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5! Aug 2019
HIACE PUTS ON A NEW FACE AND BECOMES 5-STAR SAFE! BÃœRSTNER NEXXO TIME T569 I AIR OPUS CAMPER TRAILER CUSTOM FORD TRANSIT I BUYING A USED CAMPER TRAILER
iMotorhome+Caravan – Reader Weekend! 8-11 November 2019
Vines S t & Wines eam Trains! Automobiles T
Highlights!
Three nights self-contained camping ‘in the vines’ Welcome barbecue, wine tasting and winery tour Three-course dinner with matching wines Pizza and pasta night Farewell breakfast Staying amongst the vines at the award-winning SouthBerrima Museum entry ern Highlands Winery, we’ve got a great weekend of Berrima River walk exploring its WW1 German POW activities lined up, all built around the winery’s superb past and their remarkable story food and wines. • NSW Railway Museum entry This will be an unforgettable weekend, but numbers are • 45-mintue steam train ride limited and you’ll need to book early to secure your spot. • Private transfers to all activites Click HERE for full details and bookings. See you there! Cost: $249 pp – no single supplement! his November 8-11, join us for a fabulous weekend of fun, food, wine, history and steam trains on the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW!
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iMotorhome+Caravan iMotorhome+Caravan is free and published monthly. Dowload the app today to enhance your reading experience! All back issues can be found HERE Publisher/Managing Editor Richard Robertson (+61) 0414 604 368 richard@imotorhome.com.au
Road Tests
Malcolm Street (+61) 0418 256 126 malcolm@imotorhome.com.au
Technical
Allan Whiting (+61) 0410 677 966 allan@imotorhome.com.au
Business/Advertising
Neil Hobbs (+61) 0481 295 575 neil@imotorhome.com.au
Design
Agnes Nielsen agnes@imotorhome.com.au
Regular Contributors Emily Barker Robert ‘Bobby’ Watson Phil McLeod Sharon Hollamby
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ON MY MIND
Tours de Force
W
ell that went more smoothly than expected. Thanks for the positive feedback on the transition to iMotorhome+Caravan, it’s still a work in progress, but we’ll get there. Please make the change to the iMotorhome+Caravan app to read the magazine and encourage your friends to do so too. Not only does it deliver the best reading experience, it let’s us provide more features and in turn helps convince advertisers to let us keep the lights on. Just some housekeeping: For app users who previously paid for subscriptions, please cancel the subscription in your device settings and/or through the App Store or Google Play if it still appears. The app developer and I have done what we can ‘in the system’ and you shouldn’t be charged for any renewals, but the wheels at Apple and Google turn slowly and it can take time for changes to catch up. If you have an problems please email me, but as they are the companies that charge you, you need to contact them for refunds. Apologies for any inconvenience...
Home to some of the most successful cool climate reds and whites to come out of Australia, Southern Highlands Wines features a superb restaurant with resident Italian chef and he’ll be put to good use during our three night stay: From a welcome barbecue to a restaurant dinner with matching wines, a pizza-and-pasta night and a farewell breakfast, you won’t be going hungry. Between meals we’ll be taking you to Berrima to explore its littleknown history as a base for the luckiest German POWs of WW1, and to the NSW Railway Museum in Thirlmere for a guided tour and Sunday afternoon steam train ride, How good is all that??
Last month I outlined plans for tours in 2020 and have now started to firm up dates and details. First up is a 15-day escorted motorhome tour of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s scheduled for 7-21 April and there will be more details next issue, but think overnight cruise on Milford Sound and a visit to the World’s Fastest Indian, for starters. Group size will be limited to six motorhomes to keep things personal and fun, so be sure to quickly book in!
If you’re interested in the tours and want to go on the information list, drop me a line HERE: If you want information and/or to make a booking for the Readers’ Weekend, click HERE. Either way, we hope you can join us for any (or all!) events, because each will truely be memorable.
Then, from 6-29 October we’re returning to the iconic Route 66, but with a difference: This time we’re doing the driving so that you can sit back, relax and let us show you all the best places. Limited to just 10 seats, we’ll be travelling by mini-bus and staying in (min) 4-star hotels, with breakfasts included. There will be a heap of inclusions, like first class travel on the spectacular and historic Grand Canyon Railway and a paddle steamer ride on the mighty Mississippi, and many special meals. Route 66 is perhaps the World’s most iconic road trip, but if the thought of driving it yourself is too daunting then let us do it for you!
Finally, Mrs iM and I are off to the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon at the end of this month – it runs from 30 August to 8 September – so next issue will come to you from, um, somewhere. Apart from exploring the show, which is the World’s biggest and simply mind boggling, we’ll be sussing out the possibility of a tour in 2021. There is so much to see and do, both at the show and in that part of Germany/Europe, the trick is to work out what’s doable and what’s dreaming. From history and culture to food and festivals, what would you want to see and do on a 14-day tour? For example, would you want to motorhome – we can stay onsite at the show – or stay in hotels? Ideas HERE please people, my head’s a bit full at the moment.
Before then (and despite what I wrote last month!) we’re running a Readers’ Weekend this year – from 8-11 November. We’ll be freedom camping amongst the vines at the awarded Southern Highlands Wines in Moss Vale, just 90 mins southwest of Sydney.
Auf wiedersehen! 4
READER
71
CONTENTS
4 8 12 15 22 33
44
ON MY MIND Tours de Force: We’re back in the tour business again – join us!
55
STREET VIEW Haere Mai! Malcolm explores some of NZ’s forgotten past...
64
LETTERS Your chance to let us know what’s on your mind
70
NEWS A glimpse at what’s happening in the wide world of RVing
75
TESTED Toyota’s all-new HiAce looks to be a campervan game-changer
84
TESTED Is the Bürstner Nexxo Time T569 a tempting used buy?
6
TESTED Air Opus is music to the ears of camper trailer lovers...
CUSTOM Fast Ford: This customised Ford Transit campervan is awesome!
ADVICE Tips on buying a used camper trailer
HISTORY Celebrating the 125th anniversary of the first motorcar race!
TRAVEL California’s Slab City is like nowhere else on Earth...
RV FRIENDLY Three more country towns supporting our great way of life!
STREET VIEW
Haere Mai
O
n a recent trip to Auckland, I found myself with a job cancellation and most of a day with not much to do. So, making a rash decision and being in the area I headed off to have a look around the town of Thames at the southern end of the Coromandel Peninsula. Thames is the sort of place that gets bypassed when heading to or from the most popular parts of the peninsula, but a slow cruise through town reveals some interesting bits of Kiwi history.
For instance, the Thames School of Mines gives a clue to the fact that Thames was once a major gold mining town. In the late 19 century, Thames was a seriously bustling place that boasted more than 100 hotels and 3 theatres. On a par with Auckland in terms of size, it also had an extensive Kauri logging industry. th
There is of course much less of the town that once was, but buildings like the Old Courthouse, Police Station and Library are evidence of a prosperous past and feature excellent bricks and mortar architecture. Or there is St James Church, which claims to have the finest NZ example of wooden gothic architecture. Built from Kauri timber, it is very impressive. No less impressive are the Thames Workingmen’s Club or the Junction Hotel: both well preserved examples of timber structures that were once seen all over New Zealand. Like many a town Thames once had a railway line and was connected to Hamilton. While the line closed in 1991 the old railway station is still there, plus for cyclists it’s now the Hauraki Rail Trail – always a good use for former railway lines.
