.

“Following Mackay Regional Council’s decision late last year to stop managing the State-owned reserve, a neighbouring landholder was issued a permit to graze cattle on the area after no other suitable trustee could be identified,” he said.

“People looking for camping areas in the Mackay region need to make plans elsewhere in order to enjoy a safe break these holidays.

“While the Pinevale area was a popular recreation area while under Mackay Regional Council’s management, it is no longer safe for visitors.

“As the area is no longer being managed as a camping site a number of public health and safety and environmental issues have emerged.

“There are no toilet facilities on the site, vegetation is inappropriately being removed for firewood, vehicles are causing erosion of the creek and there are safety concerns over people and vehicles using the narrow road running across the causeway.”

Information on camping and recreation areas in the Mackay area are available from the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing’s website, www.nprsr.qld.gov.au or contact Brad Muir on (07) 3199 8253.

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News | 17

Bumper Year in NSW Caravan Parks

A

ccording to a press release, “All along the NSW coast, caravan and camping sites have seen a huge increase in summer bookings with the high season extending out to Australia Day this year. Parks in and around Port Stephens and along the South Coast have reported their best summer yet.”

“NSW is the most popular state in Australia for caravanning and camping and this summer we have seen a very strong season with sites booked out well beyond the normal midJanuary peak,” Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW (CCIA) CEO, Lyndel Gray said.

“Our members have told us they are already seeing a significant number of bookings for next Christmas and January 2015, indicating the strong desire of families to reconnect with the traditional summer holiday by the beach.”

Ms Gray said the caravanning and camping industry injects $1.9 billion in economic value to NSW through accommodation provided by commercial caravan parks.

“Over the past year we have had a 20% increase in visitors to NSW holiday parks and a 17% increase in visitor nights – this is a tremendously strong growth for any industry. Caravan and

camping accommodates over 28% of visitor holiday nights in regional NSW reflecting the sectors crucial role in enabling visitor dispersal and supporting regional economies throughout the state.”

Research by KPMG on behalf of the Caravan Industry Associations in 2013 found Gen-Y, who now have young families, are looking for affordable family holiday options.

“Gen-Y, along with the Baby Boomer markets are really driving the growth in the caravan and camping industry with families highly influenced by the school holiday periods while retirees tend to travel more in shoulder and low seasons. My tip for families, or anyone travelling during the peak season, is to book well ahead and use the CCIA’s website to find the right holiday park for you. For more information on parks across NSW go to www.caravan-camping.com.au.

Note: iMotorhome has contacted Ms Gray to congratulate her on such boom times and to query the CCIA’s position on the whole free camping/low-cost camping/competitive neutrality situation. She has promised a reply next week and stated that the CCIA isn’t opposed to free camping, only non-competitive camping. Watch for her reply next issue.

18 | On my mind

NEW MARKETPLACE LINKS

T

he iMotorhome website’s Marketplace Links pages are growing! They’re designed to link you with businesses that can help, no matter what you’re looking for. We’d like to welcome the following companies and hope you’ll consider them if and when you’re in need of their specialised services: Avida – Makers of the largest range of new motorhomes in Australia

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iMotorhome Marketplace | 19

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20 | Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510

Big Holiday Sunliner’s spacious Holiday G510 has plenty of room to move‌ Review and images by Malcolm Street

Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510 | 21

Unmistakably Sunliner: The Holiday G510’s rear mouldings and roof rails are a Sunliner trademark. At 7.9 m (nearly 26 ft) it’s about as large as you can easily manoeuvre into places of interest, but because of its heavy-duty Iveco cab-chassis it does require a light rigid (LR) driver’s licence.

S

ometimes it's a bit hard to get a handle on everything available in the Sunliner motorhome range. The bottom line is, however, there’s something available for everyone – from the budget PRV campervan to a luxury Monte Carlo.

Fitting in amongst all this is the Holiday range, which whilst not being the most expensive, is certainly well up the ranks. Our review motorhome, the Holiday G510, is one of the

largest and most expensive Sunliners available.

It came with two slide-outs – one on either side – and was fitted out to Sunliner's spec three level, the highest available.

The Vehicle

S

unliner builds its motorhomes on a range of cab-chassis, but our test Holiday was built on an Iveco Daily 50C17. It came with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel delivering 130 kW of

22 | Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510

Whichever way you look at it the Holiday G510 is a fair chunk of a motorhome. It provides spacious living and plenty of load and towing capacity. power and 400 Nm of torque, driving through a 6-speed Agile gearbox – Iveco speak for an automated manual transmission (AMT). A driver’s air bag is standard on the Daily, but Sunliner has taken the option of a passenger air bag too.

