iMotorhome Magazine - Oct 2020

iMotorhome magazine Oct 2020

Still in their ELEMENT

LATITUDE MOTORHOMES GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

WESTFALIA JAMES COOK CLASSIC I LITHIUM BATTERY THOUGHTS DIESEL V LPG HEATING I PROJECT POLLY’S ADVENTURES

RV enthusiasts helping other likeminded people start their next big adventure...

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ON MY MIND

Signs of Life?

I believe there’s a whiff of optimism in the air. Perhaps it’s the combination of easing travel restrictions and brighter, warmer weather? Whatever it is, spring feels like it’s bringing new life after a long, cold and in many places miserable winter…

Speaking of miserable, Mrs iMotorhome has just celebrated six months at Woolworths (that’s not the miserable bit!) and recently has come across some of the most miserable and angry customers to date.

What’s interesting to recount is that most issues revolve around technology: Specifically, older people clashing with it.

with his Horizon Waratah over the last seven issues.

Colin and wife Anne have been in Covid lockdown in Central Melbourne for months and unable to travel, like so many others. An endless tinkerer, I’m sure Colin will come up with other mods and extras once travelling again. Until then, join me in thanking Colin for his efforts and wishing him and Anne safe travels when restrictions lift.

Travels

We had a great time in Polly in September, as you’ll read further on. October won’t be so ‘big’, but I’ve got a backlog of smaller jobs to recount that I’ve just run out An example was an older woman trying to complete of time to report on. I’m also just about to install a tyre her shopping at a self-service checkout. With multiple bags packed she was repeatedly pounding the screen pressure monitoring system and that’s been something at payment time and had caused the system to freeze. of a journey that I think you’ll get a chuckle from. Why Mrs iM approached and offered to clear the screen and is it there are questions we never know we need to ask until it’s too late? get the ball rolling, at which point the woman told her off, emptied her bags back into the trolley and said, “Forget it, you can just put it all back now” and walked Finally, again I want to thank those who have sent supporter donations. As previously explained, not out. In an unrelated example, older friends who are every donation is traceable and so if you haven’t both computer illiterate recently brought themselves received an email of thanks it’s not for want of to the brink of hysteria over a ‘lost’ email because trying! This month, however, I’d like to ask a special they didn’t understand the program. And in more than favour: support my entry in the 2020 Virtual Sydneyeight years of publishing a digital magazine I’ve seen Wollongong Bike Ride (aka The ‘Gong Ride). The readers get into bother with things I never believed major annual fund-raising event for MS Australia, could be an issue. which looks after the 25,000 Australians with multiple sclerosis, it’s a terrific event that usually happens on The reason for recounting this is it got me thinking the first Sunday in November. Donations of $2 or more about what the future holds for people who don’t are tax deductible and any amount is welcome! engage with technology. I say ‘engage’, because you certainly don’t have to ‘embrace’ it. Almost every business and service we interact with is online and those who resist change under the banner of “I Don’t Need That” are being left behind. From calling roadside assistance to making medical appointments; from staying in touch with family and friends to paying bills on the road, the advantages of technology – specifically, mobile technology – are overwhelming.

I know you aren’t a technological Luddite, but what about your family and friends? We need to keep an eye on those we care about to make sure they don’t slip through the techno-cracks and end up isolated, lonely and angry. As the world rushes towards a totally digital tomorrow, help ensure your loved ones get there too – even if it means some tough love along the way.

Changing the subject, this issue we bid farewell to Colin Oberin, our resident DIY tragic who has tinkered

I’ve cycled the physical 82 km ride about half a dozen times, but Covid has hit it on the head this year and so the ride is going online. Entrants have from 1 October to 1 November to ride the required distance, either on a real bike or indoor trainer (like me), with progress tracked on fitness apps and the official website.

Because of being online and the time allowed, event organisers have opened it up to people from around Australia. I’ve chosen to ‘virtually’ ride from Canberra to Wollongong, some 234 km, but hats off to those riding from Perth and Darwin!. You can find out more and support me HERE and also enter if you’d like to do the same! See you online??

Richard

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iMotorhome Magazine iMotorhome Magazineis free, independent and published monthly.

Download issues HERE or read online HERE Publisher/Editor

Richard Robertson (+61) 0414 604 368 richard@imotorhome.com.au

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

ABN: 34 142 547 719 T: +614 14 604 368 E: info@imotorhome.com.au W: www.imotorhome.com.au

Technical

Š 2020 iMotorhome Pty Ltd.

Allan Whiting (+61) 0410 677 966 allan@imotorhome.com.au

Contributors

Colin Oberin Warren McCullough

All content of iMotorhome Magazine and website is copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the Publisher.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content, no responsibility is accepted for any inconvenience and/ or loss arising from reading and/or acting upon information contained within iMotorhome+Caravan magazine, in the app or on the website.

CONTENTS

3 7 11 20 34

41

ON MY MIND War Weary?

54

LETTERS Got something to say? Let us know and share it with everyone...

60

NEWS A glimpse at what’s happening in the wide world of RVing

69

TESTED In Their Element – Latitude Motorhomes Element 27

74

REARVIEW Cooks’ Tour – Westfalia’s James Cook Classic is worth revisiting

6

PROJECT POLLY Blessed Cheesemaker – Mrs iM goes Cheese making, and more...

TECH Power Play – Do lithium batteries really stack up?

TECH Diesel V LPG – Which type of heating is right for you?

DIY Changes on the Horizon – Number 9 and the final in our series

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

LETTERS

Transit Details Hi Richard. This is a reply to some of the questions you raised on the story I sent you for inclusion in the August Magazine, have just read the September issue (and as always great reading).

It is a 2001 VH model and is an Ex KEA rental, but was sold by them in 2003 with 92,000 kms traveled.

Between 2003 and when we bought it in June 2016 it had travelled only 45,000 kms in those 13 years. It now has 187,000 kms on the speedo, we have all the service records and we are the second private owners.

All-up we have done 11 trips so far, including Tasmania and Western Australia to name a few. The photo is from a trip in the Snowy Mountains in March 2019, where we free camped at Island Bend – a great spot that you and Mrs iM should visit.

Your article on your hot water problems and then fix is interesting. Our van has a 25-litre hot water tank that is heated by the engine through a heat exchanger.

This for us works really well as on most days when we are staying somewhere for a few days we always do sightseeing trips in that area. Early October we start off with doing the trip that you wrote about in the August issue and then continue on for another 3 weeks.

Transit identical to yours, many years ago, that laid the seeds for us purchasing Polly. Thanks also for the heads up on Island Bend, which sounds awfully familiar for some reason and I will be sure to check out and visit.

Happy camping travels, Bob.

I don’t remember the hot water system in the Kea we drove, but I have used a heat-exchange system in a HiAce campervan we owned about 15 years ago.

It was very efficient and I would happily have one again. Safe travels, I hope you enjoy your continuing adventures and that your Transit continues to look after you as you travel.

Good to hear from you Bob and thanks for the update.

Also glad you enjoyed the magazine, again. Kea made excellent vehicles and certainly the best in the rental market. Funnily enough, it was a week away in a Kea

7

DIY

8

LETTERS

Lockdown Lowdown Hi Richard, the September edition of iMotorhome Magazine dropped this morning and has been rapidly devoured. Your editorial re Covid really struck a chord with me as, here in North Melbourne, we have been living under stay at home/lockdown orders since early July. At present we are only allowed to leave home (wearing a mask) for four reasons: one of us can shop for food and other essential items once a day; if we weren’t retired we could attend work or school (if they can’t be done from home); medical or caregiving, and exercise – once a day for not more than one hour though it must be within five kms from home. Thus I have not been able to use my van for two months now and so I really envy those who have been doing a lap around their own state.

Thai place we love?” or “Remember coffee with X most Sundays in Lygon St?”, etc.

While this new ritual is helpful for us, we can’t wait to hit the road (even if only within Victoria) once the Melbourne Covid numbers allow. Hopefully this will be possible before your next edition becomes available.

Kind regards, Anne and Colin.

Good to hear from you both, I can really empathise with your situation. While we aren't in lockdown as such, our world has still become very small, but I can't imagine how much smaller your world must be feeling these last weeks. I love the idea of your nightly ritual and funny, it was only yesterday my iPad threw up a whole heap of photo memories that I tried to share on Facebook but for some reason wasn't able. It really made both of us realise how restricted our lives have become and after nearly six months of it, how wearing that has been mentally, if not physically. All the best to you and Anne and I look forward to our next catch up, whenever/wherever that might be…

This has been hard enough for us, but many living alone under these conditions are really feeling the pinch. Anne and I at least have each other, but we are both missing the children, grandchildren and friends. To help avoid feeling isolated we have started a new bedtime ritual in which one of us will remind the other of a special time with family or friends. “Remember that dinner with X at that little

Whiskey?

Your article Ultimate Fathers Day Tipple has just upset every Scotsman in the land! The Irish have their whiskey, and the Scots have Whisky. Scottish whisky is NEVER, EVER, spelt with an ‘e’!

Regards, John Thanks John, as a man of Scottish descent I’ll blame that on spell check (or too much to drink, or my proof reader). Cheers – literally!

9

LETTERS

Million Dollar Question?

Hi Richard, I’m hoping there’s a prize for being the millionth person to ask you about road noise in motorhomes. My wife and I have an Avida Eyre and it’s wonderful, but the road noise is crazy. We do our best to buffer the inside noise. I’m assuming vehicles like the Horizon Banksia or Acacia built on the Merc are quieter, or the similar Trakka’s? Is that a reasonable assumption Has there ever been a road noise test done on motorhomes? Thanks for your time and information over the years. It’s been extremely helpful.

