Innehållsförteckning för Issue 569 från Caravan World

The Caravan World team welcomed its newest ‘vanner, Matilda, this past month on a calm Victorian evening. She is of good weight, with all ten fingers and toes, and in the words of her parents Laura and Ashley Gray, ‘lanky’. Laura is a dear friend of mine, someone I have worked with over the past few years as she blossomed from a copy editor to hold the top seat. We don’t know yet whether Matilda can back a trailer, but with Laura’s can-do attitude ingrained in her DNA, I expect nothing less in the coming years. We will keep you updated on how the family is, and to Laura and Ashley, my sincere congratulations. For the Gray family, new adventures await, as they do for me, but my new baby…

RV enthusiasts proved the industry shows no sign of slowing down with 32,306 people attending October's Melbourne Leisurefest. The number was the highest attendance in seven years, as people flocked to Sandown Park to see more than 220 exhibits showcasing the latest model caravans, pop-tops, tents, camper trailers, motorhomes, campervans, slide-ons, 4WDs, boating and fishing, camping and outdoor accessories. Visitors were allowed to bring their dogs, to accommodate the 70 per cent of caravanners and campers who prefer to travel with their pet. According to the Caravan Industry Association of Victoria, senior adventurers made up the majority, however there is an increase in family attendance. Rob Lucas, CEO of CIA VIC said family demands are still big, along with consumer demands for greater luxury items. Mr Lucas said this year's…

PAYLOAD PROBLEMS Through editorials, articles and letters it is becoming obvious that caravan payloads are an issue. Because of this I took up the offer of Queensland Transport and the Australian Caravan Club to have a free weigh of both caravan and tow vehicle. The caravan was loaded as we would normally travel with the exception that the water tanks were filled to the maximum. The upshot of this was our caravan ended up 200kg over the manufacturer’s guidelines. Our van is a Jayco Silverline 25.78.5. Jayco’s payload for this caravan is 475kg. However when we purchased this caravan we asked for, and had the payload increased, to 600kg. The caravan ATM is 3236kg. We weighed in with the caravan off the car at 3440kg. The tow ball weight was…

The HITCHMASTER® DO35 is designed, tested and manufactured in Australia by Vehicle Components and valued at $405. This coupling provides an easy drop-on connection no matter the road surface. Featuring a smooth, spring loaded lock mechanism, a bumper and safety cap, an ultra low profile housing, and weight distribution hitch (WDH) compatibility for most vehicles. The winner will receive a HITCHMASTER® DO35 V2-R which includes a spanner, tow pin and tow pin cover. If you’re stumped by a technical or towing problem, send your question to submissions@adventuresgroup.com.au with ‘Tech Talk’ in the subject line or send a letter to Caravan World Tech Talk, 125 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, Vic 3161. All entries must include your full address (not for publication).…

“The beauty of small towns is often visiting the local village – and Shoalhaven Heads is no exception” From my vantage point at Two Figs Winery, at the top of the Mount Coolangatta foothill, Shoalhaven Heads is like something out of a children’s fairytale. Green rolling hills, vast golden fields dotted with cows and horses, rows of vines, and a river winding through the middle of it. It was this spectacular scenery which drew Shayne Bricker to the region 15 years ago, when he decided to leave his corporate job in the US to purchase 140 acres, converting part of it to a winery. The conversion paid off, and 15 years later, Two Figs Winery now consistently wins national awards; and the wine not only tastes great, but you…

It seems as if us Aussies just want the biggest and best when it comes to tow vehicles. That’s no surprise when you consider the increasing popularity of bigger caravans with showers and toilets – you need something with a decent towing capacity to lug them along. Yet there is also a growing interest in smaller, lighter vans – and their accompanying nimble tow vehicles, such as the Toyota RAV4. While the RAV4 comes in 2WD and 4WD variants and with two petrol engines (2.0L for the 2WD, 2.5L for the AWD) and a 2.0L turbo-diesel (in AWD only). Here we have the GXL 2.5L auto AWD. The current RAV4 is based on the 2012 model, but with significant revisions in late 2015. As part of that update, the RAV4…

The Endeavour Tools ET6797 Jump Starter/Power Bank is a nicely packaged and potent kit in a soft zip-open case, though extracting and inserting the jumper unit is annoyingly fiddly in a tightly fitting elasticised pocket. It is claimed to be 20,000mAh in capacity with 1400CCA and 74Wh, the highest of those we had under review. The kit comes with both mains and 12V chargers plus a USB to Lightning/micro USB lead. The 8AWG booster leads are a little longer than most and the clamps are sturdy and well shielded with plenty of grip. The negative lead incorporates a safety switch with green and red lights which flash and glow in various combinations to warn of problems (over-temperature, reverse polarity, over-current, etc) but the explanatory writing on the side is so…