In some ways the Iveco Daily is a bit like its Italian stablemate, the Fiat Ducato, which isn’t surprising given they come out of the same factory. The major differences being that whilst the Ducato is front wheel drive, the Daily is rear wheel drive and the Daily is available with heavier load capacities. In both cases they have a fair chunk of the motorhome market in Europe, which makes them fairly motorhome friendly from both a manufacturer’s and user’s point of view.

In converting the motorhome Sunliner added a fully welded sub-chassis, called Torquo™ in Sunliner speak, to the main Iveco chassis rails. This was done according to Sunliner to improve both the vehicle handling and general weight distribution.

Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510 | 23

Sunliner use one piece walls and a roof

that uses bonded Duplo foam core structure.

For the body, Sunliner use one piece walls and a roof that uses a bonded Duplo foam core structure designed to give both insulation and strength, whilst keeping the weight in check. Those familiar with Sunliner motorhomes will immediately recognise the characteristic fibreglass mouldings at the rear, as well as the driver’s cab side steps.

Like many a motorhome manufacturer, Sunliner use Seitz hopper windows to full advantage, whilst staying with the convenience of the well used Camec triple lock security door. External body fittings consist of the electrically powered awning and external wall light above the door, whilst the roof features a few items like a

Small external lockers are handy and the front one should be able to store (but not run) a small Honda generator.

wind-up TV antenna and an Air Command Ibis air conditioner.

Apart from the Thetford toilet cassette cubicle, battery bin and the gas cylinder bin under the offside slide-out, there are four other bins of various sizes.

Only the forward nearside one is probably large enough to store a generator (but not run – it’s not vented), but given the

24 | Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510 Bottom-hinged bin doors are unusual, while straps prevent them hitting the lower body moulding when open. Bedroom slide-out (below) impinges slightly on outdoor living space.

high lip getting it in and out would be a bit awkward on the back.

On The Road

S

iven the Holiday G510’s tare weight of 4040 kg it might have been possible to squeeze it onto a 4490 kg chassis, but Sunliner has wisely decided to use a 5200 kg chassis. That does mean an LR truck licence is required, but I reckon that's a small price to pay for the worry free load capacity. On the road the 3.0-litre 125 kW turbo-diesel pushed the Holiday along well enough and in many ways it’s no different from its contemporaries. The AMT gearbox is reasonably smooth on most changes, but has the usual sometimes-slow kick downs and hesitations at lower speeds.

Like its contemporaries it’s a light commercial vehicle, but it’s more car-like than truck-

Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510 | 25

On the road the 3.0-litre 125 kW turbo-diesel pushed the Holiday along well enough‌ and the AMT gearbox is reasonably smooth on most changes.

26 | Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510

The Iveco’s cab is honest, if a bit basic, while the radio looks like the one in Fiat Ducatos from several models back.

Cab seats swivel, but the centre handbrake position makes the driver’s unit a tricky one to turn.

like to drive as long as the usual precautions are taken for a slightly wider and longer vehicle. A reversing camera is standard on this model, as-is the Iveco radio/CD player, but something a little more upmarket would be nice, given this is a luxurious and upmarket motorhome. For extra passenger carrying the forward-facing dinette seat is fitted with two belts and is relatively handy to the cab for easy conversations.

Living Inside

W

hat two slide-outs do is a add a considerable amount of interior space – no surprises there. Even with the slide-outs closed the front kitchen/dinette area of the Holiday can be used without too much trouble, but down the back access to the full-width rear bathroom is denied by the eastwest bed. Of course with both slide-outs open there's just about enough room for a small dance floor.

Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510 | 27 On the subject of slide-outs, the rear control switch is oddly located. All the other essential controls are either above the entry door or on a panel on the fridge cabinet, halfway down the door. The rear slide-out control, however is set at ceiling height on the same cabinet panel, which is a bit of a stretch for some I'd have thought. Have to say that the rather bland looking interior beige colour scheme was, well, a bit bland for my tastes and I've certainly seen something more colourful from the Sunliner team. Lighting, though, is very much in keeping with Sunliner: There are reading lights, downlights, touch lights and concealed strip lights fitted everywhere and the main control panel is, as usual, well laid out.

Lounging Around

U

p front both cab seats swivel, although being an Iveco with its less-then-great handbrake location, turning the driver's seat is a bit of a wrestle. Additionally, the slideout panel does block the swivelled driver's seat.

The dinette is covered in matching upholstery to the front seats, occupies all of the offside slide-out and seats four, which would be a bit squashy.

There's plenty of natural light from the large window, as well as night light from the considerable assortment of LED fittings. Above the passenger seat is the mounting point for the flat screen TV. Given the relative positions

Pale interior adds a sense of spaciousness but might not be to everyone’s taste. The slide-out dinette seats four at a pinch, which seems odd in a vehicle with plenty of room to entertain.

28 | Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510 of the bracket and fittings it's a bit of a fiddle to fit, while seats with a good viewing position are a bit limited. In a way, the kitchen bench opposite might be a better option for the TV, with a stand, when not being used, of course!