8
STREET VIEW
On the subject of railway lines, an old factory with the faded name of A & G Price on it caught my attention. What I didn’t realise was that this engineering firm had been in business for almost 150 years and only closed in 2017. Amongst its products over time were pelton wheel turbines for the gold mine operators and steam engines and rolling stock for the NZ Government Railways. In its heyday, A & G Price was the largest private railway manufacturer in New Zealand. Yet you’d never know that from the old factory front that is there now.
and decline of the various industries. It’s a great insight into Thames as it is today. For an overview of the town, at the northern end of the town is the war memorial lookout. However, the access road is quite narrow so not really suitable for large motorhomes or caravans. Parking for us RVers can be a problem, but at the southern end of town is a Freedom camping area – certified vehicles only – that is handy for day parking as well. A Thames tour? Not a bad idea at all for a trip down New Zealand’s memory lanes.
If you have time, the Thames Museum gives a great insight into early Maori times, as well as the arrival of the first pioneers and the development
Haere ra!
9
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LETTERS
White Rhino? Congratulations on the new expanded format! Looks great. Do you still accept reader articles? I have had four published by you in the past (issues 46, 51, 52 and 53 – Paradise by the Dashboard Lights) but I can’t remember the requirements.
the first of a new design by EVA (Expedition Vehicles Australia).
I have sold my fantastic Oasis 4X4 Sprinter I wrote about in the past and have gone completely mental buying a expedition vehicle which is being custom built. I have written a piece about the vehicle and will write further when I test it in the wild. This is
Hi David, good to hear from you again. Yes, reader articles are more than welcome, especially one about something as crazy as your new Iveco 4x4! The White Rhino looks like quite a beast, so please send your story through ASAP!
Regards, David
Suits Me I started to read your Magazine back in June 2016. My first one was Issue 97 and I do have all copies up to the current one. Even though I am more caravan than motorhome, last August I did Subscribe. Personally this new format should suit me much better, by giving a larger variety of RVs. Many thanks so far & I for see no reason to stop reading the Magazine. Cheers,Tom Thanks for the feedback Tom and for supporting us. I hope you enjoy the ‘expanded’ magazine and all that develops from it.
12
LETTERS
No Surprise I got this from a friend today, sadly I do not think an import permit would be possible. Anyway, I doubt there would be much of a market for these in Australia. I was not surprised when you advised the magazine has gone away from a paid subscription. I think Australians are now all WIFFM, as in ‘What’s In It For Me’ – Scott Morrison’s answer as to how to win the unwinable election. As an aside, we’ve been renting out our motorhomes through Camptoo and it has worked out very well In fact we haven’t used it ourselves for over two years, and the best part of it is that our pension is not affected, not to say that dealing with Centrelink was a walk in the park. Looking forward to my in-box on the 1st Sat of the month.
Tim, you’re absolutely right about importing this absurd motorhome – the EleMMent Palazzo – especially given its price is around US$3M. However, I’m sure if someone like Jamie Packer decided to take up motorhoming he’d manage to get the all clear! Reverting to ‘free’ has been a disappointment in some ways (although much easier in others), but life goes on – and hopefully so does the magazine. That’s great news about using Camptoo. It would be interesting to see a breakdown of the amount of usage, the miles covered, insurance and service costs, etc, versus income. I’m still not sure I’d be prepared to let strangers rent old Polly, never mind a real pride and joy!
Thanks, Tim.
13
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NEWS
Pop-Top Surprise When charity organisation Drug ARM Australasia left its Toyota HiAce at Southern Spirit Campervans (SSC) in Brisbane to have a pop-top roof fitted, little did it know it would get more than it bargained for. "They booked their van in to get a pop-top done, to gain space and comfort for the nurse and their clients," said SSC’s co-owner, Pia. "We straight away had the idea for a big surprise on pick up day: We created and fitted a rear cabinet and wall section, so hot drinks can be easily made and handed out, plus there’s lots of storage for the volunteers to use". The Southern Spirit Team saw very happy faces when it handed over the upgraded HiAce! "We are so glad we could do our bit to help the less fortunate and stranded people in our community to hopefully soon start a better life. We wish the Drug ARM Team in
Brisbane all the best with their ‘new’ street machine," Pia said. iMotorhome+Caravan congratulates Pia, Ollie and the SSC Team for their generosity in supporting this very worthy cause. Drug ARM Australasia is part of the Healthy Options Australia (HOA) group of companies. Healthy Options Australia (formally known as the Drug Awareness and Relief Foundation) has over 150 years of experience providing solutions in alcohol and other drugs, mental health, information and research, education and training, family support and youth. These solutions are delivered through the subsidiary organisations – Drug ARM Australasia, Mental Health Association Qld and the Australian College of Community Services. More information about the charity can be found HERE. 15
NEWS
Showroom Battery Charger REDARC has released the latest addition of its co-branded DEFA AC battery charger range to the Australian and New Zealand market – a 12-volt 30amp showroom charger. It’s designed for long-term battery maintenance charging, providing fast battery charging and is ideal for showrooms or at home when connected to infrequently used vehicles, RVs and boats. In use, it can be placed under a vehicle, out of view. The clamping cable is detachable and easily passed through the engine bay. Also, the charger has no fan, so it’s noise free, allowing the unit to remain incognito in a showroom or garage. The REDARC Showroom Charger by DEFA is based on modern switch-mode technology and galvanic isolation. The charger represents the latest in long-term battery maintenance charging and will maximise the lifespan of a battery. It uses a 7-step charging process to optimise battery performance
and longevity and is designed for use with 12V lead acid, AGM, EFB and GEL batteries. The Showroom Charger is simple and easy to operate, has just one button and features a user-friendly display for monitoring the battery status. The unit is covered by a two-year warranty, so to learn more click HERE.
16
NEWS
New Sunshine Coast RV Show DETAILS FOR YOUR DIARY Date: Friday, August 30 - Sunday, September 1 2019 Location: Nambour Showgrounds - Corner of Coronation Avenue and Bli Bli Road, Nambour Time: Friday and Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm, Sunday 9:00am - 4:00pm Tickets: Adults $12.00, Concession $10.00, accompanied school age children free Website: www.caravanqld.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/ CaravanningQueensland
The inaugural Sunshine Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo will be held at the Nambour Showgrounds from Friday, 30 August to Sunday, 1 September. "Lovers of caravanning, camping and the outdoors will get a chance to see the latest and greatest in caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers and tent trailers, along with an array of recreational products and accessories to make the next adventure for caravanners, young or old, the best it can be. There’s even something special planned for Dad’s attending the Expo on Father’s Day," said an event spokesperson.
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NEWS
Dog On Tuckerbox Vandalised The iconic Dog on the Tuckerbox at Gundagai could soon be under 24-hour watch after it was vandalised last weekend. A 28-year-old man from Wagga Wagga has been charged with one count of destroy or damage property and the statue is currently being assessed for repairs.
Police earlier released images of a man and woman they were wanting to speak to over the incident, and a 28-year-old Wagga Wagga man handed himself into police. Cootamundra-Gundagai Mayor, Abb McAlister, said Council would now consider installing CCTV cameras.
The local community was reportedly left devastated and there was a national outcry after the famous statue was knocked off its sandstone pedestal. The dog lost an ear in the incident and the solid concrete statue with its bronze shell was removed by crane and taken off for repairs.