Cheers, Steve.

G’day Steve. Actually, you're the first person to ask me that! By road noise, I take it you mean the general noise coming into the vehicle and echoing around

as you drive? The Eyre has an AL-KO chassis that's bolted to the Fiat’s cab and it’s what has allowed Avida's designers to give it such a low floor level. It might well be this close proximity of the floor to the road accentuates the noise inside. I've never noticed it particularly in other vehicles with AL-KO chassis, but I haven't driven an Eyre for years.

You might try just installing a thick curtain (like a double-lined blockout curtain) immediately behind the seats, from ceiling to floor level. I think that could make a noticeable difference. Also, some kind of heavy mat or even carpet that is removable for cleaning might help get noise levels down. Sorry I can't offer any particularly sage advice, but please let me know how you go. Always happy to hear how things work out!

The AL-KO Motorhome Chassis is bolted to a specially engineered Fiat Ducato cab, well below the height of the original chassis. In this image, the arrow points to the hollow end of the original chassis-rail stub. It illustrates how much lower-set the floor is in an AL-KO chassis-equipped motorhome, thus reducing entry-step height and allowing a lower roof line (among other benefits).

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NEWS

Dusseldorf Success According to a press release, this year’s Caravan Salon Dusseldorf has provided impressive proof that RVing as a way of holiday making inspires people and that trade fairs can be held successfully even in Coronavirus times.

“With 107,000 visitors the Caravan Salon sends an important signal for the entire trade fair industry in Germany and Europe. The world's most important trade fair for caravanning convinced, with its well thought-out hygiene and infection protection concept” said Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director Messe Düsseldorf.

“The whole team at Messe Düsseldorf and CIVD, as well as all employees of our exhibitors, turned this trade fair into a fantastic experience with great commitment and lots of passion”, said Wienkamp. “The mood at the fairground has been excellent. Just as positive is the fact that more and more newbies as well as many young families have visited the caravanning trade fair,” he added.

11

NEWS

New Horizon

Endeavour Voyage

Horizon Motorhomes reports it has been a busy period at the factory, with COVID and the new era in domestic travel keeping the production line busy.

Additionally, Horizon’s owner, Clayton Kearney, has been busy with the research and development of a number of elements within the manufacture process.

Along with his skilled staff, the Horizon team have built a complete new model.

From now until 26 April 2021, the National Museum of Australia in Canberra is hosting Endeavour Voyage – the untold stories of Cook and First Australians.

“By way of an introduction to this complete new look, think Mercedes Benz 4x4, large north/south queensize bed with easy entry, a study/eating nook, 174-litre fridge, the largest shower/toilet in the range, a Smart TV and plenty of storage for your travel needs,” Clayton said.

Watch iMotorhome Magazine for a review of this exciting new model at the earliest opportunity.

“The story of HMB Endeavour’s 1770 voyage lies at the core of the Australian nation. Cook’s meticulous maps of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, and the botanical work of Joseph Banks and others aboard the ship, re-shaped understandings of the world. But the land Cook charted – strange and New to European eyes – was an ancient continent, home to First Peoples, whose history stretches back more than 65,000 years. Until now, their voices have been missing from the Endeavour story,” the Museum website says.

Entry is free, but much of the exhibit is already available online to explore and discover from your mobile device or computer. A many-faceted exhibit, you can find out more and also plan your visit HERE.

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12

NEWS

New Fiat Ducato Aladdin’s Cave

The Series 7 Fiat Ducato should be appearing shortly in the guise locally manufactured Police have of allegedly uncovered an motorhomes.

Aladdin's cave of The biggest news the long park awaited introduction of a stolen property at ais caravan on the Gold Coast. nine-speed fully-automatic transmission in place of the largely unloved, automated manual.

This will It happened aftersix-speed officers from Mudgeeraba identified bring the Ducato intothat thewas 21st-century putbeen it on par a vehicle of interest thought toand have with the Volkswagen Crafteroffences (eight-speed auto)and and involved in recent property in Robina Mercedes-Benz Sprinter nine-speed Broadbeach. That led to a(seven searchorwarrant beingauto). executed at the Mudgeeraba caravan park, where Engine wise, Fiatand hasconstruction retained thesite 2.3-litre, four- were numerous tools equipment cylinder turbo-diesel with a power output of 130 kW, found. Police also allegedly located two syringes and a but upped thepipe. torque to 450 Nm with the new auto plastic water (manual remains 400 Nm). Now Euro 6d compliant, the new engine now requires AdBlue to woman, meet its both emission A 45-year-old man and 23-year-old requirements. from Mudgeeraba, were charged with two counts of entering with intent, one count of stealing, one count Standard advanced systems now of possessing tainteddriver-assist property, one count of receiving extend autonomous emergency tainted to property, one count of wilfulbraking damageand andlane three departure warning, while an optional $2190 Safety counts of drug possession.

Plus Pack adds fog lights, dusk-sensing lights, rainsensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and traffic sign recognition. The optional $2190 Comfort and Tech Pack as LED daytime running lights, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system

STOP PRESS! Just as we were going to press, the following update was received regarding the legal battle as outlined in Sorry State in our Letters section: “Good morning to all our friends and supporters. Your donations are being well spent.

“Excellent news: Following further hearings, (5-inches is standard), satellite Apple provisional orders have been navigation, handed down until such CarPlay Android Auto, digital radio, climate control time asand a full hearing is held, which could be some and tyredue pressure monitoring. time, to the current circumstances.

Prices the new Fiat Ducato range risen “The across Orders: Everybody gets their landhave and buildings somewhere around to eight andof you back and all are toseven be given quietpercent enjoyment their can expect to seethreats that reflected in new model pricing. sites, no more or bullying or blocking friends It from will be interesting to see if motorhome visiting.

To keep good faith, we willmanufacturers be paying include either fees, or both of the packsbyasan appropriate which willtechnology be determined standard or offer them Ias Given the when price we independent expert. willoptions. keep you posted rises, plus the option packs, it appears the latest get details.

Ducato will now be much closer to Sprinter and Crafter; models has always had a significant price advantage Bye forit now, over and a big factor in its success. It will be interesting Rich”. to see if this domination continues.

14 19

LETTERS TESTED

AKUNA Get away from it all in style

12 15

NEWS

Tough QLD Rest Area Laws Tough new laws came into effect in Queensland on 18 September, aimed at stopping travellers using dedicated heavy vehicle rest areas. The changes follow continuing complaints from truckies about being squeezed out of some rest areas by inconsiderate caravanners and other RVers using them as a cheap way to travel. Offenders can be slapped with $266 onthe-spot fines.

Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey explained that the roadside facilities were not a source of accommodation, with long-term camping prohibited on the state-controlled road network.

“Changes to rest area and illegal camping laws will help solve the problem,” he said. The road is the heavy vehicle driver’s workplace – they get vital freight to our supermarket shelves and homes – and driver fatigue is a critical safety issue. We need to ensure rest areas are used for fatigue management, providing a place for heavy vehicles to stop and rest safely. This issue has consistently been raised with me by locals, including at Community Cabinet events. The amendments clarify the rules for rest area use and camping. They provide a stronger, simpler enforcement mechanisms for the Department of Transport and Main Roads”.

Mr Bailey believed the new rules on rest area use and illegal camping would give better access to truck drivers across the Sunshine State. His department will launch a campaign to ensure awareness of the amended rules governing the use of rest areas and camping .

“Our approach to enforcement will involve education, awareness and formal warnings, with fines as a last resort,” he said. “Rest areas are provided for the convenience of all motorists to manage driver fatigue and they need to be used fairly for all road users’ safety and amenity”.

Mr Bailey explained that commercial trucks, fatigueregulated heavy vehicles under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, and accompanying pilot and escort vehicles are the only vehicles that could use heavy vehicle rest areas. “Caravans and motorhomes are not classed as heavy vehicles,” he added.

Queensland Trucking Association Chief Cxecutive Gary Mahon said, “We are pleased to see these new laws come into effect as truck drivers will have greater confidence that scheduled rest breaks can be taken in these dedicated rest area locations”.

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NEWS

Apollo Ramps Up The last financial year has been “A year like no other”, according to Brisbane-based Apollo Tourism and Leisure. Bushfires and the impact of the COVID-19, with its crippling associated government restrictions, have been “Challenging”, the company says in its latest annual report. However, with limited options for consumer-related travel and many people finding themselves with more spare time than previously, an RV is “Becoming an increasingly attractive option”, the company says. “Australian retail sales have been increasing since full lockdown restrictions began to be lifted and it appears that the trend is continuing,” it added. Apollo says it is now in a position to capitalise on increased demand through its ability to ramp up factory production.

“COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the primary source of travellers in all our markets. Apollo has a significant opportunity to convert more domestic holidaymakers to RV travel,” the company said. The report revealed that total revenue for the financial year ending June 30 was $366.7 million, with a statutory after-tax net loss of $61.2 million. Underlying after-tax net loss was $7.7 million.

Budget Travellers’ Break South Australia’s Renmark Paringa Council has reviewed its by-laws to offer a broader range of RV and camping facilities for budget-conscious travellers.

The changes reflect an increased demand for low-cost overnight stays and will mean some land previously set aside for tent camping at Plush's Bend has been reallocated to encourage caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers at the site. Price Park will see designated and numbered sites established, while SS Ellen Park will welcome camper trailers as well as recreational vehicles in designated and numbered sites. Both Plush's Bend and SS Ellen Park will allow recreational vehicles and camper trailers to stay for up to seven nights. New signage will be installed at each location, with the details in relation to the online bookings.