Time To Eat

F

or the size of motorhome the kitchen bench area is surprisingly small. In fact the benchtop contains just a three burner cooktop, with oven/grill underneath, and a stainless steel sink alongside. That leaves space underneath for four drawers of various sizes and two overhead lockers, one of which is already partly utilised.

On the opposite side of the entry door, the two-door 184-litre three-way fridge, with microwave oven above, takes up most of the cabinet area. One of the upsides in this kitchen/dinette area is that the slide-out gives a fair chunk of interior space, but one of the downsides is that any storage space (for food and dining items) is much more limited.

Not really a cook’s kitchen: The lack of bench space is at odds with the full oven and otherwise high standard equipment list.

Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510 | 29

East-west bed blocks bathroom access when the slide-out’s in, but when extended there’s plenty of walk-around space.

There’s generous under-bed storage, too.

After Hours

A

n undoubted advantage of an east-west bed in a slide-out is it not only allows a decent bed length (1.9 m / 6ft 4in), it also

provides a generous storage area, which in this vehicle includes both low and fullheight built in wardrobes. The low cabinets directly opposite the bed are also were a stand

fitted flat screen TV can be positioned. Having a slightly narrower bed (1.37 m / 4 ft 6 in) also allows for two bedside wardrobes, although it's a little disappointing that two

30 | Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510

Full-width rear bathroom even includes a washing machine and has plenty of storage space.

mattress-level compartments weren't cut out at the base of the wardrobes because there's no room for bedside shelves.

Keeping Clean

O

ne of the features of the bathroom, with its nearside shower cubicle and offside vanity cabinet area, is that the mid-positioned Thetford cassette toilet looks

like it sticks out slightly, which it doesn't. What its position does is allow for a good sized vanity cabinet, which includes a top-loading washing machine hiding under the cabinetry in the rear-corner, not to mention all round overhead lockers. Ventilation is courtesy of a fan hatch above the shower and the rear window. Both the bathroom and bedroom areas can be closed off by concertina curtains.

The bathroom and bedroom can be closed off by concertina curtains.

Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510 | 31

The Iveco’s driving position is commanding, while the white trimmed seats add a touch of style.

What I Think

I

f you desire a motorhome with an accent on space, particularly in the bedroom and bathroom, the Holiday G510 motorhome might well be for you. Certainly both the kitchen and dinette areas are relatively small, but there's no doubt having two slide-outs adds a considerable amount of living area to an already spacious interior. All that in a motorhome that is fully fitted out ready to hit the road!

32 | Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510

Specifications Manufacturer

Sunliner Motorhomes

Model

Holiday G510

Base Vehicle

Iveco 50C17

Engine

3.0-litre

Power

125 kW @ 3000-3500 rpm

Torque

400 Nm @ 1250-3000 rpm

Gearbox

6-speed AMT

Brakes

ABS Disc

Tare Weight

4040 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

5200 kg

Towing Capacity

3500 kg

Licence

Light Rigid

Approved Seating

4

External Length

7.90 m (25 ft 11 in)

External Width

2.47 m (8 ft)

External Height

3.40 m (11 ft 2 in)

Internal Height

2.02 m (6 ft 8 in)

Rear Bed Size

1.90 m x 1.37 m (6 ft 4 in x 4 ft 6 in)

Cooktop

Thetford 3 burner, grill/oven

Fridge

Dometic RMD 8551 184-litre

Microwave

LG

Lighting

12 V LED

Batteries

2 x 100 AH

Gas

2 x 9.0 kg

Heater

Webasto diesel

Solar Panels

1 x 135 W

Air Conditioner

Air Command Ibis

Hot Water Heater

Suburban 23-litre

Toilet

Thetford cassette

Shower

Separate cubicle

Fresh Water Tank

120-litres

Grey Water Tank

55-litres

Price on road NSW

$186,990

Pros

• Spacious living area • Good sized bathroom and bedroom • LED lighting • Electrical control panel • Compartments above driver's cab • Easy driving Iveco • Decent radio with iPod slot and connection in living area

Cons

• Oddly located rear slide-out switch • Difficult bathroom access with slide-out closed • Standard Iveco cab radio • Limited kitchen bench space • No bedside compartments

Contact

Sydney RV Group

Click for Google Maps

13-22 Lemko Place Penrith NSW 2750.

Ph: 02 4722 3444 E: info@sydneyrvgroup.com.au W: sydneyrvgroup.com.au

For more iMotorhome Road Tests click here

Day Test: Sunliner Holiday G510 | 33

If you desire a motorhome with an accent on space, particularly in the bedroom and bathroom, the Holiday G510 motorhome might well be for you.