The Schumacher Redfuel SLI1 is a chunky battery jump-starter in a stiff cloth carry case. It was the only one of our review units with a lithium iron phosphate battery, which may explain the added bulk and weight, as it was bulkier and heavier than others of similar output. The kit came with a mains charger, 12V car charger, 12V socket that plugged into a 6A output plug, a USB to micro USB cable and the jump start leads and clamps set. The clamps were well shielded and of sturdy construction though the cable gauge of 10AWG was smaller than other similarly sized units (which were mostly 8AWG (about 60 per cent larger conductor). The battery unit had a simple to use on/off switch, which activated an excellent digital readout…

In a world of acronyms such as GVM, GCM, ATM, GTM and terms from ADR62/01 to Tare and Towing Ratio, where engineers calculate and certify compliance, the bottom line is that when it comes to towing and couplings, the onus is always on the driver. And while it may seem a simple process to get a 50mm towball fitted to your vehicle, there’s a whole industry built around one of Australia’s most popular pastimes, the road trip where towing the van, the boat, or the spare vehicle behind the 4WD or RV is almost mandatory. This is one area where DIY is best avoided in almost every instance. If you don’t know your kerb weight, what the 3.5:1 ratio is all about, when you need brakes fitted on a trailer…

2017 November 24-26 Bendigo Leisurefest www.leisurefest.com.au 2018 February 8-11 Newcastle Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showground, Newcastle, NSW www.caravan-camping.com.au/shows-expos/newcastlecaravan-camping-holiday-expo February 21-25 Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne, Vic www.caravanshow.com.au/Home March 21-25 RAC Perth Caravan & Camping Show Claremont Showground, Perth, WA www.caravanandcampingshow.com.au/ April 24-29 NSW Caravan, Camping & Holiday Supershow Rosehill Racecourse, Rosehill, Sydney, NSW www.caravan-camping.com.au/shows-expos/nsw-caravancamping-rv-holiday-expo…

Russell and Petra Brewer sent in this image with their dogs at the lookout on the Gwydir Highway as they were heading north for warmer weather. “This is our go-anywhere rig of a Disco 3 and a Goldstream Offroad. It’s a great combination that has enabled us to visit some great locations.” Chris and Robyn recently snapped this sunset shot of their travelling combination. “This is our Captiva and Coromal at Mundrabilla earlier this year,” they write. Graham and Lyn Creed are fairly new to caravanning but are really enjoying comforts provided by their Lagoon Woodland and Pajero Sport rig. This picture was taken in front of the Old Railway Station at Tailem Bend in South Australia. “It’s a great spot to take a break before heading into Adelaide,” they…

Anew towing innovation will aim to improve the safety of RVers, on Australia's roads. Bosch Australia recently launched its Trailer Safety Control (TSC) system which combines 'on-trailer' anti-lock braking (ABS) and sway mitigation, aimed at making your next holiday safer when you're towing a caravan, camper trailer or trailer. It's a welcome development in the area of RV safety, with loss of control accounting for 30 per cent of caravan accident claims in 2016 alone. Oversteering and fishtailing were among the main causes of these accidents. TSC has been under development since 2014, following identification of the problem by the Australian Safety Systems engineering team. The Bosch global Centre of Competence for Trailer Safety in Australia was established by 2015. Bosch Australia say the new technology has the potential to…

Aussies are tipped to hit the roads for more domestic travel over the upcoming summer months, according to forecasts from Tourism Research Australia. Latest figures from the organisation show both New South Wales and Victoria had growth of six and 10 per cent respectively, in the June 2017 quarter compared to the previous year. Results for Queensland and Western Australia weren't quite as positive, with a slight downturn in the numbers of people caravanning and camping in the domestic market for the year ending in June 2017. The Caravan Industry of Australia has attributed this to challenges the industry has faced including Cyclone Debbie in Qld and the general economic downturn in WA. Tourism Research Australia said while there would be an increase in domestic nights and trips for the…

So, you have decided to join the ranks of the growing army of grey nomads and even the not so grey nomads who are living the Australian dream of buying a caravan, camper trailer or RV and travelling around the country. You’ve done your research, spent hours on the internet comparing options and days at caravan shows inspecting countless offerings and finally found your dream caravan, camper trailer or motorhome. Like many Australians you probably even have a few dream holiday spots picked as your first destination. Unless you’re one of the lucky few who can afford to pay cash, you might prefer to keep your savings and finance the purchase. Probably a little less thought, however, has gone into comparing loan options. Hence, the continual conundrum: broker vs bank.…