"You don’t like to see big security fences and things like that around him — I think cameras will be the way to go," he said. "It’s not just for the dog I suppose, it’s for the security of the area, including the kiosk and other buildings there".
Defib Subsidy Program Australia’s peak caravanning body has partnered with the Federal Government to launch a defibrillator subsidy program for caravan parks. The initiative is designed to encourage operators to install the devices to help save the lives of people experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. The $1M government funding will match dollar-for-dollar up to $1000 for each unit bought, excluding GST. The Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) will manage the program’s roll out until June 30th, 2021.
"This is a once-in-a-generation funding opportunity to support parks, and funding is limited to a first come first served basis," the CIAA said. It also pointed out it has no preferred suppliers, irrespective of communications parks might receive from suppliers. However, it recommended checking with State Associations in the first instance as member discounts or specials might be applicable.
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NEWS
Police Seek RVer Help RVers could play a major part in the capture of Australia’s most wanted criminal. They have been urged to keep an eye out for fugitive Graham Gene Potter who is known to have a liking for caravan parks. Now aged 61 and with a $100,000 reward on his head, he has been on the run for nearly a decade after abandoning his camping site at a Tully caravan park in north Queensland. Potter failed to appear at Melbourne Magistrate’s Court in 2010 to face criminal charges of conspiracy to murder. He is also wanted in relation to serious Commonwealth drug charges. Caravan parks throughout Australia were put on alert as the huge manhunt continued. "Potter is known to live in rental homes and caravan parks, and has the ability to camp out," Victoria’s Detective Leading Senior Constable Brendan Finn from the Fugitive Taskforce said in a newly released statement. "All this means he’s very comfortable laying low in remote and regional areas, so we really urge people in those locations and industries to continue to keep a look out for him." Grey Nomads have been urged to be on the alert and report any possible sightings to police. Do not approach him but contact triple zero (000) immediately.
A number of images of Potter have been released and he has been seen with a ginger beard and dyed brown hair to avoid detection. Det LSC Finn said the fugitive, who bludgeoned a woman to death before cutting off her head and fingers, had developed skills and habits to help him evade capture. "He is known to disguise himself using hair colour, wigs and fat suits," he said. Potter is described as Caucasian, 175 cm tall, medium to solid build, fair complexion, brown eyes, brown greying hair and a ginger beard. He sometimes wore a gold sleeper earring in both ears, glasses and a gold chain around his neck. Aliases include Josh Lawson, John Page, Jim Henderson and Peter Adams. 19
NEWS
Winchelsea RV Friendly Park Reprieve Despite reportedly failing to provide "any noticeable economic benefit" for the area, Victoria’s Surf Coast Shire Council has decided not to close Winchelsea’s 48-hour RV Friendly Park. That’s because, according to a council report, the two-year-old facility on the Barwon River Reserve’s riverbank generated an image of a friendly and welcoming town. "There were several occasions when campers were not fully compliant with the conditions," the report revealed. They included RVs not being fully selfcontained, tents and Wicked-type campers. However, once conditions where explained people generally complied.
"The site seems to be popular with RV travellers," the report stated, and there have been more than 80 mostly-positive comments on the Wiki-Camps app. Up to five vehicles use the site each night and there had not been a single report of overcrowding.
Georgetown Grant A sleepy town in Far North Queensland might soon be attracting large numbers of RVers. The State Government has announced a $2.3M grant for a new tourist attraction near Georgetown, which has a population of about 250. It will partner with the Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation to build 60 new short-stay camping and RV sites, 5 ‘glamping’ sites, a swimming pool and campground amenities. The UNESCO-registered Talaroo historic hot springs near Georgetown – 270 km south-west of Innisfail – will also be reopened. Upgrades will include a twolane road, carpark, boardwalks, picnic shelters and landscaping. Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation Chairman, David Hudson, said the Talaroo Hot Springs are a world-class natural and cultural asset. Up to 15 construction jobs will be created, and 7 operational positions when open next year. "Their re-opening will significantly add to the existing tourism offerings within the Etheridge Shire and the region," he said. "We expect the springs will generate $1.7 million a year, attracting about 7000 visitors a year during the peak season of April to September". 20
TESTED: TOYOTA HIACE
Spaceship
Enterprise
by Richard Robertson 22
TESTED
New HiAce is a quantum leap from its predecessor; not only in terms of safety, but also ride comfort and performance. – as it should be after a 15 year lifespan.
T
oyota’s HiAce was never intended to be a campervan. The ubiquitous white-appliance-onwheels has always been about transporting cargo as space efficiently as possible, especially in Asia’s crowded cities. Considerations like occupant comfort or safety seemed secondary and that’s why I’ve never been a fan of the thing as a camper, despite having owned one. Yes it’s bulletproof, but at what cost?. That, however, was yesterday... After 15 years of the same-old same-old, Toyota has boldly gone where it hasn’t been before: The sixth generation HiAce now sets the standard for occupant safety in its class and takes comfort and convenience to new levels.
sit atop the engine and front wheels, with just a few millimetres of metal between you and significant injury in the event of a frontal impact. Now, the engine and wheels are out in front, allowing for proper crumple zones and real ride comfort. Toyota calls it a Short Bonneted design and not only is it pivotal in the HiAce achieving its ANCAP 5-star safety rating, the increase in ride comfort is of an order of magnitude. There is now also walk-through space between the front seats thanks to Toyota’s decision not to fit a two person passenger bench seat, making it perfect for a campervan conversion.
HiAce fans will, however, know this isn’t the first short bonneted HiAce to be sold in Australia. Between 1999 and 2005 the HiAce SBV (short bonneted vehicle!) was sold alongside the conventional As far removed from its predecessor in appearance HiAce and also featured a front engine and walkand design as you can imagine, the most striking thing about the new HiAce is its design: In the flesh it through cab. I’ve read it was discontinued because the 2.4-litre petrol engine didn’t meet increasingly has real road presence and ‘attitude’. stringent emission standards, but whether true or not, it’s good to see the body style return – likely for Importantly, that difference isn’t just cosmetic – it good. encompasses the whole vehicle. No longer do you 23
TESTED
Engineering Report
T
his review is just about the base van, because it will take some time for campervan companies to adapt or develop fit-outs to suit the new dimensions, plus come up with new pop-top roofs. In particular, I’m reviewing the super long wheelbase (SLWB) HiAce, which has a higher roofline and is likely to be the campervan base vehicle of choice. The SLWB HiAce has 9.3 cubic metres of load space, a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3500 kg and a payload of more than 1100 kg in standard trim, which is a good starting point. The test vehicle came with a 4-cylinder, 2.8-litre turbo diesel (3.5-litre V6 petrol power is standard) and a 6-speed auto transmission, which is standard with either engine on this model. Drive is to the rear wheels, while underneath it’s still pretty conventional, although with improved McPherson strut suspension up front and a traditional rigid axle with leaf springs at the back. Wheels are 16" steel items, while braking is taken care of by ventilated discs all ‘round. While talking facts and figures, the new SLWB HiAce is longer (5.92 m v 5.38 m) and wider (1.95 m v 1.88 m) than its predecessor, but more of the length seems to be taken up by the new front-engine design and it will be interesting to see how/if that impacts internal space for fit-out. The braked towing capacity is 1500 kg and the fuel capacity a smallish 70 litres.