“The changes reflect an increased demand for low-cost recreational vehicle and camping options in our district, resulting in an anticipated higher economic benefit derived from this segment of the tourism market,” Mayor Neil Martinson said.

17

NEWS

Tweed Parks Welcome Excitement has peaked at Tweed Holiday Parks once again, after the Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, announced the dissolution of the Northern boundary of the QLD bubble, which will come into effect from October 1st.

Tweed Holiday Parks Unit Coordinator, Andrew Illingworth, said, “We were thrilled to hear the announcement. The phones have been ringing off the hook since and we’re looking forward to seeing our guests from over the border very soon”.

Andrew assures the public that the health and safety of staff and guests continues to be Tweed Holiday Parks number one priority.

“Since re-opening our parks back in June, our staff members have received safety training and relevant COVID-19 signage has been distributed throughout the parks, reminding guests and staff of their obligations to themselves and others. Our booking system has always remained open for future bookings and with the new border rules being instated it looks like we have some certainty that guests can book in their future stays including over the Christmas period.”

Visit tweedholidayparks.com.au for further information and bookings.

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TRAVEL NEWS

JABIRU AWD Off the Beaten Track

20 19

TESTED: LATITUDE MOTORHOMES ELEMENT 27

Still in their

by Malcolm Street

E L E M E N T 20

TESTED

Forward

W

e ran this review back in the August 2018 issue, when brothers Ben and Michale McLean debuted the Latitude Element 27, their first luxury coachbuilt.

It followed the release of the Titanium, an equally luxurious conversion of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.

That was their first foray into manufacturing, following the unexpected demise of the family business, Paradise Motorhomes.

“Latitude Motorhomes’ luxurious Element 27 continues Ben and Michael McLean’s fullcircle journey…”

In the two short years since, Ben and Michale’s business has thrived and Latitude Motorhomes has built an enviable reputation for quality and desirability, as witnessed by solid customer orders. The business has also become a specialist service and repair centre for Paradise Motorhomes, adding a second string to its bow.

Having featured mainstream motorhomes in the past few issues, it seemed time to revisit a more bespoke manufacturer. Covid restrictions, however, preclude us from crossing the border to visit, and so with the relevant updates it seems entirely appropriate to re-run Malcolm Street’s review. Enjoy!

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TESTED

I

n Australia, the motorhome market share when compared to the caravan market, is very small: a situation quite unique when compared to the likes of New Zealand, America, Canada, Britain and just about all of Europe. There are various reasons for it, but one of the problems is that if just one manufacturer drops out of a particular sector, it leaves a gap. For instance we have no local manufacturers of A-class motorhomes, while the luxury end of the market is relatively thin.

Ben and Michael MacLean – the crew at Latitude Motorhomes – having had some considerable success with their Titanium Mercedes-Benz Sprinter conversion, have obviously seen the need and decided there is a gap in the luxury segment that can be filled with something fresh out of the factory – like their brand new Element 27.

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TESTED

Base Vehicle

F

or good reason, like load capacity, Latitude has opted for an Iveco Daily 70C17 cab-chassis for its 8.5 m (27’ 11”) Element. Quite a few manufacturers try to get under the 4500 kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) limit for driving on a car licence, but that often introduces design compromises. I reckon Latitude has been smart not doing that, instead taking full advantage of the Iveco Daily’s 7200 kg GVM and minimising the engineering compromises.

On weighty matters, mathematicians might note the advised payload of a very generous 1550 kg does not agree with the subtraction of the tare weight (5150 kg) from the GVM (7200 kg). However, that’s because the payload is calculated with all the water tanks and gas cylinders filled: A slightly unusual (for the RV industry) but probably more realistic method of figuring out the available payload.

Included in Latitude’s Iveco Daily specification is selflevelling rear air bag suspension. It’s a great idea in a vehicle this size, because the conventional steel suspension is designed for much heavier loads and in a normal commercial vehicle situation, ride quality isn’t a priority.

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TESTED

Body Building

L

ike many motorhomes these days the Element 27 uses a composite body structure, with the roof measuring 80 mm thick and the walls 30 mm.

A syncro-pulse welded aluminium frame gives the motorhome body the necessary strength, something essential since much of the driver’s-side wall area is taken up by a slide-out. Despite a length of 4.5 m (14’ 9”), the slide-out is a very smoothly operating piece of machinery and although the extension of 0.6m (2’) might not sound much, it offers a considerable amount of interior space.

Given the length of the Element 27 it’s not surprising it has a considerable amount of exterior locker space.

A great feature is that all the storage lockers have electronic locking, including the lockers built into the lower wall of the slide-out. The latter item is an interesting and welcome development because quite a few motorhomes have lockers built into the motorhome body, below the extended slide-out. They are therefore awkward to get, but building them into the actual slideout solves that problem nicely.

24

TESTED Another couple of items that are often difficult to lift in and out are the gas cylinders. In this case, their kerbside locker has a slide-out tray on which both 4.5 kg cylinders are mounted, making things easy. Also easy are things in the adjoining locker, where an Enerdrive 200 amp-hour lithium battery and Redarc Redvision electrical control system are fitted. Ditto the fuse panel, which is actually labelled (this is rather a novel approach in the RV industry and certainly a welcome one!).

Built into the body work of the Element 27 are quite a few extras, like the satellite dish, rear wall folding ladder and a Fiamma bike rack. There is also a mounting for the spare wheel. That might sound a slightly odd place, but it’s certainly easier to get at than some I have seen.

25

TESTED

Welcome Aboard

S

tepping onto the Element 27 reveals a layout that looks a bit familiar (from the Latitude team’s previous experience), but also has a few differences.

Filling the slide-out is a traverse queen bed at the rear, a café style dinette in the middle and the fridge up front. Across the rear wall is a full width bathroom, while a kitchen bench fills the kerb-side side wall area.

Both cab seats swivel, but having the fridge behind the driver’s seat and a full height cabinet behind the passenger’s seat does seem to detract from the potential full lounge/dining area. However the reason for that is the alternative position for the fridge is beside the bed and apparently user feedback suggests the compressor is too noisy during the night. All cabinetry is interlocked, bonded and screwed together. To ensure everything stays where it should when travelling, Blum Legrabox drawer and hinge systems, and minimalbut-strong stainless steel door handles are used. The matt finish high pressure laminate on all cupboards and drawers is the type that doesn’t leave finger prints, which is often a problem with some finishes.

26

TESTED

Kitchen

T

here’s a bit of the conventional and unconventional in the kitchen. Certainly quite usual is the threeburner cooker with grill/oven alongside the stainless sink/drainer. The microwave, oft found in the overhead locker area, is fitted below bench level, between the main kitchen bench and the rear wardrobe. The has the double effect of reducing OH&S issues and increasing bench space. It’s not kitchen use, but where the microwave might be in the overhead locker space, there’s a flat screen TV instead that can easily be seen from the bed, and with a little bit of effort, from most of the seats at the front.

Overall there is a generous amount of overhead locker space and drawer capacity – something further enhanced by the half-width cabinet on the other side of the entry door, behind the passenger seat. Beside drawer and cupboard space there is also a slideout shelf that comes with a coffee maker and all the necessary components for drinking it!

27

TESTED

Dinette

T

his motorhome is a customer order and has a café style dinette complete with four seat belts because the owner wants to have passenger carrying capability.

It doesn’t really detract from the seating comfort, which is very good for just two people. Alternatively, an L-shaped lounge/dinette is available and it might work better with the swivelled cab seats, which at present don’t really ‘mesh’ with the dinette.

28

TESTED

Overnight

A

benefit of having an east-west bed in a slide-out is that there are less restriction on the length. In this case the bed measures 1.92 m (6’ 4”) by 1.52 m (5’).

There is, of course, storage space under the bed and it can be accessed when the slide-out is retracted. If requested, the bed can be made to lift to get to the bathroom in the rear, although a different kitchen shelf has to be fitted (I’d be ordering that - Ed). Occupying the wall space at the base of the bed is a good sized wardrobe with hanging space and decent sized drawers.

29

TESTED

Bathroom

M

ost of kerb-side rear corner of the bathroom is taken up by the shower cubicle. It’s not square – the door being set at an angle – but it’s part space saver and the door can also be used to close off the bathroom from the bedroom. In the main bathroom a vanity cabinet occupies the rear wall, leaving space in the driver’s-side corner for a Thetford cassette toilet, complete with an SOG fume extractor on the tank.

Naturally, the bathroom is fully kitted out with towel rail, wall mirror and handy shelf space. A washing machine is now standard, plus there is an option for a marine flushing toilet.

30

TESTED

Off Grid

D

eep-cycle lithium house battery capacity is an impressive 200 amp-hours, backed by a whopping 720 watts of solar panels, ensuring the ability to live sans-mains power for a considerable period of time. For mains power while off-grid, a 2000-watt inverter can power the essentials, like a hair dryer, laptop, coffee machine or toaster. And if 2000-watts of 240-volt power isn’t enough, the Dometic Tec29 generator can be fired up! The only real limitation to long-term off-grid living would be the 310 litre water tank, although it’s not that limiting!

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TESTED

What I Think

T

he Element 27 has a remarkable list of standard features, many more than mentioned here, making it an impressive motorhome to say the least. It seems to be very well put together and combines high end materials and inclusions with Ben and Michael’s previous years of luxury motorhome manufacturing experience.

It’s a breath of fresh air at the premium end of the market and one that will doubtless find a ready market.

