Innehållsförteckning för Issue 571 från Caravan World

As a special treat, we had a guest join us at AL-KO Best Aussie Vans, Peter Dunlop from GM Holden. Peter joined us as a favour through a mutual friend in the company. Unashamedly, we want to foster a better relationship with GM Holden, like we do all tow-capable vehicle manufacturers as they are vital to what we do. Peter’s role at GM Holden, as the senior manager, studio engineering, has him at the cutting edge of material use and technology in the automotive sector. Bringing his vast expertise, it was great talking with Peter as he approached van design with a very different approach. Immediately, there was talk of aerodynamics and of safety, two areas of van design that are receiving a lot of consideration currently. Peter’s comments did…

The Sunshine Nomads, the first ever branch of The Australian Caravan Club (ACC), has celebrated a major milestone in the group’s history with 2017 marking the end of its 10th anniversary year. The Club's originating branch formed back in April 13, 2007, at Golden Beach Caravan Park in Caloundra with the aim to meet the needs of the variety of recreational travellers. “Our Club has since grown and evolved to include the owners of pop-top caravans, motorhomes, slide-on campers, camper-trailers, campervans and fifth wheelers,” says ACC Chairman Craig Humphrey. “While our membership base has changed, our simple foundations have remained. Our focus now is to protect and represent the interests of all RVers.” Since its formation, the ACC has grown to 49 branches Australia-wide. Humphrey credits Sunshine Nomads for ACC's…

WEIGHT’S A BURDEN With the ongoing debate on weights of vans, the problem will never be fixed until the manufacturers start weighing vans correctly when leaving the factory. The weight should include any extras ordered plus a realistic payload. Reading an article in issue CW568, the author was sceptical about the payload of 300kg on a single-axle family van reviewed. When the sums are done, as the author did, this van will always be overweight when loaded. The drawbar had a generator box plus two 9kg gas cylinders. How do you keep the ball weight down to 50kg with these items plus gear in the tunnel boot? An email in issue CW569 from Philip Martin, having 200kg unaccounted for when he unloaded his van and weighed it to get his…

HITCHMASTER® DO35 All-Terrain Drop-On Coupling 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. How to win 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).…

“It feels spacious and comfortable from the second you walk inside. Then you realise, hang on – it’s got a slider.” – Michael Borg – The barriers to embracing adventure can vary, and if a dislike for confined quarters is what's stopping you, then New Age's Big Red could be your way in. Pegged at around $80K, the New Age Big Red BR19E Slider provides a slide-out for space to walk around the east-west bed, making way for a full-width bathroom, large kitchen and U-shaped lounge. With comfort so firmly placed at the fore, Caravan World was keen to put it under the microscope at Best Aussie Vans. But did the judges approve? Let's see what they said. GOOD COMPROMISES New Age has really hit the nail on the…

“The caravan park is actually trying to say, there’s a portion of my audience that needs to be entertained.” – CCIA Stuart Lamont – The statistics say it all. Caravan parks are thriving, and their evolution is undeniably driven by an insatiable consumer with high expectations. Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s research shows the industry has been, on average, the fastest growing domestic accommodation type for the past five years. In 2017, caravan park revenue exceeded $1.9 billion, and for every $1 caravan park revenue generated, there is $1.38 worth of direct economic benefit into the local economy. In the last year alone, the RV market spent more than $8.6 million annually. So, there’s clearly a huge economic injection to be had by those who invest in their local…

From our snack recipes to our songs, our public holidays, and even the suspension set ups in our 4X4s, it’s become clear Australia isn’t big on change. Year after year manufacturers have butted their heads against the wall trying to convince us of the virtues of whatever new product they’ve devised. Sometimes we’re right, and hold fast until the manufacturer buckles and gives us what we want. Other times, the changes stand the test of time until we eventually all accept they were for the best and move on with our lives. We’ve seen it with the rise of independent suspension and common-rail diesels, as even new and unproven brands like Isuzu enter the market, only to be accepted as one of the pack a few short years later. It’s…

Award-winning RV accessories retailer Solar 4 RVs has just launched a new thin lightweight solar panel onto the Australian market. Backed by a 10-year product warranty, the eArche (pronounced e-Arc) panels for RVs utilise patent-pending composite material similar to what’s used in aeroplane windows. The panels, rated at 2400 pascals for wind and 5400 pascals for load, are accredited by the Clean Energy Council and come with three edging options. These include rubber for use on curved surfaces, a 6mm thin black anodised aluminium frame to provide rigidity and an air gap if desired, or a 20mm thick black anodised aluminium frame for additional strength without the weight. eArche Solar Panel RRP: Priced from $155 More info: www.solar4rvs.com.au…