34 | Feature: Mail Forwarding

l i a M t o G e v ' u o Y What to do with your post when you’re on the road and a long way from home‌

Feature: Mail Forwarding | 35

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ou’ve turned off the electricity, left the fridge open (with tea bags handing strategically inside to absorb moisture), disconnected everything and left you last rubbish bag with your neighbour. All doors and windows are locked (aren’t they?) and you’re ready to head away for weeks – maybe months – on your next excellent adventure.

to hold or divert you mail, but if you choose the latter you need to ensure the recipient is looking after it in a timely and appropriate manner.

But what about your mail?

Mail forwarding services come in various shapes and sizes – and at various costs – so like everything you need to do some research and shop around before entrusting some of your most personal and important possessions to them.

They say rust never sleeps – and neither does the post. Unexpected letters or bills, renewal notifications, bank and credit card statements – the list of things likely to arrive in your letter box while you’re away is considerable, so just how do you manage your affairs while travelling?

In a perfect world your neighbour or close friend or relations will empty your letter box every day, throw away the junk and look after your affairs without you needing to give them a second thought. Of course you can ask Australia Post

In reality, and depending on the complexity of your life and the length of your absence, a reliable, discreet and professional third party solution is probably best.

Services seem to fall into the following categories and service levels:

Private – Basic • Have mail redirected via the Post Office or addressed to you care of a mail forwarding company

36 | Feature: Mail Forwarding

• It’s then stored and then forwarded in bulk envelopes to pre-arranged addresses for collection as you travel.

• Alternatively, have it held for collection or forwarded to you upon your return

• Cheques can be deposited into nominated bank accounts

Business – Various services available

Private – Advanced

• Virtual office with dedicated telephone reception

• Use a dedicated postal address at a mail forwarders’ premises

• Use of a dedicated postal and/or street address for your business

• Your post is individually catalogued when it arrives, in a secure online system you can access 24/7 via the Internet

• Registered office facilities, including holding of company documents as per statutory requirements

• Items can be opened and scanned, then uploaded for viewing

• Mail holding or forwarding as per the Private Advanced category

• You can have mail physically forwarded to you, action it via the scanned copies and have the originals securely shredded, or have the original stored for future forwarding or collection after scanning.

• Parcel reception, collection, storage or forwarding • Banking deposits

• Parcels can be received, collected, stored or forwarded

Mail forwarding services come in various shapes and sizes… so do some research and shop around.

Feature: Mail Forwarding | 37 Costs

Conclusion

Mail forwarding services charge on either an adhoc, weekly, monthly or annual basis, starting from as low as a $10 sign-up fee with everything else on top. Generally, the rates cover a pre-defined set of services, in addition to which you’ll need to lodge a credit amount to cover things like onward postage, scanning services, banking or whatever.

Mail Forwarding services might seem similar on the surface, but like most things the difference – if not the Devil – is in the detail. For example, and depending on your needs, you might be better off choosing a service based closer to your home, especially if you want to collect bulk mail or parcels yourself at the end of your travels.

Costs do seem to vary a bit, so shop around and find the best value to suit your needs.

Some providers have a free trial, which could be a good way of seeing how it works for you even before you go.

The bottom line? Work out what service you really need (and spend a bit of time thinking about it), then check out all the providers and choose the one best suited to your needs. Done properly, it’s the final piece of the going-away jigsaw that can bring you real peace of mind.

Look For • Experience • Varying contact methods and operating hours • Free trial offers • Secure payment options

Next Issue iMotorhome will be talking to a number of players in the Mail Forwarding business to see what they have to offer. Choosing the best service for you could be as simple as finding the nearest business, but if you’re operating a business on the move you might need a company to tailor specialist services to your needs.

Mail Forwarding Services The following companies are established, professional businesses that provide a range of services that might be right for you. To find out more click on their names or visit the iMotorhome website Marketplace Links.

• Aussie Mailman – Sydney • Pass The Post – Brisbane

• Post Haste Australia – Loganholme • Private Box Ltd – Auckland • SOS Mail Solutions – Brisbane • Trail Mail – Melbourne

38 | Used Test: Kea Dreamtime

Once Upon a

Dreamtime Kea’s former flagship is a sound second-hand buy…

Review and images by Malcolm Street

Used Test: Kea Dreamtime | 39

R

ental company Kea’s four and six berth motorhomes were quite successful in both the rental and private markets. For this review I decided to have a look at a four berth former rental motorhome that Australian Motor Homes have – or had –available.

The Vehicle

B

ased on the venerable Ford Transit the Four is just over 6.8 m (22 ft) long, has a tare weight of 3400 kg, an ATM of 4250 kg, giving it a generous 850 kg load capacity.

For a rental motorhome a few years old, the Four looks pretty snappy with a moulded fibreglass luton peak and curved edges that take away the usual boxy look.