You could say the pair are now in their element. Soon, it’s likely many customers will be too…

32

SPECS GENERAL Make

Latitude Motorhomes

Model

Element 27

Type

B-class

Berths

2

Approved Seating

2 (option for 4 extra at dinette)

Licence

Light Rigid (LR)

VEHICLE Make/Model

Iveco Daily 70C

Engine

3.0-litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo-diesel

Power

150 kW @ 3100-3500 rpm

Torque

470 Nm @ 1400-3000 rpm

Transmission/Drive

8-speed automatic/Rear-Wheel Drive

Safety

ABS, ESP, Traction Control, Air bags

Fuel

100 L

Pros...

Quality Equipment Off-Grid capability Payload Air-bag suspension Lockers in slide-out Electrical capacity

WEIGHTS Tare Weight

5150 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass

7200 kg

Braked Towing Capacity

3500 kg

DIMENSIONS Overall Length

8.5 m (27' 11")

Overall Width

2.27 m (8' 1")

Overall Height

3.25 m (10' 8”)

Internal Height

2.02 m (6’ 7”)

Bed

1.92 m x 1.5 m (6' 4" x 5')

EQUIPMENT

Cons...

Slide-Out

Yes

Awning

Electric

Entry Steps

Electric

Cooker

2 x LPG/1 x Electric, Grill & 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 - drive-away As Reviewed Warranty

Yes Stainless Steel with drainer 216 L Dometic 2-Door 12/24-volt compressor Yes 12 V LED Yes/Yes Air Command Ibis 3 Eberspacher Diesel Aqua Go Instantaneous Cassette Separate Cubicle 1 x 200 Ah 720 W 2 x 9 kg 310 L 95 L 23 L 17 L A$285,900 3 years/200,000 km

33

Require LR Licence Cab seats don’t mesh with dinette

Contact

Latitude Motorhomes 13/14 Rothcote Court Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 T: (07) 5606-8000 E: info@latitudemotorhomes.com.au W: latitudemotorhomes.com.au

REARVIEW

COOK’S TOUR Westfalia’s James Cook Classic: A Mercedes-Benz 4x4 Sprinter van-conversion worth voyaging to discover...

W

elcome to the very first Review: motorhomes and campervans discovered on our travels that are definitely worth a closer look. More than likely they will be overseas models spied at the likes of the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon or New Zealand’s COVI Motorhome and Caravan Show, although some in future will have been discovered on the Internet.

Regardless of origin, the reason for featuring them is to expand your RV ideas horizon. Given the minute size of the Australian Recreational Vehicle market in

global terms and despite the best efforts of our leading manufacturers, it's good to see what's going on in the wider world.

While there are only so many ways to arrange things inside a box, and only so many boxes to arrange things in, I’m regularly surprised/delighted/amazed by the innovations in RVs designed in societies where space is an expensive luxury. Let the journey begin…

34

REARVIEW

The James Cook Classic comes from German manufacturer Westfalia. It was released at the 2019 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon and attracted considerable attention.

The conversion is built ‘in’ a medium wheelbase Mercedes-Benz 4x4 Sprinter van that measures 5.932 m long, meaning it fits in a standard car space.

Power comes from a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, putting out 130 kW and driving through a 7 speed fully automatic transmission. It has a 4.1-tonne GVM and has a base price around €80,000 (A$131,000).

35

REARVIEW

The James Cook's party piece is a rear slide-out bed that provides cosy but comfortable north-south sleeping for two. Sealed against the weather, the slideout has a large opening window at the back and is only half the vehicle’s depth. That leaves the space below for a boot that accesses storage and the slide-out mechanism.

The Classic is one of three models in the James Cook range, the other two having either a campervan-style pop-top roof or a fixed high-top. While the Classic is strictly a two-berth van, the other versions provide sleeping for two upstairs, and all models seat four.

All models also come with diesel-fired central heating, which includes an outlet in the small (wet) bathroom, and hot water. The only gas appliance is the cooktop, with the 90-litre fridge a 12/240-V compressor unit.

36

REARVIEW

Moving inside, space is obviously at a premium but the designers have managed to fit-in a fourseat dinette, utilising swivelling cab seats and a removable dining table. The dinette seats themselves, of course, are seatbelt equipped.

There's not a piece of woodgrain panelling inside; instead, the whole interior is finished in a high-tech sci-fi style moulded white laminate with smooth corners everywhere and white, easy-clean finish. There's also not a door or cupboard handle in sight, while small storage pockets/nooks seem to be moulded in at every opportunity. The sci-fi look and feel is finished off with recessed LED strip lighting in and strategically positioned downlights, along with some colour for effect.

37

REARVIEW

As mentioned, the bathroom is an all-in-one ‘wet’ style, but that's to be expected in such a contact vehicle. Inside it's compact shell you'll find a bench-style cassette toilet, with storage pockets in the walls above it on either side, as well as a small corner vanity.

There's also an opening window behind the sink and a large mirror on the rear wall.

The flexible hose shower is separate to the tap in the sink, and also as mentioned, there is an outlet for the diesel heater: an important consideration in a confined, damp space often used for storing wet outdoor clothing and shoes.

38

REARVIEW

The bed folds during the day and is easily accessed from the aisle. There's plenty of oddment storage space all around the bed and although the head area is a little narrower, it’s still a decent size and widens out noticeably from the midpoint.

The roof mounted air-conditioner on the display vehicle is an option, in place of the usual, large, roof hatch.

Given the lack of other opening windows in the bed area I'm thinking for most Europeans the bed-head window/roof hatch combination is the best way to go.

A Sirocco 12-volt fan certainly wouldn't go astray.

Speaking of options, but not being able to read German, it was difficult to decipher which items on the display vehicle were extra cost. However, from what I was able to ascertain, if you stuck another €10,000 ($16,500) on the base price you’d certainly come away with a very well equipped vehicle. You could still take it higher if you ticked all the Mercedes-Benz options, but that's the norm with European vehicles.

39

REARVIEW

Finally, it's worth taking a look at the other two models in the James Cook range: The Hardtop and Pop-Top. Both seat and sleep four, but achieve the latter quite differently.

The Hardtop has a folding and sliding bed arrangement that occupies two thirds of the roof when extended and provides secure, all-weather sleeping for two. Although far from attractive, the Hardtop concept is a Westfalia design staple available across a wide range of vehicles, starting with the Volkswagen Transporter (Kombi).

The Pop-Top, on the other hand, is more a fair-weather design for four people.

Although I've never seen a pop-top on a large van in Australia, in Europe they are very popular and are even becoming common in North America. Although capable of sleeping four, they’re an attractive proposition for a couple who wants the option of hot and cold weather sleeping positions, with the bonus of a cool upstairs bedroom on a summer’s night, with the bonus of a spectacular view of the stars. Hopefully, a local manufacturer will see the opportunity sooner than later…

40

PROJECT TESTED POLLY

Blessed Cheesemaker!

Mrs iM ups her cheesemaking skills and Polly gets her groove on… 41

PROJECT POLLY

M

id-September found us Coffs Harbour-bound on a four-day/three-night adventure so Mrs iMotorhome could finally attend a Covid-delayed, Advanced Cheesemaking Workshop at the Cheesemaking Workshop and Deli, located in the Big Banana complex at Coffs Harbour.

Always fascinated by the thought of making cheese, a year ago Mrs iM completed the Soft Cheesemaking Workshop, which covers cheesemaking basics plus how to make camenbert, feta, ricotta, mascarpone, quark (a light form of cream cheese) and Greek-style yoghurt. She also learned how to make haloumi, although ordinarily it's part of the advanced workshop.

It’s no exaggeration to say that since then Mrs iM has become obsessed with the cheesemaker’s art: Our refrigerator abounds with all types of fresh, soft cheeses and our waistlines are living proof of her talents…

The original plan was to follow-up the first workshop with the advanced one in short order, but Covid put paid to that. When enrolments eventually reopened, guess who was head of the queue?

The Advanced Cheesemaking Workshop builds upon the skills and lessons learned, extending the participant’s repertoire to farmhouse cheddar, two types of blue vein, havarti, the haloumi already mentioned, and mozzarella. Keener than English mustard, Mrs iM came away from the second course with even more skills, having bombarded the teacher with questions like, “Okay, but how do I make…?” And “What happens if I…?”.

42

PROJECT POLLY It’s worth noting, however, that cheesemaking isn't for everybody. Over the last 12 months Mrs iM has discovered it's very much part science, part technique and part luck, with equal measures not always applying. It can also be quite labour-intensive and more than a little frustrating. For the patient, though, the results are genuinely to-diet for. As I write, the first Stilton-style blue has just begun its eight week snooze at 13ºC in our cheese cave (the top shelf of a small wine fridge). I'm told the bottom shelf of the wine fridge will soon be requisitioned for Cheese Cave duties, so that while the blue matures we can keep up the supply of camembert…

If you're interested in attending either or both of the courses, go online to www.thecheesemakingworkshop. com.au or call 0458-562-132 and enquire about the schedule. Each course now costs $210, on top of which you'll need to buy some cheesemaking kit, but it's basically a one-off. After that all you need to add is milk and, very occasionally, fresh supplies of cultures, rennet and enzymes. Online Workshops have just become available and cover two or three cheeses at a time in a more ‘bitesize’ format. Priced at $22-$35 per course, they’re a clever and affordable, Covid-inspired ‘whey’ (sorry!) to see if cheesemaking is for you.

43

Mrs iM with Lyndall Dykes, the Big Cheese behind the workshops and deli...

