Inside Trailblazers` all new tough truck camper…

Transcription

iMotorhome
53: Aug 2 2014
What'
s
in the Box?
magazine
Issue
because getting there is half the fun...
Win!
$50 Caltex
Fuel Card!
Slide-On Feature…
A close look at these versatile motorhome alternatives
US Winnebagos for Australia!
Winnebago America finally moves Downunder…
Inside Trailblazers’ all
new tough truck camper…
Paradise Oasis 4WD…
Final instalment of an excellent owner adventure!
" No one knows what works
for you, better than you."
That is why at Sunliner we think you know what you are looking for in a motorhome.
Our philosophy is to listen and work with you to create your motorhome dream.
www.sunliner.com.au
Personalise your journey....
About iMotorhome | 3
iMotorhome eMagazine is published twice monthly and available by free subscription
from www.imotorhome.com.au.
Your letters and contributions are always welcome!
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Jess Ciampa, Emily Barker,
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Published by iMotorhome
Design and Production
PO Box 1738, Bowral.
NSW 2576. Australia.
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Agnes Nielsen
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W: www.imotorhome.com.au
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M: 0408 315 288
Publisher/Managing Editor
T: 03 9579 3079
Richard Robertson
T: 0414 604 368
Roadtest Editor
Malcolm Street
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On my mind | 5
The Cost of Living
We take many things for granted in this country;
like stable government (?), a cohesive society,
robust economy, heath care, education and a
welfare system to hopefully assist those doing it
tough. We are indeed a lucky country and with
all the strife in the world at present it’s good to
reflect on just how well off we are.
We are also blessed with an abundance of
space and apart from certain parts of our most
populace cities, we all have room to move.
The right to travel is a basic given in Australian
society; built on the rights of free citizens
and the practical needs of a population thinly
scattered across vast distances. Our love of/
need to travel is often instilled at an early
age and it comes as no surprise that when
retirement looms, thoughts of life on the open
road often follow.
I’m not going to get into another free camping
versus caravan parks debate. There is more
than enough for-and-against material swirling
around out there at present. I just wanted to
mention how important I believe it is that as
many people as possible ‘hit the road,’ and
not for any other reason than to look after your
health – especially mental.
Did you know that five Australian men took
their lives yesterday? Five more will today. And
five tomorrow. It’s a staggering statistic when
you think about it; made all the more tragic by
the effect it has on those left behind. It’s also
frightening that 75 per cent of suicides in this
country are men. Typically, the cycle that leads
to this starts with depression caused through
disconnection and isolation.
One of my nephews took his life some years
back – so this is personal – and he was isolated
and disconnected. I can see that, looking back.
Hindsight is so very clear. Daniel was a young
man, but there is a large number of men your
age – my age – who feature in these statistics.
And while youth suicide programs have done
valuable work in reducing the numbers of
young people (mainly men) taking their lives,
there is no structured government policy for
men like you and me.
If you’re struggling with trying to find your
place in a world that has changed due to
retirement, redundancy or personal loss there
are organisations to help you get back on track.
Beyond Blue and the Black Dog Institute
are two, while the Australian Men’s Shed
Association can help you meet new people in
your local area and develop new interests and
skills.
But travel is great therapy and hitting the road,
seeing new sights and meeting new people
is a real tonic. It’s hard to be isolated and
disconnected when you're on the road. Even
if your’e not particularly social, people come
up and just start chatting at camp sites, petrol
stations and the like. Attending big rallies like
the CMCA’s is a sure-fire recipe for meeting
people and making new friends, too.
So don’t become a statistic. We don’t need
any more. We need people on the highways
and byways sharing experiences, establishing
friendships and enriching each others’ lives. If
you know someone disconnecting, reconnect.
And if you need help yourself, just ask. The cost
of living might only be your pride…
Richard
6 | Content
3
About Us
5
On my Mind
Who we are, where and other legal stuff
The Cost of Living
9
10
iMotorhome Marketplace
13
On your Mind
16
News
24
Tech Talk
The latest Marketplace offers
User Guide
How to get the best from iMotorhome eMagazine
Share your thoughts for the chance to win a $50 Caltex fuel card!
What’s happening in the wider RV world - and beyond
Need advice on a technical matter? Ask us!
Phil from Trailblazers RV making light
of our photo shoot…
Content | 7
26
Day Test: Trailblazers RV Overland XP
40
Feature: Slide-ons
54
Travel
60
Mobile Tech: SkyView Free
64
Next Issue & Show Calendar
What’s in the Box? – Lifting the lid on Trailblazers’ all-new truck camper
A close look at a viable motorhome alternative!
Paradise by the Dashboard Lights - Final Instalment
Discover the magic of the night sky – for free!
What’s coming up and what shows are on soon
A slide-on could be just the thing for your next RV!
8 | Resources
resources
iMotorhome
Missed an Issue? We've got them all saved in one spot for
you. Click HERE to view the complete list of back issues.
Missed a road test? No problem!
Click HERE to find them all listed by manufacturer.
Major
Landmark!
Making a V-Line!
English Holiday
iMotorhome
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iMotorhome
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iMotorhome
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iMotorhome
Esprit de Cor
Blimey!
If you’re looking for luxury and ability,
Traillite’s Landmark Oakura 758 could
be just the ticket…
Auto Trail dares to be different
with its V-Line 600…
Auto-Sleeper’s Malvern is an English
motorhome that’s a fine holiday
destination in its own right…
Dethleffs ‘baby’ A-class is
something to ogle at…
Story and Images by Malcolm Street
Review and images by Malcolm Street
iMotorhome Marketplace | 9
Expedition Vehicles
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Easy To Operate With Electric Jacks
Models For Single, Extra & Dual Cabs
Plus! Famous Ozcape Quality & Support
Truck Campers Slide Ons
Fifth Wheelers
03 9588 0077
www.trailblazersrv.com
[email protected]
Snipe... The new way of
receiving TV anywhere!
12V
Fluro
To order simply call (08) 9336
7714 or email [email protected]
and mention iMotorhome.
LED Replacement Lamps
For
Motorhomes & Caravans
Standard Halogen, Incandescent + Fluro
bulbs are easily replaced with our wide
LED range
NEW! Infrared sensor;
Convert your existing lights
to security lights!
Visit our website;
www.koloona.com.au
Koloona Industries P/L
No Black spots - No poor reception
• Fully automatic tv reception
• Extra Accessories - 240/12 Power and
Thru wall Easy Eye Fitting.
Absolutely Jaw Dropping
Sydney Camping Show Specials
SNIPE / VAST bundle : $1495 (rrp $2545)
SNIPE without VAST : $1295 (rrp $2195)
SNIPE TWIN, no VAST : $1895 (rrp $2345)
Special pricing subject to availability.
Get in Early - Closes Sunday 4 May 2014
Order at show or on line
02 9829 1688
Travelling Australia?
Can you say “hello” to
your neighbour?
Yes? Then you can earn money
to keep tavelling.
www.privatebox.co.nz
Call 0800 122 335 /
+64 4 831 1333
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No sales experience necessary.
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Medical product.
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Call 0404 661 895
10 | User Guide
Note: This magazine is designed to deliver
the best reading experience on an Apple
iPad.
General
This magazine is published in the Portable
Document Format (PDF). This means that once
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PDFs are clever things that allow a degree of
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The front cover and contents pages feature
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are using a laptop or desktop computer you
will see the mouse cursor change to a small
hand with a pointing finger, which signifies you
can click on the link below it
All advertisements are ‘live’ and linked to the
advertisers’ websites. This means if you touch
one (smartphone/tablet) or click on one (laptop/
desktop) you will be taken to the appropriate
website automatically if you are connected
to the Internet. If you are not connected to
the Internet you will be asked if you want to
connect, to complete the action
Text that is highlighted and/or underlined in
blue is also a ‘live’ link that will either take you
to the webpage or website of the topic being
discussed, or open an email (if appropriate).
iPad and iPhone Users
Important: Be sure you have the free
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page at a time and allows you to read the
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like turning the pages in a printed magazine.
iBooks also has a Library function that displays
a small thumbnail of the front cover of each
issue. You can even create Collections so that
you can store each year’s issues separately or
by vehicle brand tested, or however you desire.
Using iBooks
On downloading each issue of iMotorhome
eMagazine on your iPad or iPhone you’ll briefly
see a message at the very top of the front
cover that says “Open in iBooks.” If you miss
it, don’t worry. Just tap the space immediately
above the iMotorhome title and it will reappear
for a few seconds. When it does, tap it and
your issue will be moved to iBooks and reopen.
