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Be Prepared!CMCA advice on avoiding trouble
Coromandel CoastingMalcolm cruises an NZ favourite
iMotorhome .com
.au
because getting there is half the fun...
Issue 8: August 18 2012
Sixy KeaSixy KeaA rental with an accent on comfort...A rental with an accent on comfort...
I f you’re one of our many keen readers who download the latest copy
of iMotorhome as soon as our email arrives, then as you read this my wife and I will be making a beeline for Wodonga Racecourse and the 2012 Border RV & Camping Expo. They tell me it’s bigger than Ben-Hur and it will be interesting and fun to attend what is basically a big country fair, after the hustle and bustle of the Big City show circuit this year.
Malcolm is heading down tomorrow (Sunday) and after the show we’re picking up a couple of late model rental motorhomes from our good friend Matt Sears at Albury
Wodonga RV World and heading into Victoria’s wine country. Insert appropriate tough-job cliché here. Watch for our reviews and the travel story over the next few issues, if we ever return the vehicles...
It will be interesting to look at AWRV World’s operation, too. It’s a big set-up for a regional centre and having a rental fleet of late-model motorhomes from Sunliner, Talvor and Avan – complete with online reservations – marks Matt and his team as innovative and progressive thinkers.
You’ll notice a few changes creeping in to the magazine, staring with this issue. Firstly, we welcome the CMCA as a regular contributor, bringing
motorhome-specific and club-related topics to the fore, in a readable and interesting format. If you’re not aware, the CMCA is Australia’s largest RV club and has more than 60,000 members. Motorhome and campervan-specific – with a sprinkling of fifth-wheelers for reasons I’ve never quite understood – it’s a powerful organisation with considerable political clout across Australia, giving all RVers a voice that wouldn’t otherwise be heard. It also provides worthwhile member benefits, including excellent insurance, and both Malcolm and I have been members for many years. To find out more visit www.cmca.net.au.
On my mind...
View the all new Sunliner Monte Carlo M74 today. Available for immediate delivery!!
5 Melrose Dr, Wodonga 3690 • Ph: 02 6024 4222 • awrvworld.com.au
Continued...
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The iMotorhome Team
Richard RobertsonPublisher & Managing Editor
Malcolm StreetConsulting Editor
Allan WhitingTechnical Editor
©2012 iMotorhome. All rights reserved. Published by iMotorhome. ABN 34 142 547 719. PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW. 2576. Contact us on 0414 604 368 or Email: [email protected]
Secondly, we’re starting to include travel stories in response to your requests and we kick off with Malcolm taking you for a wander down the Coromandel Coast in NZ. I’ll bring you a story about the remarkable Joadja Creek historic site soon, but in the mean time you can check it out at www.joadjatown.com.au.
Thirdly, we had such a positive
response to last issue’s Green ‘N Gold story that we’d like to cover some more custom RVs, especially bus conversions or things out-of-the-ordinary. So if you have one, or know of one, please drop me a line and let’s see if we can make it famous!
We’d also like more input from you in the way of comments, suggestions and feedback, so we can tailor iMotorhome
more closely to what interests you. Finally, we have a new guest writer coming soon who will specialise in motorhome-specific technical things, so stay tuned! In the mean time, hope to see you at the Expo!
Richard
A long-time freelance RV, motoring and travel writer, Richard is a dedicated, long-term motorhome enthusiast.
He has held senior editorial positions with some of the best know recreational vehicle magazines in Australia. Richard also has a passion for lifestyle-enhancing technology, which is why he is the driving force behind the new iMotorhome eMagazine.
Unquestionably Australia and New Zealand’s best known RV journalist, Malcolm is a fixture at CMCA rallies and RV shows and is now in his second decade as a specialist RV writer.
If it’s available on either side of the Tasman, Malcolm has probably driven it, slept in it, reported on it, knows how it’s made and can tell you just how good it really is.
An experienced motoring writer when Japanese cars were a novelty, Allan’s career read’s like Australian motor writing royalty.
Highly experienced in or on everything from motorcycles to B-doubles, Allan also runs www.outbacktravelaustralia.com – an invaluable free resource for anyone into four-wheel driving or touring remote corners of Australia.
...Continued
On my mind... 3
Rethink your lifestyle...
www.ballinacampers.com.au
Horizon Motorhomes allow you to rethink your lifestyle. Boating, fishing, surfing, cycling and more.
Horizon gives you the freedom with a range of tailorable designs in either Fiat, Mercedes Benz or Volkswagen.
Visit our website or showroom to explore your lifestyle options today. p. 02 6681 1555 299 River St, Ballina NSW 2478
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INSIDE
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MOTORHOME 101
TESTED
TRAVEL
INSIDE
Hire Calling – Rental is a good option before you buy
6 of the Best – Malcolm Street reviews KEA NZ’s 6-berth
Ed chews the cud
The latest happenings in the RV world
ON MY MIND
NEWS
Coromandel Coasting – Escaping down NZ’s lesser-known coastline
MOBILE TECH
CMCA CLUB PAGES
NEXT ISSUE
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43
51Cheap Tracks – Hema’s amazing 4wd Australia app
Be Prepared – What would you do if it all went wrong?
What’s coming up, plus our show calendar
39 TECHNICALEmissions Impossible – the evolution of diesel emission controls
News...
Fiat has released an evolutionary update of the Ducato for 2012, with
the big news being the apparent demise of its much-loved 3.0-litre 115 kW/400 Nm engine!
At the time of writing no comment was available from Fiat, but the engine’s lack of inclusion in the 2012 spec’s list is either an oversight (hopefully), an ill-judged marketing decision or the result of the big engine’s inability to meet Euro-V emission standards.
A press release dated 9 August says the Ducato range has gained a new choice of engines for 2012: the 96 kw/320 Nm 130 Multijet
II and the 109 kW/350 Nm 150 Multijet II (tested last issue in the Horizon Banksia), both of which meet Euro-V emissions standards and are claimed to cut fuel consumption by up to 15 percent.