PROJECT POLLY

Up The Coast

H

ome to the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, via the coast, is now a 642 km journey taking 6 hours and 42 minutes, according to Google Maps (what did we do before it?). With four days and three nights available, the plan was to drive to Coffs on the Friday, do the workshop on Saturday and return home, inland, Sunday and Monday. The route was to be the reverse of what we did in the Suncamper Santa Cruz last October so Mrs iM could attend the first workshop.

However, as you’ll read, it didn’t quite turn out that way…

Polly was in her element as I set cruise control to 115 km/h on the speedo, which equates to 109 km/h according to the GPS. We barrelled up the M1 Pacific Motorway towards Newcastle and were pleased to see a lot of finally-completed roadworks between Sydney and the area just past the Caltex service centre at Wyong. We ‘took coffee’ at Raymond Terrace and then kept up the pace along the excellent freeway that is now the Pacific Highway. What a difference it is from the wandering goat track that for decades passed as the main highway.

Polly was packed the night before, tyre pressures adjusted and oil and fluid levels checked. We were on the road by 9:00 am to avoid the tail end of Sydney’s morning rush hour. Skirting the Big Smoke via the M7 proved surprisingly fast and easy, as did the alwaysdreaded stretch along Pennant Hills Rd. It seems many people are still working from home as traffic was much lighter than usual. Along the way we detoured into Costco at Casula and toped-up the tank for 106.9 cents per litre, far cheaper than the average 123.9 I was seeing elsewhere. Love a bargain…

In my youth I drove express coaches between Brisbane and Sydney for McCafferty’s of Toowoomba, now a part of Greyhound, alternating up/down the Pacific and New England Highways. So, on the way to Coffs Harbour I took a few detours for old time’s sake…

The first was into Taree, where we parked by the Manning River at the northern end of Martin Bridge.

Now-heritage listed, this pre-WW2 road bridge seems even narrower than in my coach days (I used to hold 44

PROJECT POLLY my breath passing semis and waiting for the bang of smashing side-mirrors that, thankfully, never came). It was a pleasant break in the journey and afterwards, I was pleased to see Taree continuing to prosper and expand despite the freeway bypass.

The next detour was Kempsey, where McCafferty’s used to overnight drivers on the Pacific Highway run as it’s about halfway between Brisbane and Sydney (Tamworth was the New England Highway stop). We used to stay at the Hotel Kempsey and were treated like family ‘back in the day’ (early 80s), and I have very fond memories of the pub and town. Kempsey too appeared to be thriving, and heading north out of town I spied diesel for 106.9 cpl at an independent servo and doubled back to fill up, behind a line of tradies (always a good sign). We didn't actually need fuel at that point, but who can pass a bargain? Speaking of fuel, I now always use the PetrolSpy app and find it invaluable for hunting out the best price. Covering all of Australia, it really is a must-have app when you travel.

put us about 45 minutes out of Coffs Harbour the following morning, and it was also my target camp spot for Saturday night, following the cheese workshop.

Approaching Coffs in the late afternoon we ended up finding a cozy little, unlisted spot about 20 minutes south of town and settled in for the evening just as rain began falling.

Wikicamps is another essential travelling app and in the trip lead-up I’d researched camping spots within easy reach of Coffs Harbour. Given this was a flying visit, the prospect of a pricey caravan park stay certainly didn’t appeal. Bellingen Showground seemed a good choice, but Wikicamps said it was closed and the next best option was Roses Park Rest Area, further inland at Thora, on the Waterfall Way. That would

45

PROJECT POLLY

Up the Lookout

Okay, not the lookout view, but a great pic of the harbour, Muttonbird Island and Boambee Beach. Also not my leatherjacket fillets, but just to show there’s plenty of fresh seafood caught around Coff Harbour.

S

aturday morning, Macca’s was the go for a quick breakfast. Then it was on to the Big Banana and the Cheesemaking Workshop & Deli in the complex at the rear. If you're a cheese lover the deli is well worth a visit. We were under orders to bring home a small slice of genuine French Roquefort for Mrs iM Senior – small being the operative word as it was $169 a kilo!.

With Mrs iM happily at the door for her 10:00 am start, I had until 4:00 pm for a look around Coffs and headed straight to the harbour and Fishermans Co-op.

Saturday morning parking proved slightly problematic, but eventually I manage to nick in and secure half a kilo of fresh leather jacket fillets – something my father and I used to catch off the wharf at Bundeena and which I haven't had since my childhood.

From there it was around to the breakwater and a walk out to the harbour entrance, where a small crowd with binoculars gathered watching whales. As picture-postcard days go they didn't get any better than this one and I passed a lazy day parked at several locations, but mainly the Beacon Hill lookout. This has a smallish car park not suited to big rigs, although there is also parking on the street at the top of the hill, just past the entrance. The actual lookout is on the roof of the Maritime Search and Rescue Headquarters, so that gives you an idea of the view – and what a view it is: Jetty Beach and the harbour stretch out below, along with Muttonbird Island (a nature reserve) on the north side of the harbour entrance, and to the 46

PROJECT POLLY south, the glorious golden arc of the 4WD-accessible Boambee Beach. Just behind the beach is Coffs Harbour Airport and Beacon Bill provides a spectacular view directly down the runway (duck when the jets take off!).

The day quickly passed and a very happy Cheese Goddess re-joined Polly and me right on schedule.

Hearing all about her latest exploits, we farewelled Coffs, turned onto the Waterfall Way and ended up following an old HiAce camper and some backpackers in a car all the way to Roses Park Rest Area. On a bend in the Bellinger River at the base of the climb to the Dorrigo Plateau, it's right beside the road, although overnight traffic noise was low. Thora General Store (well reviewed on Wikicamps) is 50 m up the road and the rest area itself is compact but tidy, and nicely terraced closer to the road. We had plenty of room to reverse into a level, grassed and socially-distant spot beside a Wirraway that looked like it was in for a couple of days (48-hrs is max). The place is looked after by the local community – Thora is tiny – and a gold coin donation per-person is requested, and excellent value. The donation box is on the side of the very basic toilet block. We arrived around official sunset time, but had long been in deepening shadows due to the towering hills of the Great Dividing Range.

Roses Park Rest Area is nicely terraced, tidy and a great little spot that’s a credit to the local community. It’s well worth the requested gold coin donation.

47

PROJECT POLLY

Up The Plateau

A

fter an early night and more excited cheesemaking revelations over drinks and dinner, we woke early and hit the road, deciding to breakfast at Dorrigo or Ebor Falls.

Thora is literally at the base a 10 km zig-zagging climb that takes you from near sea level to around 700 meters before the road emerges ‘on top’. There, it begins a glorious, rollercoaster journey towards Dorrigo, Ebor Falls and Armidale. As roads go, it's now a firm favourite. On that crisp Sunday morning with the sun at our backs and most people still asleep, we swooped and climbed with it across a storybook landscape of roadside dairy farms and distant mountains.

Dorrigo slumbered as we passed through around 7:00 am and so we continued on to Fusspots At Ebor for real coffee, then to Ebor Falls for breakfast. When we came through last October there was smoke in the air from bushfires to the north and west, and returning a year later we found the whole area had been burnt, but regeneration is well underway. Infrastructure at the Falls has taken a hit and although now partially open to the public, one section is still closed. The Fall’s lookout

Bushfire destruction is evident for miles around Ebor Falls, but the Falls facilities are mostly open and well worth a visit.

48

PROJECT POLLY platform was one of the fire’s victims, with the area fenced and taped off, although that didn't stop a couple of visitors climbing over and making their way to the edge of the falls themselves. It's difficult to fathom what people don't understand about Closed, Danger and Do Not Enter, nor the stupidity of such curiosity, but don’t get me started…

Fusspots At Ebor is a cafe/souvenir shop and, as the name implies, its claim to fame is the teapot collection.

Also on sale is a fabulous range of handmade pewter items, from teaspoons to knives, cake servers, etc, that would make great souvenirs or gifts. From a refrigerated cabinet we bought a fillet of locally smoked trout and back at the Falls, while Mrs iM scrambled eggs in Polly, I made toast and heated the trout on our lunchbox cooker at a newly installed picnic table.

There's something fabulous about cooking outdoors on a cool spring morning, especially when passers-by sniff the air and wander over to see what's on the menu!

49

PROJECT POLLY Hunger satiated, we hit the road and continued the winding drive towards Armidale. By now, lines of motorcycles and four-wheel drives were streaming out of the town for the day. Passing through Armidale, we turned south on to the New England Highway and made for Uralla, some 20 minutes further on.

A sentimental favourite because we hosted our bushranger-themed, 2017 iMotorhome Readers’ Weekend there, Uralla was bustling that Sunday morning. Given the trials of the Covid lockdown and the lack of highway traffic heading to or from Queensland, it was great to see. I think Uralla has become a bit of a Sunday morning brunch escape for the Armidale set…

We stopped for coffee and a walk around, and at this point I decided to amend our planned route home.

Instead of continuing down the highway to the Hunter Valley, onto the freeway and back via Sydney, we had the time and I had the inclination to take the roads less travelled. The new route would avoid Sydney, taking us via Merriwa to Mudgee, then to Bathurst via Sofala and finally, down to Goulburn via Oberon and Taralga.

From Goulburn it’s an easy 45 minute back up the freeway to iMotorhome Central. Adding more than 150 km but little over an hour’s travel time, it meant we could miss Sydney traffic, tolls and trucks, and keep enjoying the open road.

Flashback 2017 to the bushranger-themed Readers’ Weekeknd: Mrs iM and me in fine form...