There are sliding doors on both sides of the new HiAce and they’re big enough to take an Australian sized pallet. It will be interesting to see how designers use the extra door in their designs and if they can actually use it to their advantage.
24
TESTED
The new 2.8-litre turbo-diesel packs a punch and works well with the standard 6-speed auto. Inside, the walk-through cab is a huge improvement, let’s hope designers capitalise on it.
The 2.8-litre turbo-diesel is a vast improvement over the previous 3.0-litre turbo-diesel and produces 130 kW and 450 Nm compared to 100 kW and 300 Nm. Ditto the new 6-speed auto versus the previous 4-speeder. To reduce emissions the new engine features a diesel particulate filter (DPF), but in a welcome move there is a DPF switch to enable a manually activated ‘burn’ if driving distances and speed do not reach the required temperature to activate the automatic DPF burn. Claimed fuel consumption for the combined cycle is 8.4 L/100 km (33.6 mpg) for the empty van, and I saw an average of 9.3 L/100 km (30.4 mpg) on the trip computer for my week of 600-plus km of mixed city and country driving. That’s not bad for a vehicle with a tare weight of 2340 kg and a brand new engine, but will of course increase once fitted out. 25
TESTED
Shields Up!
I
n case you haven’t noticed, across the auto industry safety is a big thing these days. While the light commercial segment was slow to get going, it’s now racing ahead at warp speed and new HiAce keeps occupants well shielded from on-road mishaps. New levels of driver assistance and occupant protection are provided by a comprehensive suite of Toyota Safety Sense technologies and other active and passive safety features. Toyota Safety Sense incorporates a pre-collision safety system (PCS) with pedestrian detection (day and night) and cyclist detection (day only); lane departure alert; road sign assist (certain speed signs only) and automatic high beam.
A 5-star safe HiAce – who would have thought? As far as we’re aware the new HiAce is the first van to reach this impressive milestone in ANCAP (local) testing. Well done Toyota...
braking if the driver fails to heed the warning. The lane departure alert function will warn the driver if the system detects that the vehicle has deviated from its lane via visual and audible alerts, and if necessary provides steering assistance via the braking system. New HiAce models also feature a road sign assist system that is able to recognise speed limit signs and display them on the multi information display in the instrument cluster.
Other advanced safety technologies standard across the range include blind-spot monitor, rear crosstraffic alert and front and rear parking sensors. All models also feature cruise control and a reversing camera with guide lines that shows images on Using camera and radar sensors, the PCS is designed the large touchscreen display. On the occupant to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, and protection front, new HiAce vans are fitted with assists the driver with visual and audible warnings, seven airbags – driver and passenger front and side, braking assistance or even autonomous emergency front side curtain and a drivers’ knee bag. 26
TESTED
At The Helm
P
ilots of the new HiAce have a commanding view from the helm, with an expansive windscreen that makes it feel like a small A-class. That’s because size aside, you sit a long way back from the windscreen and the A-pillars intrude surprisingly little. This set-back driving position does have a drawback, though: Judging where the steeply raked and out-of sight bonnet and front bumper are will take some getting used to. Fortunately, parking sensors are standard at both ends, but new drivers will need some time to adjust. While the seating position is commanding, you do feel you’re sitting ‘on’ rather than ‘in’ the new HiAce. The seats are a bit of a disappointment – flat and with no particular lumbar support – although they do have a bit of side bolstering. While easy to get into and out of, which makes them fine for urban delivery drivers, long distance occupants would certainly benefit from aftermarket seats, although the inbuilt side airbags will complicate that. Swivel seat mounts aren’t provided, but that’s no surprise. Expect to see them on campervan conversions, though. Once seated I was surprised by how little storage space there is for things like phones, wallet, etc. That’s unusual in a delivery van and even after a week behind the wheel it was still irritating. Considering the acres of space atop the dashboard, for example, which looks like it could have housed all manner of compartments, it’s a real oversight.
27
TESTED
That bugbear aside, the feeling of spaciousness is enhanced by a wide, flat dash and there’s plenty of space for you to swing around and move aft, between the seats. The tilt and reach-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel is a beauty which, like all new vehicles, requires some study to become totally familiar with all it’s features. Ditto the trip computer. Toyota says that to ensure drivers are fully connected at all times while out on the road, "The HiAce features the latest generation multimedia system with a large 7-inch touchscreen display. It offers AM/FM/DAB+ radio, CD player, full Bluetooth connectivity for audio and phone, USB and AUX inputs, satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic alerts, and voice recognition, Siri eyes-free for compatible iPhones and Toyota Link apps. Available from the fourth quarter this year, the new HiAce multimedia system will also be compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which will also be offered to retro-fit at no additional charge". Naturally, cab air conditioning is standard, as are one-touch electric windows, remote central locking and electric (and folding) side mirrors. 28
Be sure to order a large coffee, because small size cups almost disappear in the holder and are difficult to get out , especially without losing the lid.
TESTED
Taking Her Out
D
espite the multiplicity of new systems it doesn’t take long to at least get the basics set up and ready to go. The engine starts instantly and did so even on three degree Celsius mornings on the Southern Highlands. While the gear selector wins no prizes for subtlety or seamless integration, it’s straightforward and also has a manual sports function. I was surprised how sensitive the brakes are at low speed, but again it’s something you quickly get used to and will be less noticeable with a full camper conversion.
Ride comfort is good and certainly enhanced by the longer wheelbase, plus the new front axle location, and the new HiAce simply goes about its business with a minimum of fuss. I was particularly appreciative of the digital cruise control, which allows precise speed setting, plus the inclusion of a speed limiter. The cruise control had the added bonus of slowing the vehicle down on the overrun – like when you crest a hill and on a long descents – to keep you legal. Nice!
Lack of oddment storage aside, for a new model there Once underway, anyone who has driven the old 3-litre are few ‘oopses’ designers need to address in the first turbo-diesel HiAce automatic will be amazed. What facelift. The sun visors are too short to be of much a difference 30% more power and 50% extra torque use when swung across to the side window, while the makes, along with two extra speeds in the gearbox! indicators are too quiet to hear at normal speeds. Also, Whilst a little noisey under acceleration, at cruise the the spring loading on the indicator stalk is too light new HiAce is sublimely quiet – and that includes an when you’re just trying to activate the quick, threeabsolute absence of wind noise (at least in the test flash lane-change function. Too often you get the full vehicle). At 110 km/h the new engine is turning over indicator, which if you miss you’re unlikely to hear. at a lazy 1800 rpm, yet what feels like acceleration Electronically, I found the lane departure warning a bit to warp speed is just a prod of the accelerator eager to activate the brakes and steer me back into away. No longer will HiAce drivers feel like second the middle of the lane, especially on country roads. class highway citizens, nor apologetic for being a Finally, the lack of adaptive (radar) cruise control is mobile traffic jam! It’s a revelation – and one that’s a disappointment, especially as it’s standard on the remarkably stable even in blustery crosswinds. likes of the new Peugeot Expert – a direct competitor. 29
TESTED
"It's a HiAce Jim, but not as we know it..."