You need to do this with each issue you
download.
Once open in iBooks you’ll see a number of
icons across the very top of the page and a
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To read your copy of iMotorhome eMagazine,
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page and then touch Library in the top lefthand corner.
User Guide | 11
Laptop/Desktop
Computer Users
The software that allows you to view a PDF
document – Acrobat Reader – has a number of
controls at the top of the page. Chief amongst
these are two square buttons in the centre; one
showing a page with an arrow across it and the
other showing a page with arrows across and
top-to-bottom. Press these and you can view
the page at the full width of your screen, or the
whole page fitted to you screen, respectively.
For further help or information
email [email protected].
TRUCK
CAMPERS
FIFTH
WHEELERS
FUNCTIONAL
SPACES
MODERN
INTERIORS
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ALL CUSTOM BUILT
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On your mind | 13
It’s only fitting that since Ed
has his say in On My Mind, you
should be able to have yours
too. If you have anything to
say – or ask – just drop a line
to letters@imotorhome.
com.au and we’ll share it with
our readers. We’ll also reward
the most interesting, useful or
thoughtful letter each issue
with a $50 Caltex fuel card
to help you on your way.
Tip Hatrick!
Greetings Richard & team. Many thanks
for a good production – after many years
of camping/caravanning/motorhoming I've
three suggestions:
1. Our motorhome has
a 'pelmet' like board
under the overhead
cupboards, I've stuck
large plastic hooks on
the reverse side and my
wife has made little hanging bags for storing
items we need near the bed head. We have
a few of these.
2. There is enough
room between the
toilet fixture and vanity
cupboard to put a
pair of two-litre plastic
cordial bottles, which I
fill with the water otherwise wasted as you
wait for the hot water to come through the
shower. This saves water and can be used
to flush the toilet in the middle of the night
when you don't want to put a noisy pump on
and wake the other!
3. Most light truck
based motorhomes are
open all the way from
the windscreen to the
back wall and the cab
aircon can't cool it all.
So I've stuck hooks on
to the walls each side
just behind the cab
(which get double duty
being used to hang
pot mitts, etc) and my wife made a cotton
curtain to hang up, just behind our seats in
summer conditions. As hot air rises and cool
air falls the curtain doesn't need to go all the
way to the ceiling. We’ve driven in 40-plus
degree heat in air-conditioned comfort!
Blessings,
Owen & Jeanette.
Thanks for those great ideas, Owen and
Jeanette! I’m sure our readers will find them
very useful. In return please accept this
issue’s $50 Caltex Cash card, which will help
keep you on the road a little longer.
14 | On your mind
El Questro Troubles
We travel in a somewhat unconventional rig,
a Unimog (ex ambulance) converted into a
basic campervan/motorhome. On a recent
trip covering the Gibbs River Rd we passed
through El Questro where we were refused
entry to the riverside camp sites because our
"CARAVAN" was deemed to be "too big". We
did enquire if its height was the problem, but
no, that was apparently not the issue. They do
allow Landcruisers with camper trailers in the
same camp sites, which are twice the size of
our "caravan".
I think it was just a case of inexperienced staff
(although the manager was called but did not
bother to even look at the "caravan") but let
this serve as a warning to the bigger rig folk you are not welcome at El Questro's riverside
campsites.
Regards,
Michiel
Sorry to hear of your troubles Michiel.
I have contacted El Questro and shared your
experience with them, but at this stage no
reply has been forthcoming. If/when I hear
something I’ll let you know. Note: Readers can
follow Michiel travels by visiting his well written
and illustrated blog HERE.
Fiamma Awning Blues
Hi there Richard. Had a chap approach me
at a park in Nambucca Heads to discuss
Winnebago/Avida. Told him about your magazine
and he should get on board. We have a common
complaint re Winnebago motorhomes in that the
awning supplied – a Fiamma 45s – is as useful
as udders on a bull. I have a Birdsville that’s two
years old he has an Eyre bought in Newcastle
about the same time.
another unit the first criteria would be to check
the awning. The unit used on the Esperance is
certainly more solid. Having said that I will check
out options to change awning soon.
Regards,
Tim
Hi Tim, thanks for spreading the word and sorry
to hear about your awning issues. According to
Fiamma’s website the F45S is a “Winch awning
It should be noted the Fiamma 45s is only a "
sunshade" not an awning. I had problems early in for wall installation” and it’s pictured on the side
the piece and immediate advice from Winnebago of a small Euro A-class motorhome. What issues
have you and your Eyre friend had with yours?
was that I had not used the unit in question as
From personal experience these smaller wind-out
per instructions. When paying the money being
awnings are pretty light duty and I would never
asked for a new motorhome you would expect
leave one out if I left the vehicle unattended,
something worthwhile for this type of unit. With
or even put it out if conditions were windy. To
the Eyre, the chap “cannot" put an alternative
be honest I’m no fan of awnings at all and only
unit on it for structural / mounting reasons. He
ever use them in close to ideal conditions (little/
paid $145,000 and we both think it a bit of a
no wind and us sitting under it). I’m not sure the
joke.
brand of vehicle is as much the issue as simply
Should I ever be in the position to purchase
the design limitations of the awning itself.
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16 | News
US Winnebagos in Australia
images are accurate or for illustration purposes
at this stage.
I
conic US manufacturer Winnebago has
entered into a licensing agreement to allow
newly formed Winnebago RV Pty Ltd, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Brisbane-based
manufacturer and rental company Apollo, to
“use certain of Winnebago’s trademarks on
motorhomes, campervans and caravans across
Australia and New Zealand.” The official website
is www.gowinnebago.com.au.
According to a press release dated 29 July,
“Motorhomes to be manufactured under
licence in Brisbane have been designed from
the ground up to reveal a new standard in
Australian motorhomes. Swivel cabin seats, a
flat floor from drivers cabin right through to rear,
dual living spaces and full queen size beds will
offer apartment style living. All models will be
tested for Australian conditions and prices will
range from $40,000 (for compact caravans),
through to $170,000 for top of the range
motorhomes.”
Motorhomes aside, Apollo will also import
Australian designed and compliant caravans.
A feature of the range will be the US-built
‘Minnie’™ caravan, which has been the fastest
growing product for Winnebago in America.
“Designed to appeal to the younger market, the
‘Minnie’™ is a modern looking caravan with a
wide variety of functional, flexible interiors,” the
press release says.
On-sale dates and prices are yet to be
confirmed and although the new website shows
various “Winnebago” motorhome models,
iMotorhome was unable to confirm if the
A dealer network is in development and Apollo
is taking enquiries from dealers wishing to stock
the new range. Apollo CEO Luke Trouchet said
the agreements for Apollo to become the official
licensee and distributor of Winnebago products
will create opportunities for dealerships all over
Australia and New Zealand.
Winnebago USA President Randy J. Potts said
he was thrilled to entrust the Winnebago brand
to Apollo in Australia and New Zealand.
“We’ve been working with Apollo over the last
two years, developing a motorhome rental
program for their rental business in the United
States,” he said. “Apollo, as an Australianowned business that promotes the caravan
and motorhome lifestyle, is an ideal party for
Winnebago Industries to work with. We are
very pleased to be able to offer our brand name
and products to Apollo in Australia and New
Zealand and we look forward to seeing many
Winnebago travellers on the road in Australia
and New Zealand in the years ahead,” he said.
Trouchet expressed strong confidence in the
suitability of Winnebago recreational vehicles for
Australian road conditions, saying, “We’ve been
designing and manufacturing motorhomes,
trailers and caravans for rugged Australian
conditions for almost 30 years, and I know
those sold under the brand of Winnebago
Industries, Inc. will perform very well here.”
Winnebago will be the third RV brand retailed
by Apollo. Apollo’s original RV brand, Talvor,
will continue, manufacturing and importing
caravans, motorhomes and campervans for
Apollo’s rental fleets and as a stand-alone
brand. Apollo is also the exclusive distributor
for the European ADRIA range of caravans.
Relax in Paradise
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245 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Queensland, 4216
ph (07) 5597 4400 - email [email protected]
Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs, patents and copyrights ™ © 2013
18 | News
Lorraine Smith runs for CMCA Board
W
hile iMotorhome endeavours to remain
apolitical regarding matters at the CMCA
(and within the RV industry generally), we
are pleased to support Lorraine Smith (N55008) in
her efforts to win a CMCA Board position. Lorraine
has been know to us since the establishment
of the Free Choice Camps website and
Facebook page, where she has worked hard
to help preserve our rights to freedom of choice
camping. We are also familiar with her considerable
voluntary work for BlazeAid earlier this year,
following last summer’s disastrous bush fires early
in the season. In her own words:
“I have the qualifications, experience and
background as a professional business consultant
to adequately fulfil the role as a CMCA director
and with new blood and new ideas on the Board
I would work to have members’ needs and ideas
strongly presented and incorporated in the club’s
future plans and directions.”