40 | Used Test: Kea Dreamtime

Overall white is overpowering, but the Kea packs a lot of thoughtful design ideas including a security door and external storage lockers.

External storage space for a rental motorhome was quite generous, with bins on either side behind the driver and passenger doors plus a ‘ski locker’ across the back. Also on the roof were two solar panels. Another interesting feature was that the Kea came with a decent security door that could be remotely locked with the cab doors.

Externally this vehicle had very few signs of wear, apart from items like the grey mouldings

looking a bit faded and some deep scratches on the door – I did wonder if someone had had a go at breaking in at some point!

On The Road

A

lthough it had nearly 100,000 km on the clock the Ford still performed willingly and had no trouble maintaining highway speeds. Certainly there were a few squeaks and rattles, but no more than I have heard in younger motorhomes.

For a rental motorhome a few years old, the Four looks pretty snappy.

Used Test: Kea Dreamtime | 41

Living Inside

I

nside the Four the spacious layout features a Luton peak (over cab) bed, nearside kitchen, bathroom behind the driver’s seat, dinette/ lounge in the rear and a sort of kitchen/general cabinet mid offside. The general décor had been designed with rental use in mind, i.e. practical but fairly plain, but when it’s all said and done it actually looks quite good. All the windows had curtains or blinds and there was a roof mounted air conditioner.

42 | Used Test: Kea Dreamtime At the rear it is very much a ‘New Zealand back,’ with the dinette/lounge and large windows all round, but one with a versatile difference. A two person lounge sits along the rear nearside and a three person dinette is located in the nearside corner. Both nearside seats have belts and both the dinette and lounge can be made into a small double and single bed or a big double.

General storage around the rear of the Four is quite generous, with overhead lockers plus the usual under-seat areas. Under the sideways lounge is an interesting addition – a small safe that’s out of sight and is handy for small valuables. Lighting too is quite generous, with an overhead fluorescent plus four under-locker halogen down lights.

Between the dinette and bathroom is a very neat little piece of cabinet work. Split more or less in two, one half is a low height wardrobe, with a microwave above: The latter, amazingly (slight touch of sarcasm in case you missed it) is set at a height that’s usable for most people. Alongside that is a lower cupboard with shelves and four nicely sized drawers. It also makes an ideal work bench for parking the lap top and other journalist type paraphernalia.

Conveniently, there are power points and

Unusual rear dinette/ lounge arrangement converts into an equally unusual number of bed layouts.

Used Test: Kea Dreamtime | 43

Dull but functional, the Kea’s interior is spacious but betrays its rental origins.

Equipment levels are good, as is build quality.

under-locker fluorescents fitted here, plus an AM/FM radio and DVD player, which is used in conjunction with the flat screen TV mounted in the cupboard above, on the back of the

cupboard door. It’s out of sight usually, but with the door open can be seen easily from the dinette and lounge in the rear.

Beside the TV cupboard is a 12 V control panel for all lights

and appliances, plus battery voltage gauge and water tank level indicators.

44 | Used Test: Kea Dreamtime Fully equipped and ready to go, the big Kea has plenty of touches to make life on the road easy from day one – especially if you like beige and brown.

Yawn…

Time to Eat

I

n keeping with the rest of the vehicle the kitchen is a practical set up.

Mounted next to the door is a four burner cooktop with integrated grill and alongside that is a moulded sink/ drainer/bench. An all-round lip is moulded in so that drainage water doesn’t run everywhere.

Fitted under the bench top is a Vitrifrigo 135-litre 12 V compressor fridge plus a 2 door cupboard and 3 drawers; 1 of the latter having a specially built frame for plates, bowls, glasses and cups. Even the cupboard has been kitted out with shelves and – a garbage bin!

Above the bench top are lockers, two having clear plastic windows, so that the contents can easily be seen.

A big tick for this kitchen set up, generally speaking.

Used Test: Kea Dreamtime | 45

The rear is very much a ‘New Zealand back,’ with the dinette/lounge and large windows all round, but one with a versatile difference.

46 | Used Test: Kea Dreamtime After Hours

Keeping Clean

bove the driver’s cab the bed isn’t quite like most Luton designs I’ve seen – it’s better. For a start, it can be made up into a big single, small double or, with the cushion insert fitted, a big double. We opted for the big single because leaving the insert out made it easier to climb in and out. Two gooseneck halogen reading lights are fitted to the offside, plus in an innovative item – small moulded bedside shelves in each corner.

athrooms are generally compact spaces but this one is slightly more spacious than usual. Complete with Thetford cassette toilet, fold-down wash basin, flexible hose shower, mirrored shaving cabinet, moulded in shelves and towel rails, it is well fitted out.

A

B

Above the driver’s cab the bed isn’t quite like most Luton designs I’ve seen – it’s better.