The Zone. Sooner or later, everyone hopes to get there. After all, being in the zone is when we do our best, when we’re having the finest time. So, the chance to collect a new Zone RV caravan meant an expectation of a fine caravanning experience. We took the Zone RV’s ZV-20.6, the first of Zone’s new Venture series for a spin in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Zone RV designed the new series for those keen to tour on the bitumen and to venture onto the gravel from time to time. Managing Director Matt Johns reckons it’s ideal for those who want to try a little remote travel while avoiding the really harsh stuff. With that in mind, we hit the road to see if the ZV-20.6 met its promise.…

All lithium cobalt polymer (lithium ion common name) battery cells are 3.7V each. There are usually three cells in a jump start power pack connected in series (3S), which gives a nominal voltage of 11.1 volts. Fully charged they are usually 12.5V. To determine the capacity in a lithium battery power pack, eg 120Whrs, divide by 3.7V = 32,430mAh (32.43Ahr), or 3.7V x 32.43 = 120Whrs. This is the formula that is used worldwide for all shipping and airfreight. To convert watt-hours to amps divide by volts. In other words a 120Wh jump starter pack will produce a notional 10 amps (120 divided by 12) in a 12V system. Overstating of battery capacity in these products is quite common so be aware. Battery capacity provides power. The larger the capacity…

The Oz Charge OC-Kanga 12-500 is a unique jump starter in that it has no internal battery. Instead it uses super capacitors to draw current from the vehicle’s battery, provided it has a minimum of 3V present, and in so doing provides a charge sufficient to start the vehicle. This obviates the need to ensure your booster is always fully charged (which, despite the best intentions, it frequently isn’t). If your battery is below 3V, you’re obviously in trouble, but that is highly unlikely and in the vast majority of occasions there will be some level of charge present. As it has no internal battery it is much safer to store and handle. Generally the OC-Kanga 12-500 is designed to work on petrol fuelled vehicles up to 5L in capacity,…

The Titan-489 is a smaller and more compact unit that comes in a poly case. It has a variety of added features, including a torch, plus a red LED (both can be made to flash), a 5V 2A USB phone charging point and a 3A 12V/16V/19V charging outlet suitable for use with tablets and similar appliances, and in the kit are a range of plugs to suit various appliances plus a USB to Apple Lightning and 30-pin plugs/mini USB/micro USB male plugs. There are also both mains charging and 12V charging plugs. The clamps are sturdy and well shielded though the leads are the smaller 10AWG gauge. The negative cable incorporates a smart alarm/protection switch which functions with various coloured warning lights and/or alarms to warn of problems (over voltage/…

The Great Northern Railway – more commonly known as the ‘Old Ghan’ Railway – reached Marree in 1883 and made it to Oodnadatta in 1891. This section of the railway line was particularly narrow and affected by flash flooding, and was closed in 1980. The Oodnadatta Track follows the old railway line and is littered with rail history –the roadsides are dotted with crumbling ruins and old rail bridges. The Algebuckina Rail Bridge is the largest and most impressive of these and is a nice spot to stop for a picnic lunch, as well as a popular bush camp. As you travel the Oodnadatta Track, you can learn about this fascinating history and explore the abandoned fettlers’ cottages and rail sidings that stand testament to this feat of 19th century…

Travelling to the north-western mining city of Mt Isa from Queensland’s tropical city of Townsville means more than leaving the coast. It means finding the heart of Queensland’s Outback. It’s a journey that is not far short of 1000km, and it lands you within a two-hour drive of the Northern Territory border. This is a trek from the aqua-blue coast to breathtaking wide blue horizons over a red and brown landscape, and below magnificent brilliant burnt orange sunsets and sunrises that linger so long that it’s as if time stops to watch their beauty. FIRST STOP – A STEP IN TIME It’s a four-hour drive from Townsville to our first stop Hughenden. However, the trip demanded a detour to historic Charters Towers. Anyone interested in a town with more history…

When you're out on the road in remote areas, one of your key concerns will be water supply – making sure you've got enough, and making sure it's of the kind of quality you want to be drinking and showering in. While most of us are pretty prepared when it comes to our water when travelling, you can get caught out, particularly in some of the country's more isolated regions. Often you might be presented with a questionable tap at a service station, or a waterhole where you have no idea what's been going up upstream from you. That's why the B.E.S.T Water Filter was such a handy product to have on hand during CW's recent trip to Cape York. We encountered some fairly remote places, and while we were…

Hitting the road for an extended remote touring stint is exciting, but you need to make sure you have the right gear with you, particularly power. If you're going to be away from mains power, self-sufficiency is imperative. It's now easier to power up when you're on the road with Proejcta's range of automatic four-stage Smart Solar Charge Converters. The new controllers deliver a comprehensive four-stage charging process and also allow the user to tailor settings to best suit requirements and battery type. All three controllers are EMC approved and allow the owner the versatility to set the charging profile to suit a variety of battery chemistry types: Wet, AGM, or Gel. While the two 5V 2.4A USB ports also allow for charging directly from the controller. This is ideal…