Captain’s Log
M
inor niggles aside, the new HiAce is easy and enjoyable to drive. It’s the one vehicle I’d have no hesitation jumping into tomorrow and driving around Australia, with the expectation of total reliability. It’s a truly quantum leap beyond its predecessor. Priced on the high side of $50,000 as tested it’s not cheap, but then Toyotas never are. There’s a price to pay for the quality and engineering that goes into legendary reliability, but the payback comes through peace of mind during ownership and at resale time. I’m looking forward to trying out the first camper conversions and hear Bus 4x4 Australia even has a four-wheel-drive version close to release, which could just make it the most useful campervan base vehicle ever. To put it another way, "It’s a HiAce Jim, but not as we know it".
30
SPECS GENERAL Make
Toyota
Model
HiAce
Type
SLWB Van
Berths
N/A
Approved Seating
2
Licence
Car
Pros...
VEHICLE Engine
2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power
130 kW @ 3400 rpm
Torque
450 Nm @ 1600-2400 rpm
Gearbox
6-speed Auto
Safety Rating
ANCAP 5-star
Fuel
70 L
Fuel Consumption
8.4 L/100 km (33.6 mpg)
Front Suspension
McPherson Struts
Rear Suspension
Leaf Springs with Rigid Axle
Wheels
16” steel
Spare Wheel
Full Size
Brakes
4-wheel discs – front ventilated
Simplicity Innovation Practicality Unobtrusive Value Drivability Economy
WEIGHTS Tare Weight
2340 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass
3500 kg
Max Payload
1160 kg
Braked Towing Capacity
1500 kg
Cons...
DIMENSIONS Overall Length
5.92 m (19' 5")
Overall Width
1.95 m (6' 4")
Overall Height
2.28 m (7' 6")
STANDARD EQUIPMENT Air Conditioning
Manual
Remote Central Locking Electric Windows Electric Mirrors Auto Stop/Start Cruise Control Day Running Lights Side Door/s Rear Door Parking Sensors Reversing Camera 12 V Sockets/USB Outlets Multi-Function Display Steering Wheel Apple Car Play/Android Auto PRICE On-road NSW - from Warranty – Vehicle
Yes One-touch Not automatic Yes - brake pressure dependent Manual Yes 2 x Sliding Lift-up tailgate Front and Rear Yes, with guide lines Yes 7-inch colour with GPS Leather with multi-function controls Available late 2019 $53,348 5 years/Unlimited Km
31
Too ‘lite’ for some Limited water capacity Not self-contained Favours fair weather Contact
Toyota Australia 155 Bertie St PORT MELBOURNE. Vic. 3207. T: 1800 869 682 E: guestexperience@toyota.com.au W: www.toyota.com.au
TESTED: BÃœRSTNER TESTED: AIR NEXXO OPUSTIME T569
Just
Nexxo in the
Time
by Malcolm Street 33
TESTED
A
For me, it’s because I get to see many a motorhome that has been in service for a while and unlike a brand new model, it has more than a few kilometres on the clock. So I get to see how it stands up to the rigours of rental service and that is often very telling.
These little thoughts buzzed through my brain as I picked up a Bürstner Nexxo Time T569 from the Wilderness/Smart RV Auckland depot. It was a 2016 model and had about 150,000km on the clock, so it had been used a fair bit in its rental life. I wasn’t planning on racking up too many more kilometres, since I was on a RV journo business trip around the Auckland area. Wilderness has come to understand my needs for a mobile office and accommodation, and were waiting, keys in hand, when I walked in the door.
For you, it’s roughly the same reason, but also because if you are in the market for a motorhome it might well be possible to try it out; or if not the exact motorhome, something very similar. There’s nothing quite like a try-before-you-buy: it can save a very expensive mistake if there’s some feature that really doesn’t suit.
Just a little side note on that issue, I’ve been to the Wilderness office quite a few times and have noted the careful handover procedure for travellers who haven’t used a motorhome before, which does take a bit of time. It’s a little faster for those who are familiar with motorhome travel, which is handy for those of us keen to hit the road!
uckland and Christchurch-based dealer SmartRV operates very much in tandem with the company’s rental arm, Wilderness. I mention that little fact because it is very beneficial to the likes of me and you.
34
TESTED
Business As Usual
W
I’ve been in this business long enough to remember when swivelling cab seats weren’t all that common. These days they are almost obligatory and in this case both seats swivel around to neatly mesh with the dining table and dinette/passenger seats.
ith a length of 5.89m (19’ 4") and a tare mass of 2620 kg for this particular machine, the T569 isn’t large. However, it’s a handy length and weight for those who don’t want an oversize unit, but who still desire a bit of comfort and space inside. Anyone familiar with the Bürstner range won’t be surprised by the cab chassis: the ubiquitous Fiat Ducato Multijet 130. It’s 2.3-litre turbo-diesel puts out maximum power of 96 kW and a torque of 320 Nm, and drives through Fiat’s 6-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). From the outside the T569 has a slightly nose down attitude, but that’s not obvious inside and does ensure a reasonably good departure angle when negotiating gutters and driveways that dip awkwardly. In a motorhome this length a French (corner) bed is easiest if you don’t want to make up a bed every night, or clamber into a roof bed. This one is in the rear kerb-side corner, with the bathroom in the opposite corner and the kitchen between it and entry door. Up front is the usual lounge/dining area and overall it’s a compact arrangement, but one with everything in its place.
35
TESTED
Up Front
I
t looks a bit compact, but for two people there’s a choice of seats and a relatively good amount of table space. If another two people come visiting the table has an extension piece that rotates out from underneath and almost doubles the size. The TV is in the roller shuttered cupboard above the rear seats, so viewing is definitely best done from the swivelled cab seats. For those looking for a mains power point under the table, it isn’t there. Instead, it’s under the overhead lockers, just above the rear seat. It’s actually a better location than having to scrabble under the table and also suits the location, because there’s a blanket box (for want of a better description) with a hinged lid at the base of the bed and that’s an ideal location for charging portable devices. The blanket box also has a side door, so you don’t have to lift the lid when you want to get something out. Like in many a motorhome the power point is only a single outlet, but I learned a long time ago to carry a multi-outlet power board. It works very well here, since I use the table as an office desk as well. Still on power points, this Bürstner motorhome (like most in the Wilderness fleet) has an inverter. Only 600 watt-
rated, it’s still good enough for charging laptops, phones and camera batteries and the like. It’s fitted into the base of the bed and is handy for the blanket box top, plus also for the table if a long enough power lead is available. 36
TESTED
Catering
C
ompact motorhome equals compact kitchen, well 95 percent of the time. As is the case here, the kitchen bench has a three-burner hob, a small round stainless steel sink and a 115-litre 3-way fridge under the bench top. Given the shape of the hob, there’s a bit of vege cutting space at the front of the bench area. For storage there’s a single drawer and cupboard in the under-bench area, while across the aisle the space between the bed and dinette offers a multishelved cupboard. In the space above the kitchen bench, three overhead lockers supply a generous amount of space and I always like the purposedesigned cupboards that keeps the glassware, cups and plates all nicely secure.
37
TESTED
Corner Bed
T
he corner bed measures 2.02 m x 1.32–1.18 m (6’7" x 4’1"-3’ 10" ), with the usual chamfered corner to ease getting to the bathroom. Overhead lockers are fitted all ‘round, but unless you have really long arms it’s usually necessary to clamber on to the bed to get to the corner ones. 38
TESTED
Under-bed storage is quite good, which is just as well because it’s the only place to keep bulky items. Access via the small external door is okay for chairs and the like, but not much more. Note the twin house batteries and inverter, while the gas cylinder lives in the cupboard just inside the access hatch.