“I have set up a website in support of my
nomination so please click HERE to visit and feel
free to ask any questions on the “contact me” link.”
Voting papers will be in the August Wanderer and
must be returned by midday 5 September 2014.
Full CMCA members are encouraged to exercise
their right to vote and to investigate all candidates
before doing so.
Mobile Lawn Bowls!
coach is going to see a lot of people through
the doors over the next month,” an AAT Kings
spokesperson said.
T
our company AAT Kings has converted
a luxury tour coach into a mobile indoor
bowls venue. It hit the road in the middle
of July and is currently making its way from
the ACT to Cairns before returning to its home
town of Sydney for a three day Guiness Book of
Records attempt from 1-3 September.
“Throughout this entire journey the coach stops
every day at a different regional town. Partnering
with our travel agency friends throughout these
sixty regions, our sales team have set up some
fantastic free events at which our coach will be
the star. Our partners have rallied their customers
and communities with this quirky, never-seenbefore concept, and from all accounts the
“We have partnered with Scania, our major
coach company partner, and they have provided
us with a brand new coach to use for the project.
Thank you Scania! Most seats have been
removed and replaced with a fabulous customdesigned astro-turf lawn bowls green. We’ve had
great support from Australia’s leading astro-turf
company, Grassman.”
“After six weeks
touring Australia the
coach will return to
Sydney where AAT
Kings will attempt
a Guinness World
Record for the
“longest marathon
playing indoor bowls.”
To find daily itinerary
details and a video showing the vehicle in action,
click HERE.
WE’VE BROADENED
OUR HORIZONS
The Horizon Motorhomes family just got bigger
and you’ll love the new additions.
Introducing the BANKSIA +2 with additional seating and a permanent double bed
and the CASUARINA, bringing extra space and flexibility to the Fiat Ducato*
BA
*ELWB
LL
IN
29 A C S
9 R AM OL
ive PE D E
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R X
ba Stre VA CLU
llin et N & SI
ac , Ba M VEL
am ll O Y
pe ina TO BY
rs. 0 RH
co 2 6 OM
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Now you can choose from eight Horizon models, all passionately built by
master craftsmen using only the finest fixtures and fittings.
20 | News
Scrubba Washbag
Y
oung Australian adventurer Ashley
Newland has invented a pocket sized
‘washing machine’ that is taking the
global camping industry by storm. Devised over
Friday night after-work drinks with a travelling
mate, Ashley hatched the idea for the Scrubba
Washbag as an ultra-light luggage solution for a
trip to Mount Kilimanjaro.
“I had the idea if we could make a flexible
washboard in a sealable waterproof bag then we
could actually change the way people travel.”
Using a flexible dish drainer and a generous
amount of glue, an early model Scrubba was
born. Ashley road tested the Scrubba in Africa,
then Europe and South America, and to prove
the product could hold its own he launched a
three-month crowdfunding campaign hoping
to raise $2500. The result was $25,000, which
allowed the production of the first batch and to
invest in branding and public relations. Ashley
also used his expertise in patent law to secure
patents in Australia and New Zealand, and
patents pending in another 52 countries.
Weighing in at just 140 grams and comprising a
surprisingly heavy duty and waterproof wash bag
with built-in ‘washboard’ surface, the innovative,
durable and highly portable Scrubba Washbag
is available online from $64.95, inc free
postage within Australia.
Thinking about a self-drive touring adventure?
Find all the inspiration and information you need for an awesome
journey with our ebooks for iPad.
Get your FREE eBOOK for iPad*
www.ebooktraveller.com.au
* Applies to Touring Victoria’s Kelly Country eBook for iPad
Try befo
you buy re
wi
our ren th
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fleet!
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Huge range of stock
Poptops and hardtops
Full workshop check
Parts and accessories store
FAMILY OWNED
AND OPERATED
DEALERSHIP
View over 60 units of new
& pre-owned motorhomes,
campervans & caravans
online 24/7.
View our online store for
spare parts & accessories.
CMCA members receive
a 10% discount*.
5 Melrose Dr. Wodonga VIC
02 6024 4222
www.awrvworld.com.au
22 | News
Marketplace Directory Grows!
T
he iMotorhome website Marketplace
Directory is growing. It’s designed to
link you with businesses that can help,
no matter what you’re looking for. We’d like to
welcome the following companies and hope
you’ll consider them if and when you’re in
need of their specialised services:
Avida Albury Wodonga
At Avida Albury Wodonga, on the NSW /
Victorian border, not only can you purchase
a new Avida, you can have it (and any
other motorhome) serviced! Avida Albury
Wodonga is now featured in the Motorhome
& Campervan Dealers category of our
Marketplace Directory. A dedicated and fully
trained service and parts department means
this country centre will be welcomed by locals
as well as motorhomers travelling between
Melbourne and Sydney. Visit this website
and learn about the vehicle detailing, storage
facilities, parts and accessories.
Brett of Brett’s Camper Care
Does your motorhome or campervan need
repairs or new accessories fitted? Brett of
Brett’s Camper Care is also a CMCA member
who specialises in most types of work. Brett
has joined us in the Repairs and Service –
Motorhomes category of our Marketplace
Directory, so if you’re based in Brisbane or
passing through, visit his website and book in
to get all those little jobs done – efficiently and
economically!
Rowmont USA Imports
Rowmont USA Imports is the latest addition
in the Fifth Wheelers category of our
Marketplace Directory. As the name suggests
they supply fifth wheelers and trucks from the
USA in all sizes, makes and models, including
Chevrolet and Dodge pick-ups.
They provide full Australian compliance and are
Department of Transport licensed for air brake
and suspension systems over 4.5 tonnes. Call
today and let Rowmont USA Imports take
the hassle out of finding and supplying your
perfect imported fifth-wheeler.
News | 23
Sunliner
Sunliner is now featured in the Motorhome
Manufacturers’ category of our Marketplace
Directory. Sunliner produces a large range
of campervans and motorhomes from small
pop-top vans that can double as a second car
to large, luxurious motorhomes for full-time
touring. Sunliner’s unique multi-choice system
let you select your layout, chassis, peak, style
and specifications – to make yours a truly
unique vehicle!
Café, an award-winning children’s playground
and dump point. There’s even an RV parking
area with free dump point!
Taronga Western Plains Zoo
When asked how long it is since you last
visited a zoo, the answer often is, “Too long!”
Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the
latest addition in the Attractions, Activities,
Adventures and Tours category of our
Marketplace, is well worth a visit when you
are next in the Dubbo area. The population
of over 1,500 animals includes many cute
offspring from successful breeding programs.
The Visitor Plaza and free access area offers
information, ticketing, the Zoo Shop, Bakhita’s
The Wirraway 260 SL
With it’s Full Length Slideout Room & Apartment
Styled Layout !
From WIRRAWAY, “Australia’s Most Innovative Motorhomes”
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellence.
Our Motorhomes are our passion! Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the road.
New to our Range is the brilliant ‘live like a movie star’ Wirraway 260 SL,
the latest in our 260 series; our EuroStyle 260 with it’s European styled interior
and “The Motorhome of the Year”, the Wirraway 260.
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence, style and all the legendary design,
electrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways.
Each Wirraway Model is unique! - All are a Must See!
View Our New Website to view All Models, Download Brochures &Virtual RealityTours
For details contact: Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes, 6 Hynes Court, Mildura Vic 3500
Phone / Fax: (03) 50 230 230 - New Email: [email protected] & New Website: www.wirraway.com.au
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 © Rex Willmer
24 | Tech Talk
Tech Talk - Your Tech
Questions Answered…
Have a technical question and like some expert advice?
Drop a line to [email protected] and Paradise
Motor Home’s Ben Maclean will do his best to answer!
Hatch Issues
Hi Rob. Sorry, we don’t have much experience
with those hatches here. Sounds like a worn or
broken cog or belt, could also be misaligned
or loose in the mechanism. Note: iMotorhome
contacted Dometic’s service department,
which in turn has contacted Rob directly
to sort the problem. We’ll bring readers an
update when the problem is resolved.
Diesel Heater Maintenance?