If the 3.0-litre engine has been quietly dropped it will be a blow for manufacturers like Trakka, who use it to power big C-Class motorhomes, and a big win for arch rivals Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen.
The press release goes on to say, “Further helping operational efficiency, all Ducatos are fitted as standard with the Tom Tom SatNav docking station and Tom
Tom portable SatNav which is fully integrated with the Blue&Me telematics system.” This is an interesting move and one we’re looking forward to seeing in the flesh.
Fiat’s operations in Australia recently underwent a significant transformation, passing from a long-standing importer (Ateco, which also looks after Ferrari and Maserati) to full factory control. Now that Fiat owns Chrysler, the two brands have joined forces and with significant financial backing are set to become bigger players locally.
DUCATO DEVELOPMENTS
Fiat’s popular Ducato seems to have lost its hero engine in a quiet 2012 make-over.
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News...
Kiwi company Wilderness Motorhomes has announced the
introduction of 30 motorhomes designed by German manufacturer Buerstner into its rental fleet in time for summer.
The Buerstner Ixeo four-berth motorhomes are joining the fleet under the brand name Wilderness Escape, built on the Fiat Ducato with 2.3-litre turbo-diesels with 6-speed automated manual transmissions.
“The innovative European design
features two permanent double beds, wraparound lounge and separate dining area with swivel front seats, huge bathroom, stylish kitchen and a storage area in the rear designed to hold plenty of toys,” according to a press release.
“This is a real game-changer for the Kiwi campervan rental industry,” said Wilderness Marketing Director, Mary Hamilton. “Traditionally, people hiring a motorhomes have had to compromise on features such as beds – the living area is made into a bed at night, meaning
proper mattresses can’t be used. These Buerstner vehicles feature permanent double beds, making for a much better sleep. It’s a complete paradigm shift in style and comfort.”
Wilderness is the first New Zealand campervan rental company to include Buerstners in its fleet.
“This is a very exciting time for Wilderness,” said Mary. “It’s the first time a rental company has had such a significant number of high-end European vehicles in its fleet at one time. At a time when other companies are downsizing, we are extending our product offering. And we’re proud to introduce Buerstner motorhomes to the market – they are truly stunning vehicles that will really set the benchmark for New Zealand motorhome rentals.”
The new motorhomes are available to book now for rentals from September 2012. For further information visit www.wilderness.co.nz.
Trakka was recently presented with a Silver Gumnut Award in
recognition of its commitment to sustainable business practices at the 2012 Caravan and Camping Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner.
“To achieve a Silver Gumnut Award, Trakka undertook
formal training and successfully developed and implemented an Environmental Management Plan identifying specific goals in ten categories including energy efficiency, water and wastewater, biodiversity and local community”.
EUROPEAN WILDERNESS
GUMNUT MEN
8
News...
NEW RV ASSOCIATIONThe Caravan Council of
Australia (CCA) is an organisation registered
with ASIC that has been formed to assist the local Recreational Vehicle Industry and provide professional independent services to all RV clients.
General Manager Colin Young, a well-respected figure in the Australian RV industry, worked for nearly seven years with the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia (RVMAA) prior to leaving to establish the CCA. He said the new Victorian-based organisation, “Aimed to raise the level of compliance, safety,
quality and professionalism in the Australian RV industry.”
Colin says the CCA says it will assist owners, dealers and potential buyers of both locally-made and imported recreational vehicles. Vehicle compliance, safety and quality are its prime areas of interest and action, but it will not be involved in State Association issues, Parks or RV lifestyle-promotional activities.
CCA defines recreational vehicles as including caravans, motorhomes and campervans, camper/tent trailers, slide-ons and fifth-wheelers. It says only professional, qualified
and experienced engineers will be authorised to conduct audits/assessments and assist with technical issues.
You can contact Colin at [email protected] for further information.
9
Paradise Motor Homes www.paradisemotorhomes.com.au 245 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Queensland, 4216 , Australiaph (07) 5597 4400 - fax (07) 5597 5500 - email [email protected] Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs, patents and copyrights ™ © 2012
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australia’s best quality motorhome
Paradise Motor Homes is excited to announce we have moved to the former Swagman premises located at 245 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Queensland.Our new headquarters houses a state-of-the-art production facility specially designed to meet the high demand for our new price-competitive Integrity Series. The exciting news for those wanting to trade will be the new 15,000sqm Paradise RV Sales & Service Division which will offer:
• Paradise New & Used Sales• Consignment Listings• Annual Motorhome Body Servicing• Solar & GenSet Supply & Fitment• Tilta Car Trailers & A Frames
This exciting move into such a high profile and well-known location will delight you with its easy accessibility, improved parking and extended services. We look forward to seeing you at the new home of Paradise.
• Trade-ins • Repairs to all makes & models• Insurance Repairs• Upgrades & modifications• RV Shop
Paradise Motor HomeshaveMoved
Review and images by Malcolm Street
OF THE BEST!
KEA’s six-berth flagship is surprisingly capable...
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
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For those who cannot afford a motorhome or just don’t have
anywhere to park one, the rental option is definitely a good alternative. It’s one I exploit frequently for all kinds of travel – a recent occasion being a trip to the snow country around Wanaka and Queenstown on the south Island of New Zealand.
My choice of travel was a Kea motorhome. Kea has a good range of rental motorhomes and up until quite recently that range was common to both New Zealand and Australia. There are some differences now, though, since the changes to Kea’s
Australian operation. Available in both countries are two-berth, four-berth and six-berth motorhomes, all based on Ford’s Transit chassis, with the two-berth being a van conversion. Additionally, in
NZ there is a VW T5 flip-top campervan and a (very) new three-berth motorhome (see iMotorhome Issue 7 NEWS), just slightly shorter at 6.2-metre than its larger siblings at 6.8-metres. For my
KEA’s distinctive Luton-peak profile provides headroom while reducing drag.