Lifting the posture slat bed base gives access to a storage area. Even with the gas cylinder bin and deep-cycle batteries taking a chunk of this space, it’s still quite spacious. The external rear access door isn’t particularly large, so any oversize items will have to come in via the main door. The external rear access door is good for camping chairs and table plus the usual power leads and water hoses, though. For any wet items like hoses, a plastic container should be used.
39
TESTED
Corner Bath
F
acing the bed on the opposite side are two items: the first being a small wardrobe that’s not oversized, but good enough I reckon for several changes of clothes for two people. You just might have to leave the tuxedo at home... The other item is, of course, the bathroom. It’s of the ‘wet’ variety, with the cassette toilet right at the back and the shower, complete with folding doors, in front. That’s not a major drama, except the floor needs to be wiped dry after use. Also fitted is a swivelling wash basin, and upper cupboard and a wall mirror. Bürstner sometimes put the bathroom light switches in funny places and this one is under the cupboard, which first time users will find cannot be easily seen when standing up! After it’s found, though, no problem.
The swing-out basin is very clever, and while you do need to dry the floor after showering, to use the loo, it’s easily reached.
40
TESTED
For a motorhome that’s been a rental the Nexxo Time T569 still has plenty of life left, while at less than 6 metres long it’s easy to find that perfect spot but still big enough to live in.
What I think
T
here are two levels of comment here. One is that if a fairly small motorhome and one with all the essentials for a couple is required, this Nexxo Time T569 is going to fit the bill nicely. It’s large enough to be comfortable but sized to be an easy handling motorhome on the road. Secondly, unless the Wilderness team has a heavy refurbishment program, this Bürstner seems to have stood up to the rigours of motorhome rental life quite well. Certainly the engine performed as it should, as did everything else in the motorhome body. Some motorhome hire companies use purpose-built motorhomes for rental use but this one is actually built for the retail market and is still looking good. Maybe it’s Time to call in and check one out? 41
SPECS GENERAL Make
Burstner
Model
Nexxo Time T569
Type
B-Class
Berths
2
Approved Seating
4
Licence
Car/WOF
Pros...
VEHICLE Make/Model
Fiat Ducato Multijet 130
Engine
2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power
96 kW @ 3600 rpm
Torque
320 Nm @ 1800 rpm
Gearbox
6-speed automated manual (AMT)
Safety
ABS, ESP, driver and passenger air bags
Fuel
90 L
WEIGHTS Tare Weight
2620 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass
3500 kg
Braked Towing Capacity
2000 kg
Cons...
DIMENSIONS Overall Length
5.89 m (19' 4")
Overall Width
2.30 m (7' 7")
Overall Height
2.75 m (9')
Internal Height
1.95 m (6’ 5”)
Bed
2.02 m x 1.32 m-1.18 m (6' 7" x 4' 1"-3’ 10”)
EQUIPMENT Slide-Out
No
Awning
No
Entry Steps
Moulded
Hob
3-burner
Rangehood Sink Fridge Microwave Lighting 12 V Sockets/USB Outlets Air Conditioner Space Heater Hot Water System Toilet Shower CAPACITIES Batteries Solar LPG Fresh Water Grey Water Hot Water Toilet PRICE - NZ As Tested – Used Warranty
Yes Round stainless steel w folding tap 100 L Dometic RM8501 3-way Panasonic 12 V LED USB in cab No Truma Combi 4E (LPG/electric) Truma Combi 4E (LPG/electric) Thetford cassette Wet bathroom
Good for two people Quality Internal storage Easy handling Manoeuvarable Skyview hatch over cab Try before you buy
Small engine Small kitchen Wet bathroom External storage access Contact North Island
SmartRV Auckland 11 Pavillion Drive Airport Oaks. Auckland. 2022. T: 0800 007 627 E: sales@smartrv.co.nz W: smartmotorhomes.co.nz
2 x 90 Ah AGM deep-cycle No 1 x 9 kg + 1 x 4 kg 120 L 90 L 10 L 17 L
South Island
SmartRV Christchurch 3 Export Drive Harewood. ChCh. 8051 T: 0800 007 628 E: ccsales@smartrv.co.nz W: smartmotorhomes.co.nz
$92,900 3 Months
42
This is living Just arrived. The latest in premium motorhoming with the 2019 Bürstner Lyseo Harmony Line. New features of the range include a more spacious entertaining area with twin couch layout, and a groundbreaking dropdown island bed. Create your ‘apartment on the road’ with a choice of interior styles in Bürstner’s innovative wohnfühlen design combined with premium fittings for a modern, comfortable home away from home.
Come and see the new Lyseo range at our sales centre in Auckland and Christchurch.
Motorhome in photo: Carado T449
Exclusively distributed in New Zealand by
11 Pavilion Drive, Airport Oaks, Auckland | 3 Export Ave, Harewood, Christchurch | 0800 005 312 (NZ) | imotorhome@smartrv.co.nz | smartrv.co.nz
TESTED: AIR OPUS
i m p r e s s i v e
O
P
U 44
by Allan Whiting images – supplied
S
TESTED
M
rearward or side-fold lids, the Opus has two lids – one forward opening and one rear opening – that form the base for two tent-covered double beds. This leaves the trailer body space available for a large dinette/lounge area. The beds are on the short side for tall people, so an option is an extendable forward bed, with more leg room.
elbourne-based Opus Camper Trailers has released a joint China-UK-Australian product that is said to be the world’s first self-inflating camper. The canvas roof section is fitted with ‘air beams’ that are electric-pump inflated to form a camper trailer tent, without the need for booms and poles. The unit converts from a compact trailer into a luxury camper in around three minutes. With the airbeam annexe attached, set-up time is around seven minutes. And, yes, to back up the inbuilt electric air pump, a manual air pump and a puncture repair kit are provided with every Air Opus camper trailer. Air beam technology has been available in the marquee and premium tent industry for some years, but as far as we can ascertain this is its first appearance on a camper trailer. Air Opus is the latest enhancement to the Opus Mark 2 dual-fold camper, adding innovation to what is already a breakthrough camper design. Unlike traditional camper trailer designs that have forward,
45
TESTED
Opus Background
In 2016 the Australian and UK teams began development of the Air Opus concept, taking proven air beam technology and redesigning the Opus tent to suit.
I
n 2012 the Opus team in the UK began the development of a folding camper trailer and the original dual-fold Opus concept, with hoop framing, was the result. Within a year of the original concept, the Australian Opus team developed a heavier-duty chassis to suit local conditions. This camper had seven-leaf beam axle suspension and Australianstyle electric brakes in place of the BPW chassis with rubber-bushed torsion-bar suspension and override brakes that the UK Opus used. The European model was available here as an all-road, extra-lightweight model, for use on formed surfaces.
The Air Opus has five air beams, replacing the conventional tent’s seven hoops. Importantly, the air tent can be retro-fitted to every existing left-side entry Opus camper. Prototypes were shown at the massive camping show in Dusseldorf in August 2016 and in Melbourne in February 2017.
In 2015 the Australian team started development of the Opus Mark 2, which featured coil-sprung, dualshock trailing arm suspension, a simple articulating poly-block coupling and a large slide-out kitchen in lieu of the smaller internal kitchen. Also, the departure angle was improved by moving the spare wheel from underneath to a rear-mounted carrier. The Mark 2 also scored functional improvements, including a substantially bigger storage box, simplified bed struts, dual batteries and thicker mattresses.