Your advice would be appreciated on roof
hatch that no longer opens on pressing the
switch, but makes a ratchet like noise. When
I push it manually whilst holding the switch on
it will open under that support to about half
way and then continue without my physical
contribution. It’s a Dometic SEITZ MIDI HEKI
according to the Dometic website images and
is about three and a half years old, with low
usage. The motor is working fine but is not
engaging with the mechanism that physically
lifts the hatch. The lowering of the hatch
operates normally.
Cheers,
Rob.
The article in Issue 51 on camper heaters,
comparing diesel and LPG was very
informative. I would like to have seen
maintenance and cleaning needs included for
each type of heater. I have heard the carbon
build up in diesel heaters is high and requires
regular cleaning. How often?
Thanks,
Tony.
Tony, in our experience the heaters require
very little maintenance, customers go for
years without doing anything, but may be due
to lower use than in Europe. The only real
maintenance required is inspecting/cleaning
the glow pin. If you were fastidious you may
do this annually. Click here to
Continued...
Tech Talk | 25
...Continued
see the Eberspacher Airtronic service manual,
maintenance starts on page 20.
Referring to the article in Issue 51,
here are two excerpts that will interest you:
"Of the German units I consider Eberspacher
to be the best. The heating capacity, fuel
consumption and power consumption of both
is similar, although the Eberspacher is slightly
more favourable. After considerable research
it seems the Webasto isn't as easy to service
and the blower motor design life is 3,000 hours
against the Eberspacher’s 5,000 hours."
"Carbon build up in diesel heaters can be
a problem and Eberspacher has a solution:
The glow plug runs at the beginning and end
of each run cycle to ensure excess fuel and
carbon are cleared from the combustion
chamber. A small amount of smoke is
produced during this burn off, but it’s barely
noticeable. Also, the Eberspacher’s burner
plate is larger, which means it's easier to
maintain cleanliness, while the kit comes with
a spark arrester/muffler and a fuel filter (inside
the pump), unlike Webasto."
26 | Day Test: Trailblazers RV Overland XP 13800
What’s
in the Box?
Lifting the lid on Trailblazers’
all-new truck camper…
By Richard Robertson
Day Test: Trailblazers RV Overland XP 13800 | 27
The Overland XP’s roof is electrically
operated, as are the rear legs that
partially retract into the body. LED
lighting on all sides (except front) adds
nighttime security, while the big rear
boot is at chest height and has good
access.
A
s I wrote the first I reviewed this vehicle,
“It’s difficult not to be impressed and/or
intimidated by Trailblazers’ super-serious
looking off-road truck camper. Perched atop
huge single wheels and with enough driving
lights to cook creatures at 100 metres, this
is not a vehicle for shrinking violets. What it
is, however, is about as close as you can get
to a truly go-anywhere ‘motorhome’ without
it having rotors on top and you needing a
helicopter licence.”
“Trailblazers RV, a Melbourne based business
that started out a decade or so ago importing
slide-ons from Canada, now designs and
manufactures its own slide-ons and fifth
wheelers. Although the company has a
standard range, every unit sold turns out
to be a custom build, according to director
Phil Richardson.”
The reason I’m revisiting this capable, if unusual,
vehicle is that while the truck remains the
Vertical rear panels are close
fitting air scoops designed to smooth
airflow around the back.
Anecdotal evidence claims
a small fuel consumption
improvement as a result.
same – for now – the slideon camper on the back is
all new. Phil’s not at all keen
on the term ‘slide-on’ for
this particular unit because
in reality most owners leave
the rig permanently set up.
Thinking of it more as an
extreme expedition wagon with
a removable accommodation
module and you’ll get closer to
the mark. For now at least, the
big new camper is called the
Overland XP 13800.
If you want to read in detail
about the specially modified
Earth Cruiser – Mitsubishi Fuso
4X4 base vehicle click here
to visit the Road Test section
of our website, where you can
read online or download the
whole thing. You’ll also find it
in Issue 31 of iMotorhome
eMagazine, published on
17 August last year.
The Mitsubishi is soon to be
replaced by the more modern
and capable Iveco Daily
4X4, which will be available in
single and dual-cab versions.
It’s party piece is a 24-speed
gearbox with 3 gear levers that
provides ultimate low-range
reduction in excess of 100:1.
By comparison a good 4WD is
around 40:1. This ability along
with triple diff locks, big single
wheels, compliant suspension
and excellent ground clearance
makes it the new darling of
the expedition vehicle world.
And in case you’re wondering
about Iveco’s ability to build
such a serious off-roader,
the chassis, drive train and
gearboxes are built by SCAM,
an Italian company specialising
in light tactical military vehicles.
Trailblazers’ new Iveco/
Overland combination will be
on display at the Melbourne
Leisurefest at Sandown
Racecourse, October 2-5, and
we’ll have more on it after its
public debut.
Outside the Box
T
he Overland XP is
essentially a big box,
with Seitz doubleglazed hopper windows with
integrated screens and blinds
on both sides and at the rear.
It sits perfectly on the back of
its host vehicle, without side
protrusions and with its poptop retracted in line with the
cab roof. This provides the
maximum possible protection
in thick bush settings, or
when inching along tracks
by jagged rock walls. It also
allows the vehicle to fit inside
a standard shipping container
when international adventures
beckon. Attached via shipping
The stairs are
so long and sturdy they’d be
at home on a small jet!
container-style pins, the
Overland XP can be removed
should you want to establish a
base camp and use the truck
for other purposes. To do this
two electric legs are built into
the camper’s rear extremities
and two attach to the front
corners, the latter being stored
between the cab and camper
when not required.
Setting-up for use is
straightforward. It involves
opening the side door and
pressing a button to raise
the roof – again, electrically
operated – then opening a
small hatch beneath base of
the door and deploying the
very sturdy aluminium stairs.
A substantial grab handle
provides extra safety when
Custom stairs are extremely sturdy and
retract neatly into a slot beneath the
entry door. Like the roof, the awning is
power operated and the switches for
both are just inside the door.
using the stairs and it folds
flush against the closed door
when travelling. An electric
awning provides shade and
there’s a strong LED exterior
light, while insect-screened
vents in the pop-top valance
provide good airflow and
natural light, in addition to the
side windows.
The lockable boot is home to
the main electrical controls, house
batteries and gas cylinder storage
compartment. It also has room
for a small generator, but make
sure it’s light!
At the rear a full-width lift-up hatch reveals a
boot that houses easily accessible electrical
controls, fuses, etc, plus two house batteries
(four optional) and the gas cylinder storage
compartment. There’s extra storage between
the electrical panel and batteries, which in this
case was occupied by a substantial generator,
which needs to be removed for operation. As
this compartment is a fair height off the ground
a lightweight generator would be a better
choice for most people! An LED floodlight and a
gas bayonet connector are also provided.
The driver’s side is clean apart from another
high-mounted LED, a water filler, mains water
and power connectors, the Truma hot water
system’s exhaust and a hatch for the toilet
cassette. An interesting design feature on this
unit is a pair of close fitting air scoops on either
side rear corner. Very close fitting and appearing
to be made from carbon fibre, they sit maybe
an inch from the camper’s smooth, compositepanel sides and are intended to help streamline
the otherwise box vehicle. Anecdotally Phil
reckons he’s seen an improvement of about one
litre per hundred kilometres in fuel consumption
– and they certainly look good – but just how
suited they are to serious bush bashing I’m not
sure.
Attached via shipping containerstyle pins, the Overland XP can
be removed should you want to
establish a base camp and use the
truck for other purposes.
Bedside storage is good and
comes with a double powerpoint
and reading light on each side.
The newly designed stairs (below)
are solid and provide easy access,
aided by the large grab handle.
Inside the Box
The layout consists of a front kitchen that is split
by the bathroom in the front driver’s-side corner,
scending the air stairs – they’re so long
a mid-positioned lounge that double as the
and sturdy they’d be at home on a small dinette, and an ingenious queen bed at the rear
jet – the first thing you notice is the
that folds largely out of the way during the day,
abundant headroom and contemporary decor.
but extends to cover the dinette in the evening.
Gloss white and matt silver/grey are the furniture But more on that later.
and trim colours, with bright lemon-lime leather
upholstery providing a splash of colour and
Also worth noting is this unit comes with ducted
touch of luxury. In fact the Overland XP is far
reverse-cycle airconditioning, which lives
more luxurious that you’d expect when viewing beneath the passenger side lounge and vents
from outside.
through a pair of long aluminium grills at floor
level beneath each settee.