The PetrolSpy app told me of bargain diesel I scarcely believed possible: 99.9 cpl at the Enhance petrol station on the highway at Willow Tree, a couple of hours south. First, however, we had to leave the 1000plus meter heights of the New England region (sob).

After a brief stop to pay our respects to the legendary Captain Thunderbolt at the rock that bears his name, we descended the Moonbi Ranges and stopped to use the dump point at the Rotary Rest Area - East Tamworth. Right on the highway, it was a timely find – and we just beat the rush!

The Reader Weekend ‘gang’ at Thunderbolt’s Rock

Willow Tree is just under an hour south of Tamworth and I was excited and relieved to find the Enhance selling diesel at 99.9 cents per litre. I've travelled the New England Highway many times and couldn't picture the place in my mind. Fearing Alzheimer's, I needn't have worried: it's brand-new and, while open to the public, is really designed for big trucks. It's also cardonly, there being no office nor anyone in attendance, hence the bargain price. The find was even more serendipitous, given Willow Tree was also the turnoff point for the new route home. With Polly’s tank brimming we backtracked slightly and then turned left onto Merriwa Road.

50

PROJECT POLLY

It was about an hour’s drive to Merriwa through open farmland, but with a steep and winding pinch in the middle that currently is restricted to vehicles below 8 tonnes GVM and less than 10 m long. The limit is due to subsidence and roadworks towards the top of the ridge and it's enforced by the clever use of concrete barriers at the base of the climb, in both directions.

They form a very tight chicane big vehicles simply can’t negotiate, although judging from the scrapes it seems some have tried. The road climbs to 1000 m again from about 400 in Willow Tree and it's a spectacular drive that’s well worth the detour.

Merriwa is a neat little town on the Golden Highway and the RSL has a free camping area at the rear. We thought it might be the place for an overnight, but it's really nothing more than an unmade parking space surrounded by colour bond fences, with rear access to the club. Hardly scenic, we decided to push on.

Continuing west along the Golden Highway, we made for the Casillas Park Rest Area, rated four stars out of five by users of Wikicamps. Along the way we were treated to spectacular scenes for mile-upon-mile of brilliant yellow canola fields in the late afternoon sun, set against a dark and stormy sky.

adjoining farmland and was as far away from the Pulling into the rest area we found it to be large and highway as possible, maybe 100-metres or more. The quite spread out, and complete with a brand-new, only downside was it was on recently graded ground central toilet block. Always looking for a view, we and required some careful manoeuvring, but the manage to find a spot at the very back that overlooked privacy and view made it worthwhile.

51

PROJECT POLLY

Down Home!

A

fter another quiet night we again hit the road early, taking about an hour to make our way into Mudgee. Along the way we passed some enormous mines of the Western Coalfields of NSW, which we had no idea existed.

Breakfast was at the Butcher Shop Cafe, where we had the best bacon and egg rolls ever. I'm not sure if we were particularly hungry or just loving being on the road again, but they were superb. As the name implies, this is an old butcher shop and it has been gutted in a minimal conversion that retains the original, white-tiled walls. The curved meat rail still hangs from the ceiling and the menu is written on the walls, but food aside, the coffee was excellent – we had another to go – and we’ll certainly be back.

It had been along time since we'd been to Mudgee and we’d forgotten what a beautiful area it is. The road out of town heads towards Lithgow, but at Ilford we turned right and took the back road to the historic gold mining town of Sofala. A heritage listed frontier settlement now frozen in time, Sofala was basically closed the Monday morning we drove through, but it was still worth a slow loop through the quaint town. Heading on to Bathurst, the road continued to surprise and delight; surprise by its good quality and scenic attributes, and delight by its lack of traffic. Entering greater Bathurst on its eastern 52

PROJECT POLLY fringe at Kelso, we did a left turn onto the Great Western Highway and then a right onto Littlebourne Street, towards Oberon. Not quite 20 km further on we stopped at Hassell Park at O'Connell to boil the billy on the banks of the Fish River. Open for trout fishing from October to June, it would make a perfect free camping spot for a visit to Bathurst, if it wasn't for the no camping sign…

We’d had a perfect run with the weather and that continued. After a quick loop through Oberon we picked up the Abercrombie Road to Black Springs and then down the western side of Kanangra-Boyd National Park. Polly continued to sing and we stopped in a tiny clearing atop a hill for a simple lunch with a view money couldn't buy. Sitting around 1000 m elevation for much of the journey, Abercrombie Rd drops steeply down to the river of the same name, after which it becomes Taralga Road. Bumaroo Ford Campground on the northern side of the river, and Abercrombie River Rest Area on the southern side, are both excellent spots, especially for those looking to get away from the crowds. The only problem is the lack of phone coverage, but other than that they're close to idyllic. Taralga Road climbs back onto the ridge line and continues through spectacular country

which, at the time of our travels, was lush and strewn with newborn lambs frolicking, sleeping in the sun or snuggling up to mum.

Too soon we were in Goulburn and hunting fuel, which proved problematic as our regular spot was closed for maintenance. There then ensued an almost comical series of attempts to get diesel at three more locations that were either clogged with the incompetent, hijacked by the inconsiderate or simply out of fuel. Finally, our fifth attempt succeeded and with a final coffee and trip via the self-serve carwash to pressure-wash-off the bugs, we zipped back up the Hume Highway to home.

We'd covered something like 1800 km in 3 full days of driving and 1 short day more-or-less bumming around Coffs Harbour. Mrs iMotorhome doubled her cheesemaking repertoire, Project Polly didn't blot her copy book and we reacquainted ourselves with favourite places and discovered new ones; all of which goes to show what you can experience in a motorhome in just a few days. What will October bring (apart from more cheese)? You’ll have to wait until November to find out…

The freedom to stop and enjoy a cuppa, lunch or simply soak-in the view is one of the priceless pleasures of motorhoming.

53

TECH

POWER PLAY

Do lithium batteries really stack-up?

54

TECH

F

or a long time I’ve played with the idea of lithium power for Project Polly. Given unlimited funds I would go out today and replace her traditional 100 amp-hour (AH) battery with a lithium equivalent, but who has unlimited funds? For me and perhaps you, money is a consideration and that raises the question: Are lithium batteries worth the cost?

Lead acid batteries have been the mainstay of RV 12-volt systems since Adam was an apprentice electrician. I’m also sure they will be around for many years to come. The most commonly used type in RV applications is the deep-cycle Absorbent Glass Matt battery, better known as an AGM. Reliable, proven and relatively cheap – a 100 AH AGM is around $300 – they are what you find in most new campervans and motorhomes.

55

TECH

W

orking out battery capacity requirements isn't rocket science, but the starting point is usable capacity. Depending on who you talk to, what you read and how the constellations are aligned, conventional wisdom says you should not run-down a deep-cycle AGM battery below 50 percent of its rated capacity (max), or more usually, 25 percent. That's if you want to get a reasonable lifespan out of it.

Of course, you can run it completely flat – there's no law against it – which means you have anywhere between 25 and 100 amp-hours of available electrical power. Okay, that's not accounting for the decrease in efficiency as the battery drains and therefore less actually usable power, but I'm talking ballpark figures here.

Let's say you choose to regularly pick the middle ground and use around 33 percent – that's 33 amphours of power for a 100 AH battery. In Polly that easily runs our 85-litre, 12-volt compressor fridge

through the hours of darkness, a few LED lights, the TV for a couple of hours if required and the 12-volt fan. Oh yes, it also runs the water pump as needed and even the Webasto diesel heater’s fan through the night. Not bad. Polly’s 12-volt AGM deep-cycle house battery is now just over 5 years old and in that time I've never seen it dip below the green range on the monitor. True, it hasn't had a huge amount of use and is charged all-day by solar, but I don't think it's anything special. Given all that, why would I want to upgrade to lithium? Well, can you ever have too much power (and I wouldn’t mind an inverter for the Nespresso machine!)?

Anyway, let’s say I’d completely stuffed the battery from repeated deep discharging over three years.

Having paid $300 for a new battery when we bought Polly, that equates to $100 a year for our off-grid power needs. Not bad, and of course it's much better in reality as we sail past five years usage.

56

TECH

Lithium

T

he promise of lithium batteries is tantalising. Not only can you repeatedly use 80 percent of the rated capacity without detriment (that’s the claim), lithium batteries are significantly lighter and longer lasting. But at what cost, and I'm not just talking financial?

Lithium batteries are not without risks. There's a reason airlines ask if you have lithium batteries packed in your luggage, and it's not because they're interested in your portable power preferences. Lithium batteries can be unstable and catch fire, and while there are different types of lithium battery composition and the technology is rapidly advancing, it's worth bearing the safety side in mind. That’s because the temptation is to look for a bargain on eBay. Without casting aspersions on the ethics of industrious Chinese entrepreneurs (okay I am), there are way too many horror stories out there of cheap Chinese lithium batteries that are total rubbish and also potential death traps. Buy them at your peril, but don't say we didn't warn you.

Remember, if it seems too good to be true it will be…

Next up the ladder are the nice-looking but largely unknown lithium batteries that abound on eBay and the like. Starting around $400 for a 100 AH unit, even if they have good buyer feedback, how do you know it’s not fake and how long have they been in service? I’m thinking there must be some decent quality mid-range lithiums on the market, but you’d have to do a lot of research to be sure of what you’re buying (starting with a reputable seller).

Images for illustrative purposes only and not recommendations

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hat leaves buying a name brand to be safe.