Used Test: Kea Dreamtime | 47 What I think

A

lthough this motorhome has quite a few km on the clock, it's in remarkably good condition given its service use. Being a rental layout, it doesn't have an island bed but the luton is very large and does have a good ceiling height. It's also a layout that would suit a family on a budget.

The generous bathroom has an opaque door for extra light and a fold-down sink for added space.

48 | Used Test: Kea Dreamtime

Specifications Manufacturer

Kea Campers

Model

Dreamtime

Base Vehicle

Ford Transit 135 T430

Engine

2.4 litre turbo diesel

Power

101 kW @ 3500 rpm

Torque

375 Nm @ 2000 rpm

Gearbox

6-speed Manual

Brakes

ABS Disc

Tare Weight

3400 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

4250 kg

Licence

Car

Approved Seating

4

External Length

6.8 m (22 ft 4 in)

External Width

2.2 m (7 ft 2 in)

External Height

3.3 m (10 ft 10 in)

Internal Height

2.0 m (6 ft 7 in)

Luton Bed Size

2.0 m x 1.68 m (6 ft 7 in x 5 ft 6 in)

Cooktop

Smev 4 burner & grill

Fridge

Vitrifrigo 135 litre 12C compressor

Microwave

Sharp

Lighting

12 V fluorescent and halogen

Batteries

1 x 100 AH

Gas

2 x 4.5 kg

Heater

Webasto diesel

Solar Panels

2 x 80 W

Air Conditioner

Dometic

Hot Water Heater

Suburban 23-litre

Toilet

Thetford cassette

Shower

Flexible hose with basin

Fresh Water Tank

135-litre

Grey Water Tank

150-litre

Price (Used)

$84,990

Pros

• The design works well and still looks good • Slightly different dinette and lounge layout • Versatile Luton peak bed with reading lights and bedside cabinets • Specific kitchen drawer for plates, cups, etc • Height and length warnings on both quarter vent windows • Generous grey water capacity

Cons • All white finish • TV antenna that could not be rotated • Limited external storage

Contact

Australian Motor Homes Click for Google Maps

31 Bennetts Green, NSW 2290.

Ph: 02 4948 0433 E: enquiries@australianmotorhomes.com.au W: australianmotorhomes.com.au

For more iMotorhome Road Tests click here

Used Test: Kea Dreamtime | 49 About reviewing pre-loved motorhomes

W

hen reading through reviews on used motorhomes a few points need to be kept in mind. Although we will have a test drive of the vehicle, it should in no way be considered a thorough evaluation of the mechanical components. We will open and shut everything we can find, as well as turn on and off all the appliances (if there’s gas in the cylinders - Ed). Although we will try and list all the specifications, some like solar panel capacity and house battery capacity might well have changed since original manufacture.

There might also be items that a former owner has added. Finally – and this might sound bleedin' obvious – but the particular vehicle we review might well be sold between review and publication, so these reviews should be seen very much as a guide.

Warranty and other issues

A

particular concern with buying a used motorhome is that all the appliances function correctly. Bert van Leeuwarden, from Australian Motor Homes, told me that when a used motorhome is bought from them the AMH team spends half a day at pickup time not only showing the new owner how everything functions but also turning on items like the fridge (which take time to cool), Webasto heaters (which take time to warm) and air conditioners, to demonstrate they function correctly. It's a good question to ask any dealer about, whether this sort of service is offered.

Warranties vary from dealer to dealer so make sure you understand the finer details of any being offered.

50 | Show Report: Adelaide

Adelaide Warms Up

The first major RV show of 2014 holds the promise of a big year ahead‌

Show Report: Adelaide | 51

D

espite a summer of record heat, Adelaide turned on a cool and showery Wednesday to kick off this year’s Caravan and Camping SA show, on February 19th.

Avida started proceedings, with a pre-opening invitation-only event to launch its caravan range in South Australia, introduce its new dealer – Peter Kittle Toyota – and unveil a number of new motorhome models. Unfortunately, the star of the show – the much anticipated new Menindee – was a non-starter due to a mishap of some sort at the factory. Hopefully we’ll see it at the Melbourne show next week.

Despite the disappointment the unveiling of a new floorplan for Avida’s popular Birdsville range, plus a new slide-out-less Esperance, caused considerable interest. The new Esperance

Avida’s Max Mayo introduces the Company’s new dealer and model line-up, while the new Esperance (below) is sure to prove a winner.

52 | Show Report: Adelaide caught iMotorhome’s eye, doing away with the slide-out but gaining considerable living space by using an electrically operated rolldown bed above the lounge area, between the cab and mid-mounted kitchen and dinette.

Avida also announced a new A-class product at an unspecified time in the future that will again wear the Winnebago name.

In pure speculation iMotorhome wonders if it might be an American-made Winnebago born of some sort of collaboration following the much publicised legal stouch of recent times?