Tired of juggling plates of food on your knees? Give them a break by using a camp table from Helinox! Not only will you enjoy your meal in comfort, there’s also space for drinks, snacks, cameras or phones. The Table One Large is an upscaled version of Helinox’s original lightweight camp table, and has a generous 76x57cm surface area. It features the signature folding hard-top design – which makes storage a breeze, and also comes with a five-year warranty. Weighing just 1.59kg, and with a packed length of just 60cm, this is a worthy addition to any outdoor enthusiasts gear kit. Helinox Table One Large RRP: $196 with free delivery Where: Online More info: helinox.com.au…

A Boeing 737 simulator which gives visitors the experience of ‘aero glamping’ sparked interest at Neoen Grampians Pyrenees Business Awards, and earned Top Park member Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park the Best Tourism Attraction or Service award. The training simulator, which connects to a five-star luxury canvas safari tent, allows patrons to ‘land’ at an international airport of their choice. The addition was part multi-million dollar investment into Northern Victorian park, which included new accommodation sites adding to popular attractions like the wood-fired heated outdoor swimming pools that operate year round. “The location is amazing and we're absolutely thrilled to be voted the best tourist attraction in our magnificent region,” says park co-owner Rohan McDonald. Top Parks Executive Chairman Richard Emerson congratulates Rohan and partner Josephina for running the best…

Free camping on the Murray River is set to change, as Parks Victoria moves to annexe land linking several reserves, delineate sites, formalise campgrounds and introduce bookable sites at three popular camping areas, which may incur fees. The proposed Murray River Park, expected to encompass 37,000ha from Wodonga to the west of Mildura, will allow dogs on leads as laid out in the River Red Gums Parks draft management plan. Taking in a 215,000ha planning area, the draft plan also names Lower Ovens, and Gunbower NP (among others) as potential sites for formalised campgrounds, with campsite delineation considered at Yarrawonga and Big Towns Beach. Anticipated changes could also see Merbein Common and McKenzie Bend upgraded to better accommodate RVs. Bookable sites proposed for Wills Bend, Farley Bend near Echuca and…

“You’ve a firm honeycomb floor for sure footing, and cabinetry that’s nice and practical to use, too.” – Michael Borg – As more vanners integrate offroad sports into their adventures, manufacturers are responding in kind with internal garages, relegating luxury to the back seat. The Dreamseeker F-14 Tomcat, however, comes to Best Aussie Vans 2017 with a fully-equipped living room plus space for all the sporting gear – but does it deliver in the comfort stakes? Let’s see. FIRM FOOTING What can I say about the F-14? It’s a big black beauty if I ever saw one. Now, the chassis was specifically designed and built by Roo Chassis for the F-14. It’s made from 6in DuraGal and seems sturdy enough to be taken offroad if you wanted to.…

When we first saw the AusRV Finke months before, we were impressed by the intuitive layout and the modern manufacturing techniques adopted by the long-established camper trailer brand. Now returning Best Aussie Vans, can the old kid on a new block impress us with a family-friendly layout? Only one way to find out! SEMI-OFFROAD TO THE CORE I’m definitely a fan of the AusRV Finke. Its overall design is a refreshing take on the average family touring caravan, and I reckon it offers the perfect combination of value, performance and comfort. One thing that really stands out to me is the fact that the Finke is a true semi offroad caravan. What I mean by that is it’s not a light duty on-road caravan with a fancy suspension system added…

“Structurally, the main chassis sports some top workmanship with premium quality welds throughout.” – Michael Borg – Although new to the market, the Olympic Javelin X8 quickly hit its stride with a smart package geared to the long-term tourer, riding on a solid foundation. The roll-out kitchen will draw crowds at camp but did it leave our tough audience at Best Aussie Vans impressed? Let’s find out and see. PREMIUM WELDS The Javelin X8 looked like a flash bit of gear from the second it rolled into camp. It seemed well made on the inside and out, and sports a genuinely comfortable feel as you step inside. It’s classified as a semi-offroad model. However, a few clues suggest it’s more an on-road model with upgraded suspension, which is great…