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth 12
travels I’d actually asked for something that didn’t require the bed to be made up every night (interesting specification I know, but I’m a lazy traveller) and what Kea supplied me with was one of its six-berth motorhome (known as a Kea Six): nothing like slumming it!
The Vehicle
Kea’s six-berth motorhome, at 6.8 m long by
2.2 m wide, happens to be the same external size as the company’s four-berth motorhome and for the uninitiated, both look almost identical: the clue being the lack of a window on the mid-offside for the four-berth.
Built from fibreglass composite and mouldings, the Kea Six, as mentioned above, is built on the venerable Ford Transit cab chassis, which comes with a GVM of 4990 kg. That, given the tare weight of 3372 kg, results in a very good load carrying capacity, albeit one most fly/drive travellers aren’t going to get close to.
A point of note is the Kea-designed security door, which can be remotely locked by the same control that locks the Transit’s cab doors as well: What a joy that is! Windows are the standard
Whichever way you look at it, this is one practical motorhome.
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth 13
tinted-glass NZ style, with the lower section opening (except for the kitchen slider). The windows are actually one of the noted differences between Aussie and Kiwi motorhomes, with the former usually being hopper-style and fully
openable. Kea’s new three-berth, I’m interested to note, actually has those: The Seitz variety, with integrated blind and insect screen.
External storage is often an issue on rental motorhomes
but this one isn’t badly equipped. Featuring a bin-door on the nearside at the rear that gives easy access to the under-seat areas, it also has a rod/pole/ski-holder across the rear and a hose/power-cord compartment
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
Storage space is always at a premium with motorhomes, especially rentals. This KEA is good, however, and even includes room for skis and poles. Just leave the big suitcases at home.
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on the mid-nearside. On the opposite side at the rear is the gas locker, with two 4.5 kg cylinders, and like many rental motorhomes, the Kea Six does not have an awning.
On the Road
Powered by a 103 kW 2.4-litre turbo-diesel,
the Ford Transit certainly handled the stunning Highway 8 through the middle of the South Island without difficulty. Some of the more scenic sights included Lake Tekapo,
Lake Pukaki and Lindis Pass. Whilst off the main drag, a detour through Wanaka and along the Cardrona Valley Road was not to be missed.
Ford Transits only come with a six speed manual gearbox. The gear changing is very
smooth, which is especially useful in mountain terrain. Fuel consumption came in about 14.5 L/100 km, but cruising at a sedate 80 km/h would produce a much better result.
Being a six-berth motorhome, all the passengers travel in
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
Well overdue for an update, Ford’s Transit is still comfortable and capable, but the lack of an auto hurts it.
15
the dinette behind the driver’s seat. The forward facing ones have the advantage of forward travel but all can communicate without shouting to those in the front cab.
Living Inside
Rental motorhome layouts are often slightly different
to those built for the private market, particularly those built for four and six-berth layouts. The Kea Six layout is still very user friendly and in my case
having a rear lounge/bed, a front dinette/bed and the Luton over-cab bed offered considerable flexibility in use. Being on my own I used the Luton bed and therefore had one table for eating and the other as a mobile office. Filling the rest of the interior is the kitchen bench along the nearside and the bathroom located mid-offside.
Beige and brown are the principal colours for the
interior – not going to win any contemporary décor awards – but certainly winners in the rental motorhome practicality department. Kea motorhomes are also available for the private market but those come with different colour schemes inside and out. The Roman Blinds are a different touch to many motorhome interiors and seem to work well without being fiddly.
Electrics are quite simple but
Spacious rear lounge with wraparound windows is a Kiwi motorhome trademark.
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth 16
functional, with a neat little 12V control panel (including a 12V socket) behind the driver’s seat and both fluorescent and halogen lights throughout. A second radio/CD unit is fitted in the rear, which might seem extravagant to some but it’s certainly handy, and better than the standard Ford radio as it comes with a 3.5 mm socket for MP3 players. Both a roof-mounted air conditioner and a gas-fired heater (which worked exceptionally well in the alpine areas) are standard inclusions.
Lounging Around
One of the advantages of a six-berth motorhome
is that there are two places to sit around: The more formal front dinette up front and the club lounge – aka the “New Zealand back” – in the rear.
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
Nothing fancy, KEA’s 6-berth is spacious and practical.
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The rear lounge is good for stretching out and the table can easily be moved in-and-out as required.
Overhead lockers and under-seat areas provide good storage and the nearside area, as mentioned earlier, can be accessed from both inside and out. Mounting a TV in a layout like this is going to be tricky from a viewing point, but the end of kitchen bench location is okay for the rear area and partly okay for the front dinette. The various remotes and the satellite TV receiver are mounted under the overhead lockers, above the offside seat.
The front table only seats four, so with six on board the rear
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
Logically thought out, all controls are well placed and easily reached.
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lounge area is going to have to be utilised. Above the dinette are a couple of small lockers and compartments, which are a little hard to reach but great for stashing small items. They also have both the hot water and the all-important heater controls mounted nearby.
Time to Eat
Rental motorhome kitchens tend to be built for
resilience and practicality
rather than good looks, but this one wins on most counts. It’s of good size, with a generous amount of bench area and storage. With plenty of working space – always a good idea in a multi-berth motorhome – the bench moulding includes both the sink (tank and drinking water supplied) and drainer.
Fitted neatly in is a Smev four-burner cooktop/grill, while
below is the Vitrifrigo 133-litre fridge. Being 12V compressor-driven means independent camping time is a bit limited, but two 34-watt solar panels help a bit in keeping the 100-ah battery up to speed. Set below overhead locker level, the Sharp microwave is at a user friendly height. Overhead lockers, cupboards and drawers are all generously supplied. Plates, cups and glasses are all stashed in
The KEA’s kitchen is well equipped, but note the unusual moulded-in sink and drainer.
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth 19
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
the lower drawer, which has custom-made slots and holes to ensure minimal breakages. That does take a little bit of space, but for fast and secure packing it’s just great! An advantage of supplying all the essentials (kettles, toasters, et al) is that the cupboards can be designed exactly to fit everything in neatly.