Paradise Motorhome Homes again had a heavy Adelaide Show presence, this year displaying a caravan amongst its motorhomes for the first time. The big news for Paradise is the imminent arrival of the Free Time: a single slide-out motorhome on Fiat’s popular Ducato cab-chassis with the expected Paradise style and substance, for a price in the high $160 thousands.

Show Report: Adelaide | 53 Hopefully it too will appear in Melbourne and it’s set to cause quite a stir.

Squirrelled away at the back of the Show was the Ballina Campervan Centre/Horizon Motor Home stand, featuring the new Casuarina.

Suncamper had a revised Sherwood Twin Well, it wasn’t on the stand on the first day – the single bed model – on display, with a due to a ‘roo strike (and cracked radiator tank) cafe-style dinette, improved kitchen and the on the way down, but was due on the floor the option to easily convert the twin single beds next morning. The Horizon van display always into a queen. Very nice! Also, Queensland RV attracts a lot of interest but I was concerned Industry personality Brian Preston is now part of they were to far away from the ‘masses’ the Suncamper team, so expect to see some this year for success. Fingers crossed it exciting developments as he settles into his worked out… new business and product development role.

Sunliner had a mixed display of models, with the star being the Ranger ORV, based on a Ford Ranger 3.2-litre 4WD cab-chassis.

Compact and nicely finished it was attracting a lot of attention, as was the EZY Annex next door; a free-standing aluminium framed annex that folds into a (largish) bag and makes conventional annexes look like the cumbersome, complex and awful devices they truly are!

54 | Show Report: Adelaide

Sunliner, A’van and Jayco all had new models on display that spanned the motorhome size spectrum.

Jayco was dealer represented and featured a new Optimum model based on the Iveco Daily, while the Adelaide A’Van dealer had a couple of new model Ovations. There was a solitary Coachman A-class motorhome from the US, priced at $269,000, and I did wonder if it was the same one that was at the show last year…

Motorhomes aside the Caravan and Camping SA show featured the usual plethora of caravans and camper trailers, accessories, trader stalls and endless must-have show specials that only the strongest willed could resist. Although it was only the first day the talk amongst the exhibitors was that the RV business seems to have turned a corner in 2014. There was a genuine sense of optimism and with decent crowds on day one – as in Newcastle for the whole show the week earlier – here’s hoping this will be a very good year.

Show Report: Adelaide | 55 Clockwise from top left: Thule showed off racks for every occasion, the EZY Annex looked like a winner and Clayton and Ken from the Ballina Campervan Centre had a good selection of their popular Horizon Motor Homes’ van conversions on display.

There was a genuine sense of optimism… here’s hoping this will be a very good year.

56 | Mobile Tech

Ready, Set, Go! Mobile communication is about to get a whole lot easier‌

Mobile Tech | 57

Iridium’s rugged little Go! works as a wireless hotspot that provides both voice and data connections, via satellite, to up to five devices simultaneously.

S

taying in touch in rural locations – never mind remote ones – has always been a challenge. Even Telstra’s much vaunted mobile coverage has holes in it bigger than European countries in some parts of Australia.

Satellite phones have always held the promise of go-anywhere communication, but the price of a handset – never mind the call charges – has put them beyond the reach of the average traveller. However, it seems that might be about to change. Enter the Iridium Go! – a mobile satellite hotspot designed to share voice and data transmissions wirelessly with up to five smartphones, tablets, laptops of whatever.

The concept of a small, rugged satellite/ wireless hotspot is very appealing. Imagine being able to use your phone to make voice

calls, or your tablet or laptop to connect to email or search the Web, from any location in Australia – or overseas. It would allow you to connect to the mobile carrier of your choice for day-to-day calls, knowing the Go! could fill in the blank spots wherever and whenever you go travelling.

Iridium already has a device – the AccessPoint – that provide wireless email and web surfing, but it works in conjunction with one of its satellite phones and therefore isn’t a stand alone device.

Operational details of the Go! have been released for some time and Iridium’s website has a whole section dedicated to it, but at this stage pricing and communications charges have not been released. The website simply says, “This product is currently in final

58 | Mobile Tech development and testing and will be sold by Iridium partners upon commercial availability, expected in Q2 2014. Please contact your Iridium Service Provider to express interest and receive the latest information.”

Iridium connection plans for satellite phones are available from the likes of Telstra (very expensive), Pivotel (better) and others and a quick web search will bring them up. Charges hark back to the early days of mobile phones and certainly aren’t for daily chit chat.

For now the Iridium Go! simply remains a tantalising prospect. But this issue of iMotorhome eMagazine marks the beginning of Q2 2014 (the second quarter of 2014, in case the jargon eluded you) and all should be revealed within a few months. Stay tuned for pricing details as soon as they’re released.