A
Kitchen Capers
H
aving the kitchen and lounge/dinette
separated by the entry door means the
cook can work largely undisturbed by
their travel companion. The kitchen is compact
and the main section is L-shaped, sitting neatly
in the front passenger-side corner, between the
entry door and bathroom. This section contains
a single bowl sink with glass lid, a freestanding
flick-mixer tap and a three-burner gas cooker
with grill and oven. There’s a small window
behind the sink, while the back corner of the
‘L’ in the bench top is bevelled and the wall is
a mirror, which continues around to the right,
across the front of the camper as far as the
bathroom (and behind the cooker). Along with
a mirrored bathroom door it really opens up
The main kitchen section is small but well equipped.
Clever use of mirrors makes it feel much bigger, while
the corner-mounted TV and speaker system can be seen
(and heard) from the lounge and bed as well.
what is quite a small work area, making it feel
much larger and spacious. The bevelled corner
pice also holds the flatscreen TV and a double
powerpoint.
To maximise storage space an clever sliding
floor cupboard has been designed, which sits
in the unit by the entry door that has the sink
on top. To slide it out you first open a ‘fake’
door on the cupboard’s end, which reveals
a small panel at the top containing electrical
controls, tank level gauges, hot water controls,
etc, and the slide-out cupboard below (other
switches for the roof, awning, jacks and lights
are just above floor level on the opposite side
of the entry door). When extended the sliding
cupboard blocks the doorway, but reveals three
inwards-facing cupboards and extra bench
space on top. And that’s only half the story!
There’s another cupboard door below the sink
and when it’s opened two deep drawers at the
other end of the sliding unit are revealed. It’s
best to see the photos to get the full picture,
but suffice to say it provides great storage in a
space that would otherwise have been largely
wasted. The only downslide is the sliding unit’s
drawers aren’t accessible unless the unit is
extended, but at least there’s a small two-rack
slide-out pantry between the corner of the “L’
and the cooker, plus two drawers beneath the
cooker. Of course, being a pop-top means there
are no overhead cupboards.
Opposite the entry door, between the bathroom
and driver’s side lounge, is the second kitchen
unit. It has a small run of bench top just long
enough to cover the 110-litre fridge/freezer,
while at the back is a roller shuttered cupboard
for your coffee maker and toaster (of course!),
with a microwave set above. Another mirrored
panel covers the small section of bathroom end
panel not concealed by the rest of this unit.
Clever sliding cupboard provides good kitchen storage.
The bathroom splits the kitchen (top right), while the
bed’s mattress (above) folds away neatly for travel.
Decor is bright, modern and practical with gloss surfaces
and leather upholstery that wipes easily for dust control.
The table stores in a floor compartment between the
lounges when not required.
Relaxing and Dining
T
he two inwards facing lounges of the
centre positioned lounge/dinette are
comfortable and provide good seating
for four. It’s party trick is a lift-up floor panel
between them that reveals the folded dining
table’s hiding spot. The table’s aft end attaches
to the bulkhead that forms the divider between
the lounges and raised bed platform. A folddown leg supports the front end.
Behind each lounge is a large screened, side
window, while beneath the passenger side
lounge are two slide-out drawers. Another
two deep drawers face forwards between the
lounges, in the lounge/bed bulkhead.
The corner bathroom is quite
roomy once you’re inside and
features a custom moulded
sink with smoked front panel.
The fold-out towel rack is a
great inclusion.
Cleaning Up!
Zzzzzzzzz
he bathroom is identical to the previous
truck camper, except it’s in the driver’s
side front corner, where it splits the
kitchen. Compact, it’s more than adequate and
provides a surprising amount of space once
you’re inside.
he folding north-south queen bed is
an interesting concept, but just one of
several options available, which includes
an east-west queen or singles.
T
There’s a Thetford bench-style cassette toilet
with its back to the front wall. It’s part of a
modular moulding that very neatly incorporates
a small, stylish hand basin with smoked glass/
perspex front panel, which sits above the toilet,
about where a normal cistern would. To save
space and complexity the flick mixer tap in
the hand basin has a removable shower head
that reels out. A nice touch is a Maytow foldout, extendable drying rack for towels, while
the need for a roof hatch has been negated by
a zip-opening window in the roof valance. A
round, touch-operated LED provides more than
adequate lighting.
T
During the day the bed is wholly concealed in
a white cabinet across the back of the vehicle,
just below the window line. The top of this
‘cabinet,’ which is a great place for pillows and
other bulky, soft items during the day, actually
becomes part of the bed base when your
reach to the rear of it and pull it up and over to
form the bed. As stated earlier the bed, when
extended, covers the lounges. This means
both your body clocks will need to be in perfect
sync to maintain relationship harmony if you’re
travelling with a significant other. There is talk of
a rear slide-out to cure this, but an east-west
bed would be the simplest answer to allow for
divergent circadian rhythms!
The north-south queen bed unfolds to provide generous
accommodation. An optional east-west bed reduces
lounge size but means you both don’t have to go to bed
at the same time.
The current bed arrangement provides two
vertical bedside lockers in the rear corners,
which neatly fit in the space between the
side and rear windows. Each has a double
powerpoint, reading light and mirror, plus a
shelf on top, while the passenger side unit
also has the airconditioning thermostat and
a mount for the TV remote (you can watch
TV from the bed, lounge or kitchen). There’s
plenty of natural light and ventilation, with
windows all around and a hatch above the
lounge, plus the screened zip openings in the
roof valance, so catching any available breeze
on a hot summer’s night should be easy.
What Do I Think?
T
railblazers’ Overland XP truck camper
slide-on accommodation module pod
thingy might be hard to pigeon hole, but
it’s a serious box of comfort and convenience
for adventures on or off the beaten track.
Benefitting from years of hard won
experience, its construction quality and fit-out
leaves nothing to be desired – except maybe
a diesel heater – while its bold, contemporary
interior is a breath of fresh air that should
actually prove both durable and practical.
I can’t wait to see it on the new Iveco 4X4 and
to take it bush to play – I mean test – to see if
it really could be the ultimate across Australia
or around the world escape machine. If you
can’t wait either then get on the blower to Phill
or Christine and get down to Melbourne to
check this beauty out. And ask Phill abut the
rear slide out. I told him I wouldn’t mention
it – but have you ever met a journo who could
resist sharing a secret?
Combo to Go?
A
lthough Trailblazers offers the Overland XP 13800 as a standalone unit for $110,000, it
also sells a complete Iveco 4X4 expedition-grade vehicle/camper ‘combo.’ Complete with
Trailblazer’s unique Overland Kinetic tray, which has inbuilt storage lockers and a 100-litre
under-tray auxiliary fuel tank, the Iveco/Overland combo retails at $198,000 drive-away.
Also worth noting, the demonstrator Mitsubishi Fuso 4X4 and Overland XP 13800 featured in this
story is available for $180,000 drive away.
The Overland XP 13800 is a serious box of comfort and
convenience for adventures on or off the beaten track.
Specifications
Manufacturer
Trailblazers RV
Model
Overland XP 13800
Weight
1000 kg (approx)
External Length
3.80 m (12 ft 6 in)
External Width
2.20 m (7 ft 3 in)
Height Closed
1.50 m (4 ft 11 in)
Height Open
2.00 m (6 ft 7 in)
Bed Size
Queen
Cooktop
3-burner, grill and oven
Fridge
110 litre 12/240 V
Microwave
Yes
Lighting
12 V LED
Batteries
2 x 100 AH
Gas
2 x 9.0 kg
Heater
Optional
Solar Panels
Optional
Air Conditioner
Dometic
Hot Water Heater
Truma 240 V/LPG
Toilet
Thetford cassette
Shower
Separate cubicle
Fresh Water Tank
150-litre
Grey Water Tank
150-litre
Price (ex factory)
$110,000
Pros
•
•
•
•
•
Versatility
Capability
Build quality
Comfort
Build options
Cons
• No cab-camper access
• Bed/lounge won’t suit everyone
Contact
Trailblazers RV
222 Governor Rd
Braeside, VIC. 3195
T: (03) 9588 00773
W: www.trailblazersrv.com
Click for
Google Maps
For more iMotorhome
Road Tests click here
40 | Feature: Slide-Ons
Slip Slide-On Away!
A slide-on might just be the perfect
RV you’ve been looking for…
By Richard Robertson
Feature: Slide-Ons | 41
Slide-ons come in all shapes and sizes, from the compact
Wedgetail (above) for serious off-road work to the
luxurious, imported Italian Mondo Musica (below).