After Hours
In a six-berth motorhome the bathroom isn’t going to
be oversized, but it’s certainly
good for general use. It comes with a moulded-in Thetford cassette toilet and a fold-out wash basin and shaving cabinet. The shower faucet can either be used at the basin or as a conventional shower. Handy for travellers on the move is the fold-out drying rack and the mirror on the outside wall.
It’s mostly not a major issue, but ladders in motorhomes are often very basic and foot-unfriendly. Well, the Kea one is
a bit of a winner! It’s not only light weight but folds out with nice wide steps – a gold star for that!
Luton beds with adequate ceiling height are always a bit of a challenge for motorhome designers, but this one works quite well. For a start it’s a good size at 2.1 m x 1.8 m, with a ceiling height of 660 mm. To achieve a full-width bed, a fill-in where the cab walk-through is has to be slid into position. Being on
Luton (over-cab) bed is big and comfortable, with a sturdy ladder for secure access.
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my own, I didn’t use it and retained the convenience of the driver’s cab access. Two moulded-in bedside shelves, two gooseneck reading lights and two storage nets on the front wall add greatly to the Luton bed area’s appeal and practicality, as it’s often just a mattress and little else.
In the rear, the club lounge bed (2.1 m x 1.5 m) can be made-up by removing the table-pole mount, using the table as bed base and filling in the space with seat cushions. Similarly, the front dinette makes up a bed measuring 1.9 m x 1.3 m. Despite the variety of beds, anyone looking for an island bed is
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
Translucent bathroom door makes bathroom feel bigger than it is. Folding sink is space-saving, too.
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going to be disappointed. If just four people are travelling, the rear bed can be left made-up, saving on bed-making duties each night.
What We Think
Although rental motorhomes can take
a few hard knocks, there didn’t seem to be many on
this Kea Six. I don’t have any major issues with the Ford Transit – it’s an easy-driving light commercial vehicle – except for its lack of automatic transmission, which won’t suit some buyers. Certainly the Kea was well equipped for anything needed on a motorhome trip, right down to a coffee plunger and wine
glasses. Although it does have six berths, four people who like a bit of space are going to find it very usable, too.
As rental motorhomes go the Kea Six can hold its head high. It doesn’t do too badly compared with motorhomes in the private market, either!
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
For a motorhome that works well for two to six people, KEA’s six-berth is highly recommended.
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• All-doorcentrallocking• Layoutflexibility• Spaciouskitchen• Goodstorage• Plentyofpower• Lutonladder
• Reartableneedsrethinking• Needsmoreopening
windows
Manufacturer Kea Campers
Model Six berth
Base Vehicle Ford Transit
Engine 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 103 kW @ 3500 rpm
Torque 375 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Gearbox Six-speed manual
Brakes Discs
Tare Weight 3372 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 4490 kg
Licence Standard NZ Driver
Passengers 6
External Length 6.8 m (22 ft 4 in)
External Width 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in)
External Height 3.1 m (10 ft 2 in)
External Height 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in)
Rear bed size 2.1 m x 1.5 m (6 ft 11 in x 4 ft 11 in)
Luton bed size 2.1 m x 1.8 m (6 ft 11 in x 5 ft 11 in)
Mid bed size 1.0 m x 1.3 m (3 ft 3 in x 4 ft 3 in)
Cooktop Smev 4-burner/grill
Fridge Vitrifrigo 130-litre
Microwave Sharp Carousel
Gas 2 x 4.5 kg
Lighting 12V Halogen and Fluro
Batteries 1 x 100 AH
Solar panels 2 x 34 W
Air conditioner Dometic roof
Hot water Truma 14-litres
Toilet Thetford bench cassette
Shower Fixed height, share with sink
Heater Gas fired
Fresh water tank 140-litres
Grey water tank 150-litres
Price Unavailable
Pros
Cons
Contact
Specifications
Ph: 0800 520052 (toll free in NZ)Ph: 1800 520552 (toll free from AUS)E: [email protected]: www.keacampers.com
Kea Campers
Tested: Kea NZ 6-Berth
3 Export Ave, Harewood, Christchurch 8051. NZ
169 Bush Road, Albany, Auckland 0632. NZ
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
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Story and images by Malcolm Street
iMotorhome 101: Rental
The lure of renting to try-before-you-buy or just escape is strong. But like everything, it pays to do your homework.By Malcolm Street
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In the world of campervans and motorhomes, one reason preventing many a
potential traveller from enjoying the lifestyle is the cost of the vehicle. There’s no doubt they can be an expensive purchase proposition and that, combined with the fact many working people cannot get away as often as they like, prevents many from buying a campervan or motorhome in the first place.
As you might have noted from the pages of this fine magazine, in both Australia and New Zealand (not to mention quite a few other countries) there is always the rental option.
One of the benefits potential motorhomers get compared to potential caravaners is that there are plenty of rental motorhome companies around. The other plus of course if you simply want to experience the Recreational Vehicle (RV) lifestyle is that with a rental motorhome, there are no concerns about needing a correctly fitted-out tow vehicle.
Why Rent?
Renting is certainly one of the attractive options
for getting on the road in style, without the high capital expense up front. It’s a system I have been using for quite some years and have happily motorhomed in Britain, New Zealand and Canada, as well
as Australia, on a regular basis.
Another benefit is for time-poor travellers. Rental motorhomes are just great for fly/drive holidays. That’s particularly important in countries like Australia, where there are often large expanses of not much, and days of travel between destinations. It works the other way too in countries like New Zealand where travel distances are not great and so short breaks are ideal.
One other attraction of renting a motorhome is it provides an opportunity for people considering buying one the chance to try-before-they-buy. It’s a great way to learn about the lifestyle and gives a good idea of what
Exploring old towns is great fun!
iMotorhome 101: Rental 25
you like and don’t like in a motorhome – very important if you are considering spending $100,000-plus on the vehicle of your dreams. Although rental motorhomes are often different to those for sale in the private market, rental companies do offer ex-rentals for sale and in some cases, offer them also as brand new units.