Heading to the east coast with the extended family? Here are three of our favourite resort-style parks to keep the entire family entertained for hours. Rivershore Resort, Diddillibah, QLD www.rivershore.com.au Best bits: Spacious sites, safari tents with uninterrupted river views, double slide-in pool, five-star cuisine and bar BIG4 Gold Coast, Helensvale, QLD www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/qld/gold-coast/gold-coast-holiday-park Best bits: Resort-style pool with slide, lush gardens, new villas, plenty of powered and ensuite sites, 32 acres of land, BMX track, proximity to theme parks, koalas and animal park, doggie daycare BIG4 South West Rocks, South West Rocks, NSW www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/nsw/north-coast/sunshine-resort-south-west-rocks Best bits: Pirate ship water park with three slide-in solar heated pools, resident kangaroos, food, as well as brand new lodges…

There’s something about recent RV manufacturing that, to me, is all about world-leading innovation. It’s very refreshing to see raw ingenuity come to life from the fledgling ideas and experiences of smart Aussie campers simply going about their business, camping. As popularity leans more towards hybrids, so too have Queensland’s Jawa Camper Trailers, with its Trax-12 and larger Trax-15 models leading the charge. Take the time to have a second and maybe a third look at the Trax-12 that we recently took for a test on the Sunshine Coast; you’re in for a pleasant surprise. I’m all about easy, especially when I’m camping. However, I do appreciate some level of comfort especially on a long road or an extended holiday in an ideal location. The Trax-12 supplies all of this…

Vision is vital on those long country tracks especially when you’re contending with wildlife blind to the risks of the road. Thankfully, Narva’s new Explora Driving Light Bar delivers better reach with its Advanced Optic Drive Technology providing a 30 per cent boost in output compared to a conventional LED bar. According to Narva, the Explora bar produces an impressive 2400 Lumens, a staggering Lux of light at 269 metres rated daylight at 6000°K. The reflector moulds the light produced from 12 3W high-powered LEDs to minimise wasteful spill, concentrating it on where the driver needs it most. What’s more, the ultra slimline design suits a variety of vehicles from passenger cars to 4WDs without needing a bullbar fitted. Its one-piece diecast aluminium housing and polycarbonate lens require no end…

Australia's largest RV hire fleet is now peer-owned by everyday Australians, with steady increases in private listings turning the booking service camplify.com.au into the largest outlet of locally-available rental RVs. Now in excess of 2000 rigs, the collection of caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes provide holidaymakers with accommodation at various budgets and tastes, from more than 1200 locations Australia wide. “The ... rental fleet [on Camplify] grows by approximately 100 new RVs per month,” says Camplify CEO, Justin Hales. “We are amazed at the high-speed growth we have seen in the sector with lots of RV owners in Australia getting involved and using their otherwise idle asset,” Hales explains. Commencing operations in 2015, Camplify's rental system is now backed by the NRMA, with its hiring capacity reaching 80 per cent…

Customers of Legend Caravans can expect lighter vans and shorter build times in 2018 as the manufacturer relocates to a larger premises from January 2018. Investment into new machinery has prompted the interim move, as Legend goes from using timber to aluminium in its frames. According to Director Zoran Stojanoski, Legend Caravans will soon be able assemble vans in a similar way to how the automotive industry assembles cars. At the time Caravan World went to press, the fit-out at 64 Marola Way Campbellfield, VIC, had commenced with plans for the move in January well under way.…

“It’s gusseted and reinforced in all the right places with good quality welds.” – Michael Borg – Roadstar sets the pace at Best Aussie Vans with its flagship Sirius, spotted by outgoing Caravan World editor Laura Gray months before. Monocoque construction and an efficient chassis underpin a finely-tuned interior for a van that oozes class on and offroad. A CUT ABOVE When class and style meet practicality and usability, you just know you’re in for something special! This really is an impressive package for anyone who wants to go bush, but be a little sophisticated while they’re there too. The chassis is built by Australian Hi-Tech Engineering, who has been in the game for over 45 years. It’s gusseted and reinforced in all the right places with good quality…

“Well appointed for resort-style living and touring, the Pacific Islander comes [with] … enough to keep you off the grid for a day or two.” – Ron Moon – The quality build, competitive pricing and a smart choice of appliances are what earned this blacktop tourer a place at the table for Best Aussie Vans for 2017. It’s neat and clean underneath and luxurious within, but how did it stack up in this competitive field? NEAT AS A PIN The Pacific Islander just makes me want to immediately hitch up and head off. Honestly, there’s something about it that just screams holiday-in-the-making to me. Starting from the bottom, it’s built upon a sturdy 6in Road Runner chassis and sports a nice and solid fibreglass composite floor. It’s got one…