S
lide-on campers fill a market niche often
overlooked by prospective recreational
vehicle (RV) purchasers. They combine
advantages from each of the mainstream RV
groups and as such are worth considering
wether you’re in the market for your first
RV or your next one. In this feature we’ll be
taking a broad look at the various model types
available, their vehicle requirements pros and
cons.
Like a motorhome, a slide-on on a light
commercial vehicle is easily manoeuvrable
and allows a boat or other trailer to be towed.
Like a caravan it can be left at a campsite and,
as it has no engine, requires no expensive
mechanical servicing. And like a fifth-wheeler, a
slide-on takes advantage of over-vehicle space
– including over the cab – to provide maximum
space efficiency with minimal road footprint.
This super low-profile Northstar camper from Freedom OffRoad is ideal for extra and dual-cab utes, while the Mondo
Musica’s brilliant interior is just one colour choice from a full
range available to suit all tastes.
Finally, slide-ons also have one unique advantage
– no annual registration or inspection costs –
although insurance is recommended to protect
your investment.
Downsides are basically limited to compact
living space, bed access, the need to load
and unload and an often less-than-optimal
step/stair arrangement, but every RV type has
its drawbacks and none of these should be
considered deal breakers. In fact, if you already
own a suitable host vehicle a slide-on could
be the ideal way to enjoy getting away without
breaking the bank.
Models are available in a plethora of sizes
and shapes and range in price from basic to
super luxury – ditto their fit-out. No longer the
poor cousin of ‘real’ RVs, slide-ons can be as
luxurious, comfortable and practical as any other.
Models are available in a plethora of sizes and shapes and
range in price from basic to super luxury – ditto their fit-outs.
A camper-style slide-on can provide a surprising amount of living space, but
lots of canvas makes them best suited to warmer, drier climates. Being able
to remove the unit at your destination provides an established base camp and
frees up the vehicle for easy day touring.
It Take All Types
S
or what is essentially a removable cargo
box – yes, you’re the cargo – slide-ons
come in a surprisingly diverse range of
sizes and styles.
Slide-ons fall into three main categories –
camper, pop-top and hard wall:
• Camper style units have lots of canvas and
are meant for serious off-road travel. They
usually have a pop-up or fold-out roof and
are as compact as possible to avoid damage
in thick bush. Excellent in their intended role
they require the most setting up and are
closer to a camper trailer in comfort terms
than other slide-on types.
• Pop-tops walk the middle ground and are
usually capable of quite respectable off-road
adventures, but with more creature comforts
and less canvas/fabric/plastic in the side
walls, providing better water proofing and
insulation.
• Hard wall slide-ons are usually intended for
less arduous travel and although they can
be taken into quite remote locations, being
bigger and heavier means they’re best suited
to bitumen and dirt road travel. They provide
the best weather protection and (usually) the
highest level of creature comforts.
Additionally, there are sub categories for
models that fit traditional utes or tray-top
vehicles. Within these parameters is a world of
models and options ranging from a basic bed,
cupboards and an outdoor kitchen to superluxury fit-outs with leather upholstery, central
heating, slide-outs and even an extending
bathroom.
This pop-top unit from Active Campers blurs
the line between camper slide-ons and more
conventional pop-top units and in many ways is
the best of both worlds. Hard-wall units like this
Ozcape (right) provide all-season comfort and
have good internal and external storage.
America is the home of slide-on
campers, aided in no small part by
large, powerful ‘pick-ups’ that can carry
equally large (and heavy) campers. If
you’re fortunate to own a big F-Series
Ford, Chevy Silverado or Dodge Ram
then you really can take your pick of the
local slide-on campers in terms of size,
living space and features – finances
permitting. Just remember, most big
American vehicles have well-back ute
bodies, not flat tray backs, which might
limit your choices somewhat.
Most slide-ons in Australia, however,
are carried by Japanese utes or traybacks, including dual cabs, which
places considerable constraints on
size and weight. Only a relative few
end up on the backs of Japanese or
European light trucks, be they 2WD
or 4WD expedition vehicles. However,
something like a Mercedes Benz
Designed for a conventional ute back, the Mondo
Musica (above) looks like it’s part of the vehicle.
Trailblazers RV’s imposing truck camper is made for
serious bush adventures, without sacrificing comfort.
Sprinter dual-cab with a tray body could
carry quite a substantial slide-on, provide
seating for five adults and do it all with Euro
turbo-diesel economy and Mercedes driving
pleasure and safety.
When looking at a slide-on consider the
following:
• Style – the bigger the unit the heavier
it will be, while hard wall slide-ons will
increase fuel consumption (and decrease
range) due to their large frontal area
• Construction – composites are the usual
method but some manufacturers still use
aluminium cladding. The more canvas
or other non-solid material in the sides
the less insulative it will be and the more
weather dependant your travels are likely
to be
• Door Location – a side door is a must if you intend towing
• Access – how high off the ground is the entry door and how easily can you carry and mount
the steps (and where will you store them)?
• Legs – opt for electric legs if they’re not standard. You’ll soon forget the extra cost, however
you’ll always curse yourself if you have to wind manual legs up and down every time you use
the slide-on
• Cab Gap – the space between the top of the cab and bottom of the bed area needs to be as
small as possible. Big gaps increase fuel consumption and decrease performance, so make
sure you measure a prospective slide-on carefully. Better still, sit any prospective slide-on on
your vehicle and measure the fit
•A
ttachment – the standard method uses turnbuckles anchored to a vehicle chassis bracket.
Trailblazers RV is moving to a shipping container pin-style mounting system on all its slide-ons,
but beware of any system that mounts only to the tray and not the vehicle’s chassis
• Electrical connections – slide-ons usually use an Anderson plug connector for 12 volt
electrics, house battery charging and any clearance/indicator/brake lights, leaving towbar
electrics free for towing duties
•W
eight distribution – water tank location is important and should be between the axles and
as low as possible. Remember – the taller and heavier the unit the higher your vehicle’s centre
of gravity will be, with resultant impacts on stability and handling
Spot the bathrooms? There’s one under the lift-up
bench to the right in this Trailblazer (above), and
in the rear corner of the Ozcape.
Final Thoughts
S
lide-ons make sense on many levels,
especially if you already have or are
planning to buy a suitable host vehicle.
You might have limited home storage space,
mightn’t want to tow or you might want to
tow a boat or specialised trailer. Perhaps
you just can't justify an expensive RV sitting
at home between trips that requires regular
maintenance and has considerable annual
upkeep costs.
Although not as cheap as you might think,
a slide-on can transform an ordinary vehicle
into a comfortable RV that can take you
across town for a weekend or even across
the world. Like everything it’s all about design
and construction integrity, so look beyond
basic purchase price. Do appropriate research,
choose carefully and you too could soon be
slip slide-on away…
Weight a Moment…
W
hichever vehicle you’re considering
for slide-on duties it’s important
to remember the advertised load
capacity includes you, fuel and any extras.
To find your vehicle’s true tare (empty) weight
fill the seats with your intended travelling
companions, add full fuel and pop down to
your local tip or public weigh bridge and see
what the scales say. Use that figure as your
tare weight. Now look at your registration
documents or vehicle hand book for the GVM.
Deduct the weigh bridge reading from the
GVM and you’ll have a pretty accurate load
capacity figure.
For example, a new Holden Colorado LTZ
Space Cab 4X4 ute has a GVM of 3150 kg
and a published tare weight of 2016 kg. That
leaves a maximum theoretical payload of
1134 kg. Allowing 150 kg for two passengers
and 63 kg for 76 litres of diesel fuel brings
the payload down to 921 kg. Throw on a bull
bar, towbar, winch and driving lights, and you
might be down to 800 kg or less, for what’s
considered a 1-tonne ute.
Also remember driving any vehicle at its
maximum design weight for extended periods,
while legal, is far from recommended. Another
thing to bear in mind is individual axle loading.
Usually, the combined axle load ratings of
a vehicle will exceed its GVM, providing a
measure of ‘insurance’ against accidental
overloading or stupidity. However, it is possible
to exceed individual axle limits if the load is
poorly distributed and/or too much weight
is added at a vehicle’s extremities. Food for
thought…
Islander Campers new Meander (top) is a well equipped
low-profile unit for tray-backs, while the Ranger 2 (above)
is from their hard-wall range and ideal for cooler climes.
A Guide to Slide-On
Manufacturers and Importers
Active Campers –
Woolgoolga, NSW.