Of course a hired campervan or motorhome is never “yours” and cannot be customised to suit your exact needs, but there is certainly plenty of choice around. With the larger hire companies all the campervans and motorhomes are generally only a few years old and therefore are
up-to-date and reliable, so you shouldn’t have any maintenance worries.
What’s available?
A huge variety, it has to be said. Just about everything
you could want from a van pop-top conversion to a six-berth motorhome. For the 4WD enthusiasts there are also some Toyota Land Cruiser Troopies and HiLux 4x4s available.
Campervan pop-tops are usually two-berth Toyota Hiace or VW T5 conversions and in some cases they are also available as a high-top unit. A little further up the scale are the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter and Ford Transit van conversions. These are usually just for two people, but far more roomy than a campervan and yet still easy to drive. Light commercial cab-chassis, like Ford Transits,
Motorhome rental is a terrific way to see America.
iMotorhome 101: Rental 26
Mercedes Benz Sprinters and VW Crafters are mostly used for four and six-berth units, however several companies build a smaller motorhome on a Toyota Hilux chassis.
Which One For Me?
It’s important to give some consideration to the size
of vehicle you wish to travel in. Because there is a large range of base vehicles, interior
layouts and size, hiring a campervan or motorhome does require a little more thought than just renting a car.
A two-berth campervan is undoubtedly the cheapest and easiest vehicle to drive but would a four week trip in one cause a shortened holiday or a divorce? Some motorhomes are called four or six-berths but what that actually means
is two and two-halves or four and two-halves! So for instance, if four adults are planning on travelling together it might be more comfortable for all if a six-berth motorhome is hired.
It’s good to peruse the many websites of campervan and motorhome hirers to get some idea of what is available, but if you live in or near a capital city
Motorhoming isn’t just for couples: Single travellers are taking to the roads in increasing numbers and using mobile technology to keep in touch.
NZ is motorhome country
iMotorhome 101: Rental 27
then visiting the rental depot and climbing in and around your prospective rental is a great idea.
Storage is something to be considered to. Smaller campervans and motorhomes don’t have a lot, so think
about where you’re going to put everything. On the note of storage, give thought to using soft bags that can be easily stored away. There’s nothing quite so annoying in a small motorhome as having to move suitcases around all the time.
Another little factor to consider is where the rental depots are located. That’s important for fly drive holidays and/or where time is a factor. The ideal is for motorhome depots near the airport, but I know of some that are across town from the airport in a major city and can be in the totally opposite direction of desired travel. This might not sound much but it can mean the best part of a whole day of holiday travel lost. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. When doing a trip out of Vancouver a few years ago, our prospective rental operator was some way from the airport. However, when this was raised with the rental
Not all North American motorhomes are giants. Below: think carefully what sort of bags you travel with as storage for bulky items can be limited.
iMotorhome 101: Rental 28
agency as a problem, it was quickly negated because we were able to do the pick-up and return at the airport with no problem.
How much?
There are a huge number of variables here and so
website research is important, if not vital. In some countries travelling during the off-season can save a great deal
of money and there are often good deals going.
One great deal often available is ‘relocations.’ Rental companies often end up with motorhomes in the wrong depots and so offer a cheap deal to relocate them. See someone like www.standbycars.com for details. The problem with these is that they are often last-minute deals and there’s a time limit,
which can mean driving rather than sightseeing, although many companies also sell extra days at a concessional rate. Relocations are often a good deal for short breaks or for someone who simply desires to have a very cheap way of trying the motorhome lifestyle.
Something to keep in mind in any rental vehicle are the “hidden” extras not included in
Eating-out is great fun but eating-in helps stretch the budget and avoids the need to move.
iMotorhome 101: Rental 29
advertised rates. For example: one way rentals, extra drivers and cleaning fees might apply.
Also important to keep in mind is that you get what you pay for! There are motorhome rental companies and then there are motorhome rental companies. Pre-trip research is very important. Some companies offer very new motorhomes, some offer ones that are some years old and some offer both, with prices that can vary considerably.
Also, what’s supplied in the motorhome can vary considerably too.
The cheapest deal might be good for the budget but bad for holiday enjoyment. Insurance excess waivers can often add greatly to the daily rental, but it’s my experience they also add something called “peace of mind” to your trip. Sometimes, taking out insurance waivers negates other charges. Check the fine print!
Finally
Having done a fair bit of rental motorhome
travel I reckon it’s a great way to travel. There’s only one question left: what are you waiting for? Check your holiday calendar, jump on the Internet and get planning – it’s often half the fun of the journey!
What are you waiting for?
Free camping is one of the delights of motorhoming and a rental motorhome or camper can be just the ticket to enjoy this fabulous lifestyle without the full financial commitment.
iMotorhome 101: Rental 30
Travel...
CoromandelCoasting
New Zealand has some spectacular sights that are all easily
seen when campervan and motorhome touring. From volcanic Rotorua to the beautiful Bay of Islands, the majestic West Coast glaciers, spectacular Queenstown and the stunning Southern Fjords, the Country’s small islands pack an enormous visual punch.
There are, however, some less well known but still well worth your touring time.
One of my favourites in this category is the Coromandel Peninsula to the east of Auckland. Eminently suitable for RV touring, it is easily reached in less than two
Cruising one of NZ’s lesser-known but beautiful coastlines...By Malcolm Street – images by Malcolm Street and Destination Coromandel
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hours from that same city and offers thermal attractions, stunning scenery, lush forests and a few of those quirky things that are oh-so-New Zealand.
Thames, a town with a gold mining and Kauri logging history, has many buildings and museums, including the Thames School of Mining that reflects a rich history. For outdoor lovers, the Kauaeranga Valley offers a number of picturesque walking and tramping tracks.