Famous Birthdays

1904 – Glenn Miller, bandleader 1927 – Harry Belafonte, Harlem NYC, calypso singer 1944 – Roger Daltrey, English rocker/actor/producer 1954 – Ron Howard, Oklahoma, American actor/director 1981 – Will Power, Australian racing driver 1994 – Justin Bieber, London Ontario, Canadian pop singer

Reader Review Templates | 59

Win!

MYSTERY PRIZE!

Share your experience for a chance to win a mystery prize!

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our fellow iMotorhome readers have told us they want to know all about the rig you drive and those special places you’ve discovered during your travels. To make it easy simply use the appropriate template below!

Copy and paste the template, fill in as much information as you think relevant under each category and email it, along with a maximum of 12 photos, to reviews@imotorhome.com.au.

Not only might you see your name in print, you’ll be in the draw for a monthly mystery prize!

Vehicle Report: My name My email address My location

Special Place Report: My name My email address My location

Vehicle: Type (e.g. camper/motorhome/bus conversion) Factory or Custom built Make & Model Year Bought new/used/dealer/private Mileage when bought Mileage now Length Licence required (car/LR/MR/HR) Base vehicle brand Engine size (litres) Transmission (man/auto) Average fuel economy No of berths No of seatbelt-equipped seats Why did I choose it First vehicle or replacement Options fitted Best features Worst features Warranty issues Dealer support Manufacturer support Recommend to a friend (Yes/No) General comments

Place Location: Name Address State Phone E-mail Website Details: Description Visited (month/year) How I found it Why I visited Was it RV Friendly (parking/dump point/etc) Price range (cheap/average/expensive) What I liked What I didn’t Would I go back General comments

60 | Cook-up

Breaking Good!

Cook-up | 61

A

good breakfast helps get your body and mind into gear for the day, but when you’re travelling it’s tempting to skip it or just grab something quick. Let’s face it, preparing and cleaning up takes time and effort, but here’s a way to make a healthy and nutritious breakfast with minimal effort: An omelette in a bag!

The idea isn’t original – we’ve borrowed it from the free Big 4 cookbook we told you about last issue – but for a quick and easy breakfast with little or no clean up it’s a ‘cracker.’

Hint!

Prepare it the night before while making dinner and pop it in the fridge until morning.

An Omelette in a Bag You’ll need...

• 1 sandwich-sized Ziploc bag per person • 2 eggs per person • Extra fillings of your choice

Then...

• Crack the eggs into the bag

• Bring a saucepan of water to the boil

• Add other ingredients

• Place bag in water and turn down to a bubbling simmer

• Salt and pepper to taste • Remove excess air and carefully seal bag • Squish ingredients until thoroughly mixed (the fun part!)

• Cook for 10-15 mins depending on saucepan and contents size, and water temperature • To check if cooked, remove bag and squeeze to see if solid.

62 | Next Issue

Torino Tango

Show in New Zealand and also bring us a review of something new from the Land of the Long White Cloud. We’re hoping a delicious European Burstner or something similar, but he’s said we’ll just have to wait and see!

W

e’ve been away in Trakka’s latest Torino, a Fiat Ducato van conversion strictly for two. Featuring twin beds that can merge into a virtual king; two dining options, a small workstation and Trakka’s generous Switch Mode bathroom, it’s a compact motorhome with plenty to offer.

Malcolm will report back from the Hamilton

March 20-24

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The Melbourne Caravan, Camping & Holiday Supershow will have been and gone and Richard will be amongst the thick of it; sniffing out news and hunting down the latest models, so watch for a full report.

It looks like being a busy time again, so until March and 15 why not follow us on Facebook Twitter for news, comments and more than a laugh or three. Stay safe see you in two weeks!

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Perth Caravan & Camping Show

Gold Coast Caravan & Camping Show

Claremont Showgrounds, Claremont. WA. 6010.

• Open 9:30-5:30 daily (2 pm on 24th) • Parking: Limited $5. Take train.

• Adults: $18.50 • Concession: $12.50 • Kids: U 16 free

Mudgeeraba Showground Cnr Mudgeeraba & Worongary Rds, Mudgeeraba. QLD. • Open 9:00-5:00 daily (4 pm Sunday) • Parking: Not stated • Adults: $15 • Concession: $12 • Kids: U 16 free • Kids: Free U 15 with adult

http://caravanandcampingshow.com.au/ Click for Google Maps

http://www.campingshow.com.au/Events/CaravanCamping-4WD-Fish-Boat-Show/Gold-Coast/ Click for Google Maps

March 28-30

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South Queensland Caravan & Camping Expo Nambour Showgrounds Nambour. QLD. • Open 9:00-5:00 daily • (4 pm Sunday) • Parking: Not stated • Adults: $10 • Concession: $8 • Kids: Free with adult

http://www.caravancampingexpo.com.au 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.

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