You’re looking around $1000 for something like an Enerdrive B-TEC 100 AH 12V G2, arguably the gold standard and the brand you’ll find in motorhomes from Trakka, Latitude and optional in others. Enerdrive says this battery is equal to a 160 AH AGM, based on discharging it to 80 percent versus 50 percent for an AGM. It also says the battery is nearly 50 percent lighter and 30 percent smaller – both worthwhile considerations. Battery price aside, you also need to add the cost of a lithium-specific battery charging system (Polly has a Redarc Manager30 that fits the bill). This can add hundreds of dollars to the changeover and yet is vital to long battery life and safe operation.

There are varying claims regarding the potential lifespan of a lithium battery in an RV, but 2000+ recharging cycles seems average-to-conservative.

That's compared with around 1000 for the AGM. Even given the extended lifetime, by the time you factor in the battery price and charger/management system upgrade, I doubt you're actually ahead on an annual cost basis. At worst, you could be thousands of dollars out of pocket (and that's not considering the very real fire risks of going down the no-name Chinese import route).

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Conclusion

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bviously, you have to balance upfront cost versus the usable power again, but also take into account how long you will own the vehicle. There is little point spending thousands of dollars on a bells-and-whistles electrical system if the existing one actually does the job and you're going to sell the vehicle in the next couple of years. In fact I can't escape the thought that there is little point spending thousands of dollars on a bells-and-whistles electrical system if the existing one does the job, regardless of how long do you intend keeping the vehicle.

certainly appears to be the way of the future. But money isn't unlimited and I'm also a pragmatist.

If you are looking to upgrade your RV’s 12-volt power system for any reason and can make the numbers work, by all means jump on the lithium power wagon.

Just make sure the wagon has a reputable name on it.

And remember, there’s plenty of life left in traditional lead acid battery systems, little risk and ready availability while you travel. The power truly is in your hands to choose…

As I said at the beginning of this: If money was no object I’d put a lithium battery in Polly tomorrow – just because. I love technology and gadgets, and lithium

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Diesel V LPG When the going gets tough the tough get heating.

But which type?

by Warren McCullough

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ven as we move into spring, once you get away from the coast, overnight temperatures can drop to single figures. Heating your campervan or motorhome is always an important consideration because it adds more than just utility (by allowing year-round travel), it adds enjoyment and comfort.

“Under no circumstances operate an LPG heater that uses an open flame to provide warmth in a campervan or motorhome. This includes using an LPG stove as a heater...�

In an effort to keep prices down, ducted heating is usually offered as an optional extra in new RVs. Consequently there is a healthy after-market industry supplying and fitting ducted heaters as add-ons to existing vans.

If you are thinking about installing a heater, what are your options? Without including mains power, there are two types of ducted heaters available: those fuelled

by LPG and those fuelled by diesel. The technology driving modern LPG and diesel heaters has become quite sophisticated and both options are reliable, safe, and fuel efficient. So, which do you choose?

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Heating Pros and Cons

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e had a diesel heater retro-fitted in our (dieselpowered) van a couple of years ago, and it is excellent. Friends have an LPG heater installed in their slide-on camper, and they are equally happy with its performance. Neither heater has experienced any maintenance or reliability issues. Just press the on-button, set the temperature and away you go: The living area is warmed within minutes.

After browsing manufacturer’s sites and discussing experiences with other campervan and motorhome owners, there appear to be just a few measures that differentiate between LPG and diesel-fuelled heaters.

heater’s exhaust pipe, which is more easily fitted under the floor. There are regulations regarding the location of an LPG heater flue in relation to windows, doors and other LPG appliances, so that toxic exhaust gases aren’t able to be drawn into the living area.

• LPG burns less efficiently at high altitudes. This can be an annoying issue with hot water heaters and while it is also likely to be an issue with ducted heaters, it may be less noticeable (diesel heaters operate efficiently up to 1500 m).

• In a compact campervan or motorhome one ducted outlet will warm the living space within a few minutes. Larger vehicles with higher capacity heaters can have multiple outlets – living area, dining area, sleeping area and even an outlet in the bathroom.

• Modern diesel heaters are microprocessorcontrolled, providing ‘step-less’ incremental adjustments to the heat output when left running overnight. Once the living area is up to temperature the heater and fan taper off, ‘trickling’ on only when required to maintain the set temperature. You barely • In a large motorhome, a diesel heater can be know the heater is running. running while driving the van, so the living area is cozy and warm when you stop. This is particularly • LPG heaters have traditionally functioned in a more useful in a large vehicle in very cold weather, binary fashion, using a thermostat to switch the especially as the cab heater from the engine will heater and fan either fully-on or off as the cabin struggle to keep the cab warm, with so much air temperature varies. However, recent models (e.g. escaping into the cold living area. It’s also great if Truma VarioHeat) have a very quiet night mode. carrying passengers at the dinette.

• Diesel heater exhausts are audible from outside the • Some comparison websites report that LPG van, particularly when starting up. Once the cabin heaters deliver a ‘damp’ heat, causing humidity and is up to temperature and the heater has tapered off, condensation. I don’t believe this to be the case external noise output from the heater is negligible. with ducted RV heaters that deliver their warmth from a heat exchanger. I expect that any moisture • LPG heater units are quiet outside, the only noise resulting from the LPG combustion process would being from the internal fan. be expelled through the flue with other exhaust.

• An LPG heater requires an external flue in the wall adjacent to the heater, as opposed to a diesel

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Heat Exchange - All Hot Air!

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oth LPG and diesel ducted heaters use a heat exchange process to duct warm air to the living area of your campervan or motorhome.

Fuel (LPG or diesel) is burned in a combustion chamber, heating the walls of the chamber. Air is blown over the hot outside walls of the chamber (fabricated with fins to increase the surface area and dissipate the heat), the resulting warm air being transferred into the vehicle via flexible ducting.

The combustion chamber where the fuel is burned is completely separate from the compartment where the hot air is sourced, so no fumes from the burning fuel enter the vehicle. The combustion chamber’s air is drawn from outside the vehicle, and of course the exhaust from the combustion process is released outside the vehicle.

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Fuel Type - Diesel

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f your campervan or motorhome has a diesel engine, then a diesel-fuelled ducted heater is the default option. In modern diesel vehicles, the heater must be connected into the fuel tank to access fuel, with the pick-up pipe set 25 mm above the bottom to ensure it can never use all fuel.

• Diesel heaters use only a small amount of fuel, maybe a little more than a litre or so if left running all night • The heater does not deplete the on-board LPG supply used for cooking and hot water

• The heater uses a small amount of 12V electricity Never just tap into the fuel line because the fuel to heat the glow pin when starting up, and to power system of modern, common-rail diesel engines is the fan and control unit. pressurised and doing so can cause major engine issues. Alternatively, connect the heater to a separate • Fitting a pick-up in a vehicle’s tank to draw fuel diesel fuel tank (also the solution for a slide-on camper, requires some specialist expertise, knowledge and fifth-wheeler, caravan or camper trailer) experience. This is not a DIY project!

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Fuel Type - LPG

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f your vehicle is petrol-fuelled and you already have LPG for other appliances, an LPG-fuelled ducted heater is the go-to option. That’s if you don’t want a diesel heater connected to its own fuel tank. The LPG heater can be connected into the existing gas plumbing.

• There is no need to carry an additional fuel source as the heater uses the same LPG supply as your cooking and hot water appliances • LPG is widely available at filling stations and exchange outlets at service stations, hardware stores and outdoors stores

• Connecting your heater to existing LPG lines is usually a relatively straightforward job for a qualified gas fitter, depending on the location of the heater.

Note, however, that installation certification is mandatory.

• An LPG heater requires an exhaust flue fitted in the wall or roof • The heater uses a small amount of 12V electricity to ignite the gas and to power the fan and control unit

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Other Considerations

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ninterrupted internal air circulation in the van is required for air to be drawn into the heater air intake and warm air to be moved around the van.

Don’t store equipment in a way that blocks or covers ventilation grills that feed air to the heater, which is usually installed in a cupboard or under the bed.

• Diesel is more readily available than LPG in remote areas. This could be an important consideration if free-camping for extended periods of time in these areas.

Safety Considerations

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hough widely used and generally safe in modern installations, LPG has inherent risks with potential leaks, flammability and toxic exhaust gases.

You don’t want to be exposed to exhaust gases from either diesel or LPG heaters, so the heater exhaust/ flue should be located away from living areas. LPG exhaust (carbon monoxide) is odourless and deadly.

Strict regulations define the safe location of an LPG heater flue in relation to windows, doors and other air intakes for a motorhome. This often determines the installation location of an LPG heater in the van.

Important: Under no circumstances operate an LPG heater that uses an open flame to provide warmth in a campervan or motorhome. This includes using an LPG stove as a heater (an LPG stove should only be used for cooking inside a van with adequate ventilation)!

When LPG combusts it produces carbon monoxide, which is odourless and deadly.

• Brand-name diesel heaters (e.g. Eberspacher and Webasto) cost a few hundred dollars more than similar quality LPG heaters. ($2100 v $1800 approx) • Combined hot water and air heaters (e.g. Truma Combi) are available for saving space in smaller vans, although the water tank capacity is only 10-litres. Cost is around $2500 for LPG/240V or $3000 for diesel.

• Some heater comparison sites suggest that LPG heaters may not function correctly when the temperature drops below 2°C, due to the Butane content of LPG. However, Australian LPG for noncar usage is 100% Propane, rather than a mixture of Propane and Butane as used in other countries.

This should provide for satisfactory combustion of LPG at low temperatures.

• Diesel heaters may require periodic maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing the glow pin, removing carbon deposits from the combustion chamber and checking the fuel filter. Hint: running the heater at full heat for an hour or so should clean any carbon deposits.