Thames also happens to be the start of the Thames Coast Drive along the Pohutukawa coastline to the town of
Great views are everywhere, like the Hahei coastline (below).
Travel... 32
Coromandel. For quite some way the road follows the sea very closely and it is certainly a drive that should not be taken quickly – both for safety and enjoyment reasons!
Like Thames, Coromandel is a former gold mining and Kauri logging town and has plenty of restored heritage architecture, plus a selection of art and craft shops. Just to the north of town is an old gold stamper battery and a bit further on, one of the NZ quirks in this area.
Quirk Number One
It looks a bit like an old restored mining line but
the Driving Creek Railway was started in 1975 for the purpose of carrying clay and pine-wood fuel for a
Coromandel Township.
Coromandel Township.
Junction Hotel, Thames.
Travel... 33
pottery. It opened to tourists in 1990 and these days carries more passengers than raw materials. The train ride reveals a considerable number of civil engineering feats: viaducts, tunnels and switch backs. Also to be seen are efforts to restore in-part the magnificent Kauri forests that once covered the Coromandel Peninsula. That is indeed a long term project: Kauri trees are slow growers and can live for 2000 years.
At this point there are several choices: It’s possible to head further north up the peninsula but there are two ways to keep travelling eastwards. One is along the sealed road to Whitianga, which effectively
Kauri pottery replica (far left) is remarkable, as is the railway ride.
Travel... 34
follows the coast. A slightly more adventurous way is to take the 309 Road, which looks a bit like a short cut but really isn’t because it’s a not only a dirt road, but several delights await.
Quirks Two and Three
For something different, the idiosyncratic Waterworks
provide not only a welcome cup of tea but also more quirky Kiwi ingenuity, with a water powered clock, water-powered bike pumps, water
cannons and plenty of water powered gadgets, plus a natural swimming hole if things get warm.
A little further down the 309 Road is the Kauri Grove; a small group of magnificent
The 309 is a back road dotted with intrigues, like the whimsical Waterworks, plus stunning scenery at every turn. It’s well worth the detour, but be sure to take your time.
Travel... 35
trees (including a twin) just waiting to be appreciated. After a pleasant walk through the lush forest, just down the road is the Waiau Waterfall, and although it’s quite small it’s a photographer’s delight. Those keen on walking might also like to try the walk to Castle Rock. A steep track in places, it offers spectacular views from the top. Although it seems to go on forever, the 309 Road is only 22 km long and soon puts you back on the main road.
The regional town of Whitianga is good for an overnight stop but the real attractions are around the other side of Whitianga
Travel...
Waiau waterfall rewards walkers while giant Kauri trees dwarf visitors – even those with arms extended!
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Harbour. There is a ferry but it’s passengers-only, so a 45 minute drive will bring you to HaHei Beach (a tip for the caravan park is to try and get one of the beach-front sites and booking is recommended). Back your motorhome up to the sea
here and watch both the sunrise and sunset over the ocean. An hour’s walk up the beach (3km) will bring you to the stunning Cathedral Cove, but don’t forget your camera! South from HaHei is Hot Water Beach, where a hot bath is possible simply
by digging a hole in the sand. Spades are for hire if you don’t happen to have your own!
After a warming sand bath, that about completes a tour of the essentials of the Coromandel. From Hahei it’s
Travel...
Chef Salt prepares delicacies from Whitianga Harbour. Be sure not to miss amazing Hot Water Beach and make time for a stroll to the hauntingly beautiful Cathedral Cove.
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possible to head south to Tairua and then either west back to Thames or south to Waihi and Tauranga.
Around the Coromandel there are plenty of caravan parks, plus other quiet places to park-up for the night. Cafés and restaurants make for pleasant refreshment breaks and there’s absolutely no shortage of places just to stop for a while and relax whilst taking in the beautiful Peninsula Scenery: something very easily done in a motorhome!
For more information visit www.thecoromandel.com
Travel...
Top: Paku Hill, Tairu. Below: Sunrise, Hahei.
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Technical...
Allan takes a look at the last few years of diesel emissions control technology
EMISSIONS IMPOSSIBLE?
It’s not so long ago that we were all in fear of the imminent arrival of exhaust
gas recirculation (EGR) on 4x4 diesels. Now EGR is old hat. Sure, there were early problems, including jammed EGR valves on Jackaroos and the well documented
difficulties with three-litre Nissan Patrol engines, but generally EGR arrived and worked.
Why EGR?
This system involves returning a variable amount
of exhaust gas into the inlet
manifold. The gas reduces the amount of free oxygen in the cylinder and restricts the amount of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) produced. However, there’s an unfortunate relationship between NOx and particulate material (Pm): lower the NOx and Pm goes up;
By Allan Whiting – www.outbacktravelaustralia.com
39
lower the Pm and NOx goes up.As emissions laws tightened we started to see many new diesels arriving fitted with diesel particulate filters (DPFs). Engine makers who tuned their engines for lower NOx used DPFs to capture the Pm emissions.
As well as EGR and DPFs some engine makers use diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs). These units have the capacity to post-treat emissions and have proved useful in reducing Pm and smoke from older-design engines. DOCs can also reduce carbon monoxide (CO), which is not normally a problem in diesel engines and unburnt hydrocarbons (HC) that are usually fuel and engine oil emissions.
An alternative route that’s been adopted by some truck engine makers and is starting to appear on some European car and 4x4 diesels is selective catalytic reduction (SCR).
For this emissions control system the engine designer tunes the engine for low Pm and higher NOx – remember you can’t lower both simultaneously in
Technical...
A Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC).
40
How a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) works on a Mercedes E320.
Technical...
the combustion chamber – and uses SCR in the exhaust system to ‘scrub’ the NOx and convert it to water and nitrogen. SCR relies on injection of urea (euphemistically called by proprietary names such as AdBlue) into the SCR catalyst. The urea is carried in a separate tank that’s typically one tenth of fuel tank capacity.