“The weight’s kept under check thanks to the full aluminium chassis designed to add plenty of strength.” – Michael Borg – Peter Quilty, our BAV judge who took the Legend Trackline Off-Road for a spin mere months before, reckoned it was just begging for tougher terrain. Fast forward to Best Aussie Vans where, under the intense scrutiny of our judging panel, the Trackline earned many plaudits for its strength-to-weight ratio, offroad potential, tour-ability and comforts off-the-grid. So what was it that stood out? Read on. ONE TOUGH TOURER The Trackline Off-Road from Legend is a pretty cool bit of gear. Designed to be the perfect compromise between a luxury tourer and an offroad beast, it’s a great blend for the adventurous at heart. A quick glance at the chassis…

Here are some must-have accessories that should be on your packing list. These items are cheap, serve multiple purposes and have a big seal of approval from seasoned campers. Collapsible buckets: Perhaps not as cheap as their more solid counterparts, these guys win on ease of storage, are light, durable, come in all shapes and sizes, and are perfect for anything from washing your laundry to holding your catch of fish. Wood blocks: Ideal for levelling your van, a couple of wood blocks can also be used as a base for your jack if you need to change a tyre, a stand for your camp oven, or a seat by the fire. Spray bottle with detergent: This one is perfect for finding punctures in tyres but, you know what, it’s…

“In the early 2000s, I decided to specialise in van conversion and try to be the best in Australia.” – Clayton Kearney – A wide horizon is the promise of an exciting adventure. It’s the wonder of boundless possibilities and the open road. In the small seaside town of Ballina on the NSW north coast, businessman Clayton Kearney has turned that promise into an award-winning motorhome brand. Horizon Motorhomes started modestly from the former motor mechanic’s workshop and used car yard in the late 1980s. Three decades later, Kearney moulded this idea of boundless possibilities and exciting adventure into the Horizon product line and made history by winning Manufacturer of the Year three years in a row at the NSW Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW Awards. And 2017…

“Stepping up into the LXV 5.7, it’s immediately obvious just how important liveability is to the Mountain Trail team” Luxury offroad. It almost seems like an oxymoron. The two can’t go hand in hand. Almost by definition the very idea of offroad means you’ll be roughing it. You will get dust in your toothbrush. You will need to trade style for bush-ability. And you will need to forgo many luxuries in order to keep weight down. Yet, here we are with the Mountain Trail LXV 5.7 proving all that wrong. For those familiar with Mountain Trail, it’ll be hardly surprising. For those familiar with Nick and Heidi, the dynamic duo behind Mountain Trail, it’ll be almost expected. We recently had the opportunity to not only spend the day exploring their…

Toni and John took this photo of their rig ut the front of the town hall in Menzies during their 11-week trip to Western Australia. “We went out to Lake Ballard, Kookynie and Niagara Dam [during our stay here] ... Lots of amazing history in this area,” says Toni. “Our 2014 Ford Ranger didn't miss a beat towing the 2007 Jayco caravan. We did nearly 16,000km this trip going up as far as Karijini then headed south via Perth.” The couple stayed at “lots of lovely places” and saw “many beautiful sites” along the south west coast before travelling across the Nullarbor back to their home in Cranbourne, Victoria. John James snapped a photo of his rig, a 2006 18ft Geist XK535 and 2003 Ford BA Falcon, while travelling in…

T ebbs Canvas in Dandenong, Vic, is a bit of an industry institution. For more than 70 years, van manufacturers and van dealers have been knocking on its doors to keep their customers comfortable undercover. “Many of the pop-top tent sections you see on the road are made by Tebbs as we produce them for most manufacturers. We also supply them with awning walls for the roll out awnings. We do deal with the public at shows but we’ll direct them through our dealer networks,” explains Rick, who has been working with Tebbs for 35 years. “The whole setup is quite robust, and we always use Australian canvas to suit Australian conditions.” Horizontal stripes are synonymous with Tebbs’ canvas but Rick says the current trend in walls is plain colours.…

Previously only available in the United States, Klymit has expanded its Australian sleeping range to include five new products: the Static V Junior, Static V Ultralite SL, Insulated Static V Ultralite SL, Pillow X Large, and the Pillow Luxe. Equipped with Klymit’s innovative body mapping technology, the collection aims to provide more durable and easy-to-use outdoor sleeping equipment to the Australian public. Guaranteed to exceed all comfort and performance expectations, you’ll discover a whole new level of relaxation and luxury with any of these newly released sleeping pads or pillows. So if you value a good night’s sleep on the road, one (or more!) of these award-winning items should be on your shopping list. Klymit Sleeping Range RRP: Priced from $59.95 Where: Online More info: www.klymit.com…