“Our slide-on campers are a unique, light
weight and well-crafted solution designed to
fit all single, 1 ½ and some dual cab utes. The
aerodynamic profile is ideal for efficient travel
and true off-road performance. The roof lifts
easily and quickly, creating a spacious and
practical interior.”
1 Hawke Drive,
Woolgoolga. NSW. 2456.
T: (02) 6654 8828
W: www.activecampers.com.au
Click for
Google Maps
Bonetti Campers –
Ingleburn, NSW.
“Our business presents with pride the
beautiful and well designed Musica slide-on
camper, made by MONDO-PICKUP in Italy.
Constructed from the highest quality materials
it’s supremely stylish yet very functional,
sleeping up to four and featuring a queen bed
over the cab. Appointments include a toilet and
a shower that is expandable and spacious; a
well appointed kitchen, ample storage and a
comfortable L-shaped dinette.”
“Later this year we will present an impressive
new one piece carbon fibre shell. This new
camper – the Carbonio – will be one of the
lightest, strongest slide-on shells in the world.
The highest quality styrofoam and unique
perforated foam, combined with vacuum
infused manufacturing, makes delamination
impossible and strengthens the sandwich
construction even further. This and the new
materials used for the inner fit-out enhances
the construction and means weight will only be
around 700 kg ready to go.”
“The Carbonio will be a supreme setup, like
the Musica, nevertheless you can order either
in your choice of colours and we’re happy
to discuss any other requirements you might
have.”
Bonetti Campers was established in 2012
by Stefano Bonetti, former National Fleet
Operations Manager of KEA CAMPERS
Australia. When KEA closed its doors
in Milperra he bought the stock of the
manufacturing business and transferred
everything to his workshop in Campbelltown.
Bonetti Campers is currently the only KEA
parts stockist in Australia and repairing and
maintaining KEA vehicles is its core business.
This includes refurbishing and building
other campers, while modifications and
manufacturing is planned. “We help every KEA
owner, no matter if it is a technical question or
repair or modification.”
Unit J4, 5-7 Hepher Rd,
Campbelltown. NSW. 2560.
T: (02) 4627 8281
W: www.bonetticampers.com.au
Click for
Google Maps
Freedom Off Road –
Penrith, NSW.
“Built tough for on and off road use. Both hard
wall and pop-top designs suit everything from
small dual cabs up to F250. Suit traditional ute
backs and flat trays.”
1/16 Borec Rd,
Penrith. NSW. 2750.
T: (02) 4722 3144
W: www.freedomoffroad.com.au
Click for
Google Maps
Ozecape Campers –
West Burleigh, QLD.
“Ozcape Campers specialise in high end
slide-ons for single, extra and dual cab
vehicles in the one-tonne class. We are a
boutique manufacture where each camper is
handcrafted, rather than mass produced on
an assembly line. Owner, Joe Ried, a German
engineer and recent very proud Aussie,
brings years of experience in RV research
and development and is supported by a very
capable team dedicated to building quality
slide-ons.”
“Designed to travel Australia off and on road,
our attention to detail speaks for itself. The
range of models spans from more basic (but
still with all the necessities including electric
jacks), to the luxurious, with all the bells and
whistles. While other companies offer selfcontained slide-ons with shower and toilet, the
way we do it makes the difference: We create
a spacious feel in a compact camper, with very
good storage. We’re also renowned for our
top notch after sales service which, for many
customers, is as important as our high quality
products themselves.”
72-74 Dover Drive,
West Burleigh, QLD. 4219.
T: (07) 5520 7388
W: www.ozcape.com.au
Click for
Google Maps
Islander Campers –
Penguin, TAS.
“Visit and see the service and quality of the
new builds and refurbishments available. Slide
on models include Ranger, Seeker, Meander
and Leven. We build the Cambridge Breeze,
Offroader and Innovan lightweight caravans.
For simplicity, try the Cruise and Snooze! All
manufactured by Penguin Composites.”
808 South Rd,
Penguin. TAS. 7316.
T: (03) 6437 0708
W: www.islandercampers.com
Click for
Google Maps
Trailblazers RV –
Breaside, VIC.
“At Trailblazers RV we pride ourselves on
our innovative ideas, attention to detail and
quality workmanship. We specialise in custom
building to suit individual needs. Our units are
designed and built in our Melbourne factory to
suit a wide range of requirements and vehicles
from small utes to larger trucks for both on and
off road use. With nearly 15 years experience
we have gathered a skilled team of designers,
vehicle builders and tradesmen who take pride
in what they do. We are members of state
and national caravan industry associations
ensuring everything is built to comply with
Australian standards and suitable for Australian
conditions.”
“A range of flexible layouts with a choice of
modern interiors are available. Our slide-ons
are designed with all the required features and
comforts, including a fully equipped kitchen,
queen bed and bathroom. Fully insulated
fibreglass walls and double glazed windows
ensure comfort in any climate, while electric
jacks make it easy to remove from the host
vehicle. Our slide-on campers are built to
handle most road conditions, with fit-out levels
from basic to total luxury, to suit your needs.”
“Our larger Overland XP truck campers are
purpose built expedition vehicles for those who
really want to get off the beaten track. These
can also be designed for international use,
including fittings and components to provide
long term comfort, security and complete selfsufficiency. Importantly, we offer a two year
structural warranty on all units.”
222 Governor Rd
Braeside, VIC. 3195
T: (03) 9588 00773
W: www.trailblazersrv.com
Click for
Google Maps
Wedgetail Campers –
Newcastle, NSW.
“The Wedgetail’s tough build makes the
Outback its favourite playground. The spacious
interior combined with versatile inside/outside
access to all amenities (including ensuite
toilet/shower) is mind blowing. This camper
is packed full of innovation that takes you
anywhere without having to compromise on
destination or comfort.”
By appointment.
W: www.wedgetailcampers.com.au
T: 0458 493 917
54 | Travel: Paradise by the Dashboard Lights
Paradise by the
Dashbord Light!
Part 3
Final instalment of a new
owner’s off road adventures…
By David Spencer
Travel: Paradise by the Dashboard Lights | 55
A
s we entered the third week of our
month long road test of our Paradise
4WD Sprinter motorhome things were
going pretty well. The exploration had not
only delivered some spectacular scenery, the
motorhome was performing well (other than a
ceaseless rattle from the side entry door) and,
most importantly, my co-driver and I were not
seeking a divorce. All in all, a great holiday so
far!
We made it to Queensland crossing
(unsurprisingly) at the Border Ranges. Keeping
to our plan of using as many back roads as
possible, we took Lyons Road. The road was
funded and partly built by local volunteers
including the Lions Club, who wanted a faster
route to Brisbane through the mountains. It is a
very scenic drive with plenty of places to stop
and admire the views.
We headed back into civilisation, although
some may dispute the Gold Coast qualifies
as that, taking time to visit the birth place of
our truck, Paradise Motorhomes. It was good
to talk to one of the head guys, Michael, who
was planning on building an up-spec Oasis
4x4 and I gave him some ideas based on
our experience. In particular, I told him of the
CAMEC side door that had rattled its guts off
caravans, where rattling would not be noticed.
I doubt it was intended for use on a 4WD
motorhome.
for the last 10,000 km! Despite my numerous
adjustments, the addition of vibration
dampening foam and finally, in despair, the
use of a bungee cord to limit the slapping, we
could not eliminate the incessant banging on
any kind of uneven surface. The movement
in the door was so great it kept breaking the
top plastic locking clips. To be fair to CAMEC,
the door was probably designed for light duty
Paradise advised me they were now aware
of the problem and were using a differently
designed CAMEC door, with a stiffer mesh
inner screen. For a mere $850 I could have
the stiffer new inner door fitted. After some
bargaining I managed to get it to $650. Still
way too much for a problem they knew about
and on a truck less than 12 months old (in my
opinion), however they fitted it rapidly allowing
us to continue our trip with little interruption. It
was time to test the new door set up and see if
it was money well spent.
Door to Adventure…
C
onondale National Park just south
of Kenilworth has a couple of great
camping areas. Booloumba creek is
5 km off the main road; a narrow paved road
becomes a wide dirt road that follows the
creek into the hills. The last section is 4x4
only and there are at least three crossings,
depending on which camping area you
choose. The river has some amazing colour
changes and the fast moving water was only
200 mm deep over a solid pebble base,
although after heavy rain it could be a risky
crossing.
The Oasis crossed no problems, with water
only reaching the bottom of the door sills and
the gently sloping banks meant the departure
angles were no drama for vehicles with a
large rear overhang. However, I still took the
precaution of pumping up the rear airbag
suspension to gain an extra 50 mms height on
the tow bar.