DPFs Under the Microscope
The latest drama over emissions gear concerns
DPFs. The most effective DPFs are known as ‘closed’, ‘high efficiency’ or ‘wall flow’ types. In these units, Pm is trapped
41
Technical...
in porous, honeycomb ceramic material and 99.9 percent Pm-free gas flows out the tailpipe. The problem is that these units can clog up, reducing engine performance and increasing fuel consumption. A ‘DPF regeneration’ cycle is built into the engine injection electronics, so that the DPF is burnt clean of Pm build-up.
Engines that achieve high exhaust gas temperatures don’t normally need this regeneration, but low-load, stop-start use can mean frequent regeneration cycles. Hence the varying economy and performance results experienced by different users of ‘closed’ DPFs.
Another type of DPF is ‘open’, in which the Pm collection traps can fill without clogging the filter. The trick with this type of DPF is for the engine designer to have sufficient
filter capacity to ensure that the filter is cleaned by exhaust heat during typical duty cycles, before it fails to restrict Pm emissions.
Closed DPF
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CMCA Club Pages...
In 2011, a 56 year old woman became stranded in a remote area of Victoria
after her campervan broke down. She had not informed anyone of her travel itinerary and although mechanically minded, after hours of unsuccessful attempts to restart it, decided to abandon her vehicle in Murray Sunset National Park, near the South Australian border, and look for help. She walked for more
than 25km in 40°C heat before finding phone reception at the aptly named, Last Hope Track.
Since the broadcast of this story, many travellers have found themselves debating what they would do in such a situation, and questioning the planning they undertake before heading off on an Outback adventure. With adequate research and preparation, unforeseen circumstances
might not be avoided, but the chance of overcoming adversity is increased.
Research is Vital...
Research is a vital aspect in any expedition; it is
important to know where you are heading, what to expect on the way and when you will arrive. Many areas have unpaved roads, kilometres of isolation, and the Australian climate varies
BE PREPARED!
What would you do if it all went wrong?
By Michelle Hogan, CMCA – Communications and Marketing Team
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CMCA Club Pages...
dramatically from state to state. Another interesting and often overlooked factor to successful travelling is to know the wildlife habits along your
path. A good example of this is in Western Australia, where it is recommended to avoid driving the hour before-and-after sunset and sunrise. At these
times wildlife is most active and the risk of hitting animals such as wombats or kangaroos is dramatically increased.
During summer, Queensland is a popular tourist destination due to its pristine beaches and perfect climate. Conversely, summer in the desert regions of Western Australia is often avoided due to the sand becoming dangerously soft in the heat, with temperatures above 40°C. Appropriate clothing can be the saviour in many situations; strong boots are far more practical for hot tar than thongs, while a singlet
If you’re venturing off-road be sure to carry recovery gear, and know how to use it.
44
won’t offer much protection in torrential rain.
Supplies, Supplies...
Water and food supplies are critical on any
outback adventure. You should always have enough supplies to last you a minimum of three days; but the longer the better. There are many areas of Australia that do not have roadhouses for more than 180 km and if you were to break down on one of those stretches you will certainly have a better chance of survival with extra food and water.
Carrying extra petrol or diesel will eliminate the risk of missing a fuel stop on a long drive. It should also be mentioned that unlike inner city areas; water, food, accommodation and other services might be sold at a premium in rural communities.
Ensure that friends, family and relevant authorities are advised of your travel itinerary. If people are aware of your route and expected dates of arrival, your whereabouts will be easily traced if something occurs.
Be prepared and make sure you are equipped for any emergency. Depending on where you are travelling to and how you intend on getting there (RV, 4WD, etc.), the necessary items to take with you will differ. Some key items any traveller might consider taking with them are a rope,
shovel, fire extinguisher, planks of wood, a jack, oil, spare tyre/s, jumper leads, an up-to-date tool kit and medical kit, and as mentioned earlier, water, petrol and food.
Emergency Contact...
There are large areas of Australia still without reliable
phone coverage. If you plan on heading out through one of
these areas it might be worth considering alternative options to a mobile phone, such as a UHF radio or a satellite phone. If you only have your mobile phone on you at a time of emergency and reception is not allowing you to dial ‘000’, you should then dial ‘112’. This number can be called even if the mobile phone is locked and will search all networks in
CMCA Club Pages...
Extra fuel can be a life saver in remote country, but carry it properly.
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CMCA Club Pages...
an attempt to find service and reach the local authorities.
Have your RV serviced before a long trip. While most of us know how to check the water, oil and tyre pressure; are you confident in checking the radiator pressure or the coil-pack currency? Having a mechanic look over your vehicle before your trip will reduce the risk of a breakdown in the bush or a small rural town.
Join the Club!
Finally, become a member of an RV enthusiast club
such as the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA). Members of the CMCA not only have access to an array of relevant and current RV-related information on a variety of platforms, they’re also provided with the contact details of members willing to assist other members in times of need as they travel.
CMCA also offers a range of Member Benefits including an insurance scheme that is renowned as a superior product in the RV industry. Visit www.cmca.net.au today and discover why the CMCA is the largest RV Club in Australia.
Know your vehicle’s limitations and always err on the side of caution.
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Queensland-based HEMA has long been the leader in mapping
Australia for bush travellers and the company’s latest release is an app for iPad and iPhone that puts detailed outback map data in your lap or pocket.
We’ve been testing GPS-based navigation aids since the first hand-held units emerged more than 20 years ago. In the early days of GPS
units we were over the moon (very poor pun – Ed) at the prospect of having our latitude and longitude displayed on a tiny, blurry screen. In concert with a topographic map we could locate position reasonably accurately: gone were the days of a coin-toss at bush-track intersections to decide on whether to take the left fork or the right one.
The next generation of GPS units had moving-map
technology, where the mobile device’s location appeared as a cursor on a map that scrolled across the screen. It couldn’t get any better than that, we thought.
In this century, GPS chips have found their way into many different devices and GPS navigation is taken for granted. Mapping has become interactive in metropolitan areas, with traffic advice being fed into GPS
Mobile Tech...