The differences between the European-market air tent and the Aussie one are mainly for improved ventilation in hot weather, whereas theirs is optimised for cold weather. Also, the UK-preferred small interior kitchen was replaced by a large external slide-out type for Australia. When it comes to the Air Annexe the differences are more obvious, because the Australian-market Opus chassis rides substantially higher. The Aussie annexe needed to be higher, so it was relatively easy to give it a larger footprint at the same time, with more volume and headroom.
46
TESTED
What You Get
A
ustralian-market Air Opus camper trailers are made in China and have a galvanised steel chassis and draw-bar assembly, mounting an aluminium-framed, composite sheet body. A jockey wheel and poly-block coupling are fitted and the suspension is independent trailing arm, coil spring, with twin shock absorbers each side. Tare mass is a claimed 1460 kg, with a ball weight of 140 kg. If a loaded 60-litre fridge is allowed for that ball weight figure is likely to be much higher. Aggregate trailer mass (ATM) is 1880 kg, for a theoretical payload of 420 kg. A 200 kg-capacity folding luggage rack is optional, as is the fridge, so some buyers may need all of that payload figure. Brakes are 12-inch electric and the 3 wheels are 15inch aluminium, shod with 235/75R15 tyres.
provide excellent ventilation. These openings are fitted with ‘clears’, allowing light entry if ventilation isn’t required. Also standard are a pair of 100 Ah AGM batteries and a 240 V charger, 4 stabiliser legs, a stereo system, 2 x 80-litre water tanks with electric pumps, an external shower kit, a vinyl lounge and a large slideout external kitchen with sink, folding shelf unit and 4-burner LPG stove, fed from 2 x 9 kg cylinders. An Aqua Cube gas hot water system is a $499 option that shares the LPG supply. That’s pretty good value, we reckon, for a 2019 RRP of $32,365, including the $2500 annexe. However, when we managed to evaluate a test camper in March 2019 the special price from Opus dealer, RV Connection, in Western Sydney was only $28,990.
The tent material is 260 gsm poly-cotton canvas and a tropical roof and an annexe are standard. Beneath the tropical roof are zip-open roof ‘hatches’ that 47
TESTED
Evaluation
B
ecause the test Air Opus was brand new dealer stock and already sold, our evaluation was confined to a short suburban drive and careful assessment of the erection and pack-away process. RV Connection staff, Katie and Kevin, know the Air Opus well and talked us through the set-up process. We’re hoping for a longer, bush test later in 2019. The evaluation camper was fitted with an optional gas-strut-folding roof rack ($999) that we were told most buyers opt for. It can reportedly carry 200 kg, making it ideal for water-toy or ‘tinny’ storage. The rack tilted out of the way of the camper lids with little effort, thanks to powerful gas struts.
“Standard are a pair of 100 Ah AGM batteries and a 240 V charger, 4 stabiliser legs, a stereo system, 2 x 80-litre water tanks with electric pumps (and) an external shower kit”
48
TESTED
Opening ends minimises the footprint, which is handy in small campsites. Independent trailing-arm suspension features dual shocks and should easily handle any conditions the average owner is likely to encounter. Twin opening lids were actually the forward and rear bed bases, similar in arrangement to Jayco’s Expanda caravan layout and there was an optional king-size extension ($299) available for the rear bed. One possible downside of the twin-lid design is the need to uncouple the camper from some 4WD wagon and ute tow vehicles before opening it, because the forward bed base may intrude into the wagon rear door or ute tailgate opening arc. With the lids opened the folded tent was exposed and raising it proved as simple as the brochure claimed: A press of the air pump button started the ‘growth’ process and in three minutes the Air Tent was erected (our test unit didn’t have the optional air-annexe). While the tent was inflating it would have been possible to set up the stabilising legs and slide out the kitchen. With the tent inflated there was some necessary redistribution of the packed dinette cushions and the collapsible table and that took a further three minutes. 49
TESTED The interior ambience was a great improvement over that of most camper trailers, thanks to a complete lack of unsightly metal hoops and the airy effect of the translucent roof and its zip-open panels. The dinette was large enough to host a party if the weather didn’t encourage outside entertainment. Both beds were fitted with webbing straps that allowed the bedding to be left in place when the beds were folded away. The dinette table doubled as a bed base, so, in theory, you could sleep six if required. Fit and finish was quite good, although we don’t know how durable the melamine-covered plywood furniture would be on some of Australia’s rough roads. Only a long-term test can evaluate that.
The annexe provides extra sleeping space, plus keeps the kitchen and (optional) fridge inside. Big windows and skylights provide plenty of natural light and fresh air, making the Air Opus feel even more spacious inside.
50
TESTED
The annexe perfectly matches the Air Opus and looks thoroughly integrated. The air beam supports are quick to inflate and deflate, and even come with a manual pump and puncture repair kit, just in case... Collapsing the tent was simply a matter of undoing the valves and the whole kit fell into the camper. The brand new tent canvas offered some resistance to folding under the lids and we think webbing ratchet tie-downs would be better at snigging down the lids than the standard over-centre toggles – especially if the annexe was left attached. The centre join between the two lids was sealed with a soft rubber gasket to keep water and dust at bay. We reckon the Air Opus should have great appeal to families looking for caravan-style accommodation at a budget price and in a package that’s much easier to store than a caravan on a small suburban block, or in an apartment garage.
51
SPECS
GENERAL Make
Opus Camper
Model
Air Opus Two Sleeper
Type
Camper Trailer
Berths
2
WEIGHTS Tare Weight
1460 kg
Ball Weight
140 kg
Gross Trailer Mass
1740 kg
Aggregate Trailer Mass
1880 kg
Max Payload
420 kg
Pros... Convenience Innovation Operation Ambience Features Price
DIMENSIONS Overall Length
5.40 m (17’ 9”)
Body Length
TBA
Overall Width
1.95 m (6' 5")
Height - Closed
1.60 m (5’ 3”)
Height - Open
3.47 m (11' 5")
Bed
1.95 m x 1.6 m (6' 5" x 5’ 3")
EQUIPMENT Slide-Out
No
Annexe
Yes - air inflatable
Entry Steps
2
Cooker
4 burner
Rangehood
No
Sink
Square stainless steel
Fridge
Optional Waeco 12 V chest – removable
Microwave
No
Lighting
12 V LED
12 V Sockets/USB Outlets
Yes
Air Conditioner
No
Space Heater
No
Hot Water System Toilet Shower CAPACITIES Batteries Solar LPG Fresh Water Grey Water Hot Water Toilet PRICE RRP Warranty – Structure/Tent & Canvas/Suspension
No Optional Porta Potti External
Cons... Cabinet durability? Lid securing ease Contact
Opus Camper 12 Capital Court BREASIDE, Vic. 3195 T: (03) 9588 2959 E: enquiries@opuscamper.com.au W: opuscamper.com.au
2 x 100 Ah AGM deep cycle No 2 x 9 kg 2 x 80 L No N/A N/A $32,365 5 years/3 years/5 years
52
TESTED
"The interior ambience was a great improvement over that of most camper trailers..." 53
CUSTOM TESTED
FAST
FORD 55
CUSTOM
by Robert 'Bobby' Watson
T
ake one Ford Transit Custom, give it to a pair of Ford-approved vehicle modifiers, and you can make yourself a sporty-looking luxury camper like
this thing, commissioned by obsessive Ford fanatic Steve North of the UK, for a total budget of ÂŁ77,000, or about A$138,000 or NZ$144,000. 56
CUSTOM
N
orth had an interesting slant on the whole campervan idea to aim for: He’s a highperformance motorhead with a history of rally racing and a classic motorcycle collection, and he specified this machine mainly to get around the UK to car and motorcycle shows. Thus, he wanted something that looked as sporty and grunty as many of the cars he loves; one that would draw a bit of attention in the camping paddocks and give him and his traveling
companions some mobile luxury lodgings wherever they ended up. So, this isn’t a rugged outdoorsman’s rig for muddy adventures under the open skies: It’s a car nut’s campervan for easy overnighters, towing a trailer full of old motorcycles. And it’s a very slick piece of work indeed.