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Cheap Chinese Diesel Heaters?

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heap ‘copy’ diesel heaters are available on eBay for under $200. I have no first-hand experience with these units, although I expect they are cheap for a reason!

Browsing through the online support sites and YouTube videos related to these heaters, it seems that there are plenty of happy DIY customers, although these folk appear to accept what I consider to be the shortcomings of these units as ‘normal’. For example, one enthusiastic Australian YouTuber wasn’t concerned that the unit he bought didn’t include an exhaust tube, or an exhaust muffler, and that the fuel filter leaked. He was happy to rectify these issues as part of the DIY installation process.

So, here is my take on cheap diesel ‘copy’ heaters: • The heaters do seem to work, once various installation issues are resolved.

• The large number of contributors to online support sites for these devices is an indication of the number of installation and maintenance issues faced by owners.

• I have read reports from repair workshops citing evidence of inferior quality materials being used in the manufacture of combustion chambers, resulting in the chamber walls and seals deteriorating over time, potentially allowing noxious gases to leak and mix with the warm air ducted to the living area.

Worryingly, this deterioration is only discovered when the heater is being examined in relation to other issues. The owners aren’t aware of the fume leakage.

• With the above long-term maintenance issues in mind, some owners seem content to replace a cheap heater every couple of years if required and still consider themselves to be in front, based on the purchase price.

• I would suggest that if your van is worth somewhere between $40,000 and $200,000, it is a false economy to skimp on a cheap diesel heater, in return for ongoing maintenance issues and potential safety risks.

• Reliability, parts availability, ongoing safety and general quality appear to be critical issues. Online forums suggest replacement parts are difficult, if not impossible, to obtain.

• Some owners report that the fuel pumps and exhausts on these heaters are noisy, but describe this noise as acceptable.

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The Bottom Line

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n a nutshell, the type of ducted heater you choose ultimately comes down to the fuel source you have available.

• If your campervan or motorhome is diesel-powered, go with a diesel heater.

• If your vehicle isn’t diesel powered and you already have an LPG installation, go with an LPG heater.

• Both diesel and LPG ducted air heaters will keep you cozy and warm in cold weather.

• Unless you have appropriate trade skills, have the heater professionally installed, especially the diesel fuel tank connection. And remember, any new LPG installation has to be officially certified.

• A cheap ‘copy’ diesel heater is likely to cause you grief in the long run.

More information and links to related web pages and discussions is available at compactrv.net.

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changes on the

HORIZON

The final in a series of DIY projects

by Colin Oberin...

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his modification is called ‘Covering Up’ for reasons that should become apparent. When the side door and the rear barn-doors of the van are open, a nice breeze can sometimes waft through that is very pleasant in the late afternoon. Lowering the fly screens at the side and rear doors keeps flies at bay, but somehow mozzies still seem able to infiltrate and try to drink my blood. Even with the side door closed and all windows closed, the little blighters seem to get in when the rear doors are open, despite the fly screen.

I’m not sure how I first heard that when the rear doors are open, smaller insects such as mosquitos and sand flies can enter the cargo area beneath the beds and from there find their way into the main area, bypassing the flyscreens. One option I could have ordered when I purchased the motorhome was a boot blockout to go with the rear flyscreen, for some reason which now eludes me, I didn’t order that option. Melbourne having been in lockdown for quite some time now, visiting Ballina to have a boot blockout fitted at the Horizon

factory was simply not an option. In any case, the fuel needed to drive there and back would have added substantially to the cost.

The obvious option was DIY. Not surprisingly, when the opportunity arose to go shopping for some material and do some sewing, my lovely wife Anne came to the rescue. Off we went to Spotlight, where we found denim type material that’s plastic backed and hence waterproof: perfect for folding back over the beds when sliding the kayak in after going for a paddle.

After much discussion, Anne and I decided to use Velcro style adhesive hook-and-loop tape to attach the material to the shelf on which the beds sit. That’s so the material can be easily removed if necessary and also to provide a mozzie proof seal right across the back of the van. Tacking or screwing the material directly to the shelf at various spots across the back would also work, but might have left gaps for the little blighters to enter.

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nce we measured up, Anne tried to sew up the material on her swish new electronic Bernina, which has any number of programs for fancy stitching.

However, the machine simply refused to stitch through the plastic-backed denim. Apparently, the plastic backing dragged on the needle and the ‘smart’ electronics sensed the needle was stuck and simply shut down. Out came the old ‘not so fancy’ workhorse machine, which I’m pleased to report had no problem sewing-up the boot cover.

We first stuck the adhesive backed hook-and-loop tape along the top edge of the new cover and then, using the belt and braces approach, Anne also sewed the tape to the material. Then it was out to the van to attach the other half of the fastening tape to the shelf on which the beds sit. As the cover is not likely to be removed too often we relied on the adhesive backing to hold the tape and hence the cover in place.

However, if that fails a few screws should do the trick at a later date.

Once mounted, the material covered the press studs that hold down the rear fly screen, so we made small holes in the material to allow the fly screen to be buttoned-down even with the boot cover in place.

When access to the cargo area is required, or when the kayak is to be carried, the plastic backed cover can be flipped back over the beds.

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s shown in various photos for articles in this series, the cargo area of my van is usually jam packed with things and looks unsightly when the rear doors are open. However, the new boot cover hides the mess when the rear doors are open – which saves me tidying-up my packing – as well as hopefully keeping the mozzies out.

In view of the Corona virus restrictions that have been in place for Melbourne residents, the van hasn’t

been used for quite some time. When we can travel again I will soon find out if I want to make any further modifications.

In the meantime this will be my last DIY article re the changes I have made since buying my Horizon Waratah. If any reader has any modifications of their own they would like to share, I for one would love to read about their efforts in a future edition of iMotorhome Magazine.

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TRAVELTOWNS RV FRIENDLY

CMCA

RV Friendly Towns image: Joey Csunyo

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

Beaufort, Vic

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and antique shops, all exhibiting and selling beautiful, crafted pieces and unique collections.

Beaufort is also the perfect location to break your journey when travelling between Melbourne and Adelaide. The streets are lined with small cafes and eateries, each serving local produce and home-made treats. Along the main street, visitors will also find craft

Parking is available behind the Beaufort Community Church, where self-contained vehicles can stay for up to 24 hours. There is no charge to stay and pets on a lead are welcome. A dump point is located along Lawrence Street, with potable water conveniently located across the road at Wotherspoon Park.

eaufort is a small town in Victoria, midway between Ararat and Ballarat. Well-known originally for its gold, the area is now a rich pastoral district.

Tourist/Visitor Information Centre

Beaufort Community Resource Centre 72 Neil St, BEAUFORT, Vic. T: (03) 5349-1180 E: bcrc@pyrenees.vic.gov.au W: www.visitpyrenees.vic.gov.au

Casual Parking (near retail centre)

Lawrence St & Willoby St

Short Term Parking

Behind the Beaufort Community Church, 1 Park Rd. 24 hrs, self-contained vehicles only, no charge, pets on leads welcome

Dump Point

25–27 Lawrence Street, Beaufort.25–27 Lawrence Street,

Potable Water

Wotherspoon Park, Havelock St (back of public toilets)

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Coolgardie, WA

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oolgardie is known as the Mother of the Goldfields and was the birthplace of the 1892 gold rush. This small town is 558 kilometres east of Perth and was once the third largest town in Western Australia. Today, many charming heritage buildings remain, evidence of former glory days of the gold mining era.

While in Coolgardie, visitors can learn about the gold rush history at the Goldfields Exhibition Museum and Ben Prior’s Park. The Varischetti Mine Rescue Display

is also worth a visit. The display outlines the amazing story of a worker who was trapped by water for nine days in a gold mixne.

Coolgardie offers 24-hour parking for RVs at the Railway Station on Woodward Street at no cost. Bins and potable water are available, and a dump point is located near the railway station. Potable water is also available at the Mercy Gregory Memorial Park.

Tourist/Visitor Information Centre

Coolgardie Exhibition & Tourist Centre 66 Bayley Street, COOLGARDIE, WA T: (08) 9025-0310 W: www.coolgardie.wa.gov.au

Casual Parking (near retail centre)

Woodward Street, Coolgardie

Short Term Parking

Railway station, 75 Woodward Street 24 hours, bins, water, pets on lead, no cost.

Dump Point

Near railway station.

Potable Water

Mercy Gregory Memorial Park

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Springsure, Qld

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pringsure is 66 kilometres south of Emerald on the Gregory Highway. Overlooking the town is the unusual escarpment range, Mt Zamia. On the eastern side of the range is Virgin Rock, acquiring its name from the weathered likeness of the Virgin Mary holding her child, depicted in the niche of the rock.

Minerva Hills, which is only a 10-minute drive from Springsure, overlooks the town and offers spectacular views from several lookouts. Carnarvon is the most

popular inland national park featuring sandstone gorges, crystal clear streams and plenty of ferns, palms and trees.

Those visiting Springsure will find short-term parking for up to 24 hours at The Lions Park, located along the Gregory Highway. Potable water and a dump point are located at the showgrounds.

Tourist/Visitor Information Centre

Springsure Visitor Information Centre William Street, SPRINGSURE, Qld. T: (07) 4984-1267

Casual Parking (near retail centre)

William Street; Charles Street; Porphyry Street

Short Term Parking

Lions Park – 24 hours

Dump Point

Springsure Showground, Barcoo Street

Potable Water

William Street; Springsure Showground, Barcoo Street

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“In travel as in life, stay as long as you are welcome, but always pay your way...”

Anon