Hema 4WD Australia mapping comes to the iPhone and iPadBy Allan Whiting – www.outbacktravelaustralia.com
CHEAP TRACKS!
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systems to help motorists avoid trouble spots and minimise congestion.
The mobile phone is now a portable computer with powerful GPS capability and mapping is automatically updated as road conditions change.
HEMA joined the GPS navigation unit business with its Navigator product, combining comprehensive
bush mapping with metropolitan street navigation that has been pretty much the gold standard in state-of-the-art technology. However, with the release of its iPad and iPhone mapping app, HEMA has raised the bar.
Proof in the Pudding
On a recent trip from Sydney, up through
western Queensland and the NT’s Limmen National Park to
Arnhem Land, we had ample opportunity to compare the Navigator’s inbuilt mapping with that downloaded via the HEMA app.
We used Navigator, iPad and iPhone all at the same time, on roads that ranged from freeways to bush tracks. We also checked out the Navigator’s metro street navigation against phone-app navigation and we used
Mobile Tech...
Map detail is remarkable, while GPS tracking is very accurate.
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Readouts are comprehensive. Using an iPhone and iPad provides navigation flexibility, redundancy and makes trip planning much easier.
both Apple and Android phone app navigation for this comparison.
We weren’t surprised to discover that the phone-app metro street navigation surpassed the HEMA Navigator’s metro system, because we’ve found that both Apple and Android systems equal or exceed the performance of all the GPS-street-navigation units we’ve tested.
For metro navigation, get one of the latest GPS-equipped smartphones; download one of the many street navigation apps and you probably don’t need to buy a GPS unit that sticks on your vehicle’s windscreen. The bonus of smartphone navigation is that the unit works as a handheld device when you’re on foot in a strange area.
HEMA’s iPad/iPhone-app extends smartphone
capability even further by including just about every bush map HEMA makes, including all of Australia in topographic 1:250,000 scale; State and Territory data, Great Desert Tracks and specific regional area and national parks mapping.
Through our entire test journey there was no discernible difference between Navigator mapping and iPad/iPhone-App mapping. Both
Mobile Tech... 49
types displayed many disused two-tyre tracks and even some property tracks.
A Matter of Scale
Because we could display the same mapping
on our iPhone 4S and iPad 2 simultaneously we checked out the iPhone in a windscreen suction clamp, giving a close-up picture of our immediate surroundings as we drove along, while the iPad could be referenced when we needed an overview of a larger area, thanks to its much bigger screen.
One of the problems with all windscreen-mounted GPS units is visibility in strong light and the iPhone scored over any such units we’ve tested.
It was also clearer than many original-equipment and after-market in-dash navigation screens.
The iPad’s large display allowed us to plan trips on-screen, which hasn’t been possible with small GPS displays, where enlarging the map area for a broader picture makes the wording impossible to read. We’ve always had to resort to paper maps for planning purposes, but now it’s possible to do that on-screen. However, we always carry comprehensive paper maps for areas we’re touring in case electronics fail us – or the US shuts down the GPS satellite system for strategic purposes!
So, in developing its iPad/iPhone app has HEMA made its own Navigator obsolete? We don’t think so. We still intend to use our Navigator for bush trips, because it has some sophisticated mapping and tracking functions the app can’t replicate.
The iPad app is a single application, whereas the Navigator HN5i has three separate programs: iGO street navigation; Ozi Explorer 4WD navigation and Memory Map topographic navigation. Free campsite information – Camps 6 – is preloaded into the street navigation of the HN5i and is not available in the iPad app.
Mobile Tech...
Ed’s ThoughtsHema’s iPhone/iPad 4WD Australia app is a mighty powerful piece of software that at $149.99 provides remarkable performance for a fraction of the Navigator’s $600-plus price. That might sound like a lot of money for an iPhone or iPad app, but what you’re buying is very powerful and sophisticated technology that includes a huge in-built map collection. The one app works on both iPhone and iPad, but your iPad will need to have GPS (which only comes with iPads that can also take a phone SIM card, although no SIM card is required).
At 1.52 gigabytes it’s a hefty one-off download, but for anyone heading into the bush it’s cheap insurance if you already have the paper maps – and far more convenient to use. It’s also a great buy for occasional adventurers and those simply looking to plan a trip to remote and interesting places. Seems mighty good value when you look at it like that…
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SEPTEMBER 7-9
Penrith Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo
Penrith Panthers, Mulgoa Rd, Penrith, NSW.
• Open 09:00-5:00 daily (4:00 Sunday)
• Free parking• Free admission
• Website: www.penrith.supershow.com.au/De-fault.aspx
AUGUST 17-19
Border RV & Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse, Wodonga, VIC.
• Open 09:30-5:00 daily (4:00 Sunday)
• Free parking• Adults $10• Pensioners $8
• Website: www.border-expo.com.au
SEPTEMBER 14-16
Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor Supershow
ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland. NZ.
• Open 09:00-5:00 daily • Parking $6• Adults $16/ $25 multi-day
pass• Kids free
• Website: www.super-show.co.nz
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes, campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general?
Drop us a line at [email protected] and we’ll happily promote it in this calendar.
Click for Google Maps Click for
Google MapsClick for
Google Maps
Show Calendar...
N ext issue we’re planning to bring you Winnebago’s
everything old-is-new Ceduna, a run-down on the Border RV Expo, another travel feature and a second road test that for now shall remain nameless, plus much more.
Thing is, it seems whenever I mention plans for next issue they change. So be content to know there will be a next issue, although
it will be one day later than usual – Sunday 2 September – due to unalterable family commitments.
Until then don’t forget to follow all the fun on Facebook (www.facebook.com/iMotorhome) and Twitter (@iMotorhomeMag) – and drive safely!
NEXT ISSUE WILL BE ONE DAY LATE!
Next Issue...
14-16SEP
7-9SEP
17-19AUG
14-16SEP
7-9SEP
17-19AUG
14-16SEP
7-9SEP
17-19AUG
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