The four separate large camping areas are
buried in subtropical rain forest, with plenty of
space. Apparently you’re supposed to book in
advance, although how we weren’t quite able
to work out.
The walking trails are pretty easy and well
marked. The shortest takes you along the
river up to an old gold mine dug in 1900,
although you can't easily get into it. It has a
grate over the entrance and a large tree has
fallen across it making it tricky to see. It is also
now the refuge of various bats and according
to the warning signs it is best not to sniff the
bat droppings as they can grow a fungus that
has toxic spores that can cause lung disease.
All of which sounds pretty uncomfortable and
probably best avoided. My visions of exploring
the mine vanished in a waft of bat poo.
A longer 4 kilometre (one way) hike follows the
river and takes you up to Artists Falls. It has a
series of very pretty cascades and is worth the
extra sweat. The track is part of a “Great Walk"
that is over 50 kilometres long, a bit more than
we planned on doing on this trip.
From there we back tracked to the main
Kenilworth road and headed north for a few
kilometres, then took the road to Jimna. It
wasn't long before we saw a warning sign
advising the track was steep, narrow and dry
weather only – just what we were looking for!
The whole purpose of the expensive 4WD
option was to go where other motorhomes
wouldn't or couldn't go.
The blue sky stretched as far as the eye could
see, so the track wasn't likely to test us out too
much. With only 25 km of bad road it should
be no worries. At least that’s what I thought at
the time.
confident we would make it through. I knew
the Oasis could handle anything the track was
likely to throw at it. I also knew with certainty
that a standard motorhome would struggle
and anyone crazy enough to try it would most
likely end up bogged in a ditch – or worse.
Once we hit the tarmac the rain miraculously
stopped and we were back in the Queensland
sunshine. Sadly it was now time to head for
home. We had now been on the road for
almost four weeks.
I should have known better, particularly being
from Melbourne with its reputation of four
seasons in one day. Fifteen minutes later it was
pouring rain. The wheel ruts quickly became
rapidly flowing twin streams and the red clay
became extremely slippery. With the 4WD
system activated we pressed on, climbing
higher into the rain forest. The Mercedes 4WD
easily coped with the conditions, although the
fuel consumption suffered with the low speeds
and higher revs, increasing from the usual
14 L/100 km to 19. We were obviously not
doing too badly as we actually caught up and
passed a Landcruiser!
The conditions worsened as the rain continued
and the track became steeper, but I was very
We were both surprised how easy it was to
live in the Oasis. We had travelled just over
3000 km on mostly back roads, with heaps of
dirt and a reasonable amount of rough stuff.
Again the Mercedes had proven its worth and
had cruised easily through it. The Paradise
build had stood up well to the punishment and
showed very little wear and tear – and the new
side door was quieter but still far from perfect,
thumping on corrugations.
I had hoped to challenge the 4WD system
more; my recovery winch and equipment never
even looked like getting unpacked! Still, we
had gone everywhere we wanted to, in comfort
and safety – and you can’t really ask for more
than that!
60 | Mobile Tech: SkyView Free
Free
Proof the best things
at night are free...
By Emily Barker
Mobile Tech: SkyView Free | 61
T
here is something inspirational about the
night sky, even more so when your view is
unobstructed by the effects of city lights.
For everyone mesmerised by the lure of a brilliantly
starry night there is a series of apps that can help
you identify what, where and even when specific
objects, constellations, planets or stars will be
visible.
SkyView is one such app that recently caught
my attention, especially as it uses Augmented
Reality (AR) technology: basically, the camera
on your device turns your phone or tablet into
an interactive viewing map. You simply hold the
device towards the sky, day or night, and identify
objects as you see them – or search specifically
and be guided onscreen.
62 | Mobile Tech: SkyView Free
Stunning graphics make this app a visual feast. Extra information is available,
along with a search facility for specific objects – including satellites.
This app is literally packed with features, yet
operation wise it’s incredibly easy to use. You
can freely scan the sky and watch objects
appear such as planets, stars and space
stations. As you glide past objects information
pops up discreetly on the bottom of the
screen that you can tap to open. Tapping
on the screen when an object is highlighted
will bring up a list of facts that you can then
cycle through, making SkyView a handy
learning tool. For example, you can discover
constellations and individually identify the
stars they contain as well as the history and
mythology behind them. Hold momentarily
upon an object and you will be able to see its
line of trajectory or ‘Sky Path’. In fact, using
the calendar feature you will be able to see an
object’s location at the time or date of your
choice and by manually altering the location
you can create a view of the sky as seen from
anywhere in the world.
Learning Tool
I
n addition to guiding you around the galaxy,
SkyView offers history and trivia upon
everything you find. Indeed it’s the perfect
companion to a telescope on a starry night! If
you’re looking for a particular constellation or
planet, simply hit the Search button and make
your selection. When you return to the main
screen an arrow will appear to guide you to
your destination. In an interesting twist you can
also point your device below the horizon line
and see all that is currently below us, including
where the sun is at any time.
The night mode option makes viewing at night
easy on the eyes by using a red or green filter,
Mobile Tech: SkyView Free | 63
and interferes less with your natural night vision
than a brightly lit screen. You have complete
control over what you want to see in SkyView,
with the option to toggle the visibility of the
Sun, Moon, planets, dwarf planets, satellites,
stars, and constellations.
But Wait There’s More!
F
or a free app there are a surprising
number of settings and features,
not to mention the actual volume of
information. Good news too; you can access
all features without WiFi, a data signal or even
GPS, so it can be used anywhere at any time,
without any nasty data usage shocks. There is
an option to upgrade to a premium version that
includes a far more comprehensive evaluation
of the universe’s contents, including thousands
of satellites, galaxies, nebulae and stars. The
creators, Terminal Eleven, offers a range of
applications including a free satellite guide for
those more interested in manmade creations
orbiting us.
This app has made it into the ‘iTunes Best Of’
charts two years in a row and it’s easy to see
why. It’s fun and incredibly informative, literally
opening up a whole other world for exploration.
At 60 Mb it’s no light weight, but certainly
worth a look if you are a natural stargazer. The
current version requires iOS 7.0 or later and is
not available for android devices, Google Sky
Map is similar, however.
Fast facts:
Name: SkyView (free)
Cost:Free
Size: 60 MB
Platform: Apple iOS V7.0 or later only,
although Google Sky Map is similar for
Android devices.
64 | Next Issue
Hi Ho Pinto!
a full-width rear bathroom with separate
shower, and all in a compact 6.6 metre
package.
On the travel front we’ve got a great yarn
from Elizabeth and Helmut Mueller, centred on
the small coastal town of Moonta on South
Australia’s Yorke Peninsula. Packed with
tales of long vanished copper mines, Cornish
heritage and even a traditional Cornish pasty
recipe it’s a story not to be missed!
S
unliner takes top billing next issue
with its Pinto 1 on an Iveco Daily,
which Malcolm recently reviewed. It
has a clever electric drop-down bed over a
particularly spacious front lounge-cum-dinette;
August 08-10
SEP
05-07
AUG
8-10
AUG
And that’s just for starters. Next issue is on
August 16, so until then why not join our more
and Twitter
than 12,000 Facebook
followers for news, updates and more than
a few laughs? See you in two weeks!
SEP
AUG
15-17 8-10
15-17 August 05-07
AUG
15-17
September 05-07
SEP
05-07
Mid North Coast Caravan
& Camping Show
Border RV &
Camping Show
Penrith Caravan,
Camping & Holiday Expo
Wauchope Showground,
Beechwood Rd, Wauchope.
NSW.
• Open 9:00-5:00 daily
(4:00 Sunday)
• Parking: Not specified.
• Adults: $15
• Seniors: $11
• Kids: U16 Free with adult
Wodonga Racecourse,
Thomas Mitchell Drive,
Wodonga. VIC.
(4:00 Sunday)
• Parking: Free.
• Adults: $12
• Seniors: $10
• Kids: U15 Free
with adult
Penrith Panthers, Mulgoa
Rd, Penrith. NSW.
(4:00 Sunday)
• Parking: Free
• Adults: $10
• Seniors: $6
• Kids: U16 Free with adult
CLICK HERE
Click for
Google Maps
CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE
Click for
Google Maps
Click for
Google Maps
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes
motorhomes, campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general?
Drop us a line at
[email protected] and we’ll happily promote
it in this calendar.
AU
8-1

Inside Trailblazers` all new tough truck camper…

Transcription

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