CMCA RV Park Railton will reopen this month, and we are looking forward to an exciting season ahead. Further details are available online at our website or on GeoWiki. Meanwhile, CMCA RV Park Ingham is now closed for the wet season, and we’d like to thank all members who stopped in for a visit, and in particular those members who volunteered their time as park custodians. Although the park is now temporarily closed, we still invite all members to visit our sites in Euston and Railton, and would like to remind members that our parks in Ingham, Euston, and Railton, each incur a $3 administration fee, per person per night. We encourage members to book sites in advance, which can be done via the online booking system in the Member…

Queensland based MSA 4X4 Accessories has had a legal victory, after a major copyright infringement ruling in the federal court. In a strong message to others in industry who breach copyright, the Federal Court of Australia ruled in favour of Shane Miles, saying there had been a breach by a competitor on his patented design for a drop-down fridge slide. Australian Ute Trays and Bodies was found to have infringed Mr Miles' exclusive patented design, affording Mr Miles legal avenues to seek damages and have the product imitations removed. Mr Miles says, “our drop slides are engineered to perform at the highest level and are supported by a lifetime guarantee. It’s disgraceful to see the livelihood of small Aussie businesses being ripped off by patent infringers.” Mr Miles explains that…

The inaugural ‘Motorhome Legends’ event kicked off in August, showcasing some of the country’s best motorhomes in the pretty NSW locale of Shoalhaven Heads. Three motorhomes, an entry-level, mid to high-range, and luxury motorhome, were put through their paces in an event designed to take the hard work out for you when deciding on your next RV purchase. Reviewed by industry stalwarts including Malcolm Street, who has assessed and driven literally hundreds of motorhomes and caravans over the past two decades, and CMCA CEO Richard Barwick - the KEA, Wirraway and Paradise were crawled under and over, and driven on and offroad so we could give you our verdict of how they perform. The manufacturers and content crew created quite a presence in the small regional village - often seen…

The Calibre SCA7800 jump starter is a true shirt pocket unit, courtesy of its diminutive size and relative light weight. Consequently, it has a more limited 400A claimed output. The kit, in its stiff cloth packaging, comes with a car charger, USB to Apple Lightning and 30-pin/micro USB plug set, plus the jump start battery lead and clamp set. The latter are sturdy and well shielded, with 10AWG cabling. The ‘intelligent jump start’ unit at the base of the cables has basic use information printed on it that is easy to read and handy in the vent of losing the instruction manual. In jump starting it is advised to not crank the engine for longer than five seconds and to wait two minutes between attempts. The battery unit features a…

The SJS (Smart Jump Starters) SJS06G2 is a very capable and impressive unit. It comes in a poly case and is well equipped with all the necessary components and is claimed to handle your charging requirements and the grunt to start up to 7L petrol and 4.5L diesel vehicles. With a claimed peak of 600 amps and 300 amps of start current, it would handle most smaller diesels and larger petrol engines. It has a 2.1A 5V USB port for charging smart phones, and a port for 2A 12V, 3.5A 16V and 3.5A 19V charging of tablets and similar items. The kit comes complete with a range of eight plugs to suit most tablets, plus a USB to Apple Lightning and 30-pin plugs/mini USB/micro USB male plug cable. It also…

The Uniden UPP120 comes with a sturdy poly case and the addition of a small tyre compressor which can be powered from the battery pack. The operating temperature range is smaller than some we reviewed. The kit comes with car and mains chargers, and a USB to mini/micro USB cable. The jumper unit has an easy to read digital screen, which shows charge status with both a battery graphic and a numeric percentage state of charge figure. The cables are the smaller 10AWG but the clamps are sturdy and well shielded. The manual recommends only three seconds of cranking with the unit and a one minute wait between attempts. Connecting a device to the USB output for charging automatically turns on that circuit and commences charging. The included air compressor…

In today's day and age having your devices at the ready is something that's important, to capture those special moments and stay connected. However, convenience and safety is important too. REDARC now stocks a wide range of RAM Mounts, for phones, laptops, GPS units and other electronic devices, perfect for mounting to cars, trucks, boats, and even motorcycles. There are more than 80 different bases, arms and device holders with endless combinations, and you can change the direction or angle of the device simply by loosening a single knob. The unique design also reduces vibration, perfect if you're on rough outback roads! REDARC RAM Mounts RRP: From $18.73, prices varying according to mount More info: www.redarc.com.au…