57
CUSTOM
T
he customisation work was split between two Ford-authorised Qualified Vehicle Modifier businesses. MS-RT took care of the exterior look, adapting its standard Transit Custom bodykit for campervan use. That includes a low-riding front spoiler/splitter arrangement and a set of 18-inch anthracite rims that basically scuttle any off-roading ambitions and make the vehicle’s purpose quite clear.
58
CUSTOM
T
he interior was done by Wellhouse Leisure, starting with a pair of rotating front seats that turn the van into a large social space when swivelled backwards. A rear bench seat was fitted, which flattens out into a comfy looking double bed, and this entire contraption was mounted onto a set of airline-style captive tracks, allowing bed or bench seat to slide as far forward or back as desired. Move the seats right to the rear of the van, and you’ve got plenty of room to move around.
59
CUSTOM
T
he right side of the van is fitted with a compact and classy kitchenette, including a sink, stove top, fridge and microwave, as well as a decent amount of storage and a window to let your bacon smoke out.
60
CUSTOM
N
orth went for Wellhouse’s £2,000 (A$3600) ‘starlit Alcantara’ ceiling, as well as a pop-up roof for an additional attic bedroom, so the van can comfortably sleep four. An extendable shade makes for a nice entryway area out of the sun or the rain, and the whole thing is very tightly executed. Imagine what Ford Performance Vehicles in Australia could do if a local Transit owner with a passion for speed and moto-bling wandered in?
61
CUSTOM
“So this isn’t a rugged outdoorsman’s rig for muddy adventures under the open skies: It’s a car nut’s campervan for easy overnighters, towing a trailer full of old motorcycles. And it’s a very slick piece of work indeed...”
62
H A B I TAT
GO FURTHER. STAY LONGER
EXPLORE ONE TODAY AT YOUR LOCAL SUNLINER DEALER.
www.sunliner.com.au RANGER
SWITCH
PINTO
OLANTAS
HABITAT
NAVIAN
MONTE CARLO
ADVICE
Campeat Emptor B
uying a new recreational vehicle of any type can be expensive, and even if you have the money it’s a good idea to ‘buy used’ to test the waters. Generally speaking, camper trailers are entry level into the RV ownership experience and buying used makes a lot of sense. However, like all-things preowned, the old maxim of caveat emptor – buyer beware – applies! While some campers have been driven and used carefully, others have been abused, but it’s not always easy to spot the difference. However there are ways to check out the vehicle’s condition. 64
ADVICE
Step One
S
tep one is to ensure you’re actually looking at what you think you are. Have a close look at the compliance plate and satisfy yourself that it’s the original plate and not a counterfeit that’s been recently added. A fresh-looking plate and new rivets should sound alarm bells. Another obvious check that’s not always done is to ensure the VIN matches the registration sticker numbers exactly. Walk around the closed camper, looking for signs of panel damage or repair. Sections that look newer than others indicate repairs or add-ons. Give the camper a good side to side shake and listen for creaks or groans from the suspension or
bodywork. Grip each tyre and agitate the wheel to see how the wheel bearing adjustment feels. Trailer tyres usually don’t do anything like the mileage that car and 4WD tyres do, so check each tyre’s manufacturing date stamp to see how old it is. The date is on the outer sidewall and consists of some coding, followed by four digits, denoting the month and year of manufacture. Any tyre older than six years is high risk and you should budget to replace it. Check the trailer coupling and the electrical leads for obvious physical damage and wear – and watch out for redback spiders inside little-used ball receivers!
The last thing you want to buy is a stolen or re-birthed unit, so carefully check the age and condition of the compliance plate matches the camper trailer. Also check the general condition of the coupling and associated drawbar hardware, inc wiring. Tyres deteriorate in the elements, so check their age and replace if necessary.
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ADVICE
Aussie Crawl
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ow it’s time to pull out your groundsheet and crawl underneath. Look at the chassis rails for damage and rust; the axle(s) and suspension for wear and the underbody components for signs of flying-stone damage. It’s normal to see plenty of stone chips under a camper that’s done gravel road work, but a dented water tank or chassis rail indicates a heavy impact. A little oil misting on the outside of shock absorber tubes is normal, but heavy oil flow indicates failed shockers. Severely worn and torn shock absorber bushes are signs of abuse. Look at the condition of the braking system cables and wiring, checking for loose wiring ties, frayed steel cables and stone damage. If the chassis and running gear checks out okay it’s time to investigate the camper equipment and the tent. When you open the camper, examine the water/dust seals and the locking clips for integrity. Look for signs of water and dusty entry around seals and catches. A musty smell indicates wet canvas and is a bad sign. Check that the water pump, drawers and cupboards work properly and that any hinges are undamaged. The best way to check out the condition of the LPG system is to light up the cooker and the three-way
fridge, if one is fitted. Make sure each gas cylinder is within its legal-use envelope, by looking at the cylinder’s expiry date stamp. Follow the gas lines from cylinders to appliances, making sure the shut-off cocks function properly and that the lines are fitted with grommets where they pass through chassis and bodywork. A plastic squeeze bottle full of soapy water is the ideal way to check gas system joints for leaks. It’s also handy when you’re trying to find a slow leak in a tyre! Electrical wiring is a major source of trouble with camper trailers in the bush, so pay particular attention to the condition of the wiring and the camper battery. Where wiring passes through the chassis or panels it must have intact grommets, and cable lengths should be tied at regular intervals to the trailer framing. Factory wiring is normally quite neat, but many owners fancy themselves as auto-electricians, so it’s not unusual to find used campers with additional DIY electrical work that has a home-made look about it. If you note non-standard electrical work, budget for an electrical system health check by an auto-electrician. Check that all lights and outlets function properly by using a test light or, better still, a multi-meter.
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ADVICE
“Major repairs to a tent can be labour intensive and therefore quite expensive.” Canvas Opinion
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Major repairs to a tent can be labour-intensive and therefore quite expensive. For example, just removing and replacing a tent from a camper trailer can cost a few hundred dollars in time alone. If you’re looking at a well-known brand of camper trailer it’s normal for the maker to keep patterns, so it’s possible to buy replacement panels or even a brand new tent The roof is obviously the most critical area and it’s unlikely that a tent with a stitched roof repair will be for it. The camper mattress isn’t an important consideration, because it’s most likely you’ll buy a watertight in a downpour. Small imperfections and wear in tent walls and doors are more easily repaired. new bed to go with any used camper. Zippers are wear items that aren’t cheap to repair or replace and ones that haven’t been lubed or have been packed away in wet canvas will show obvious corrosion. he condition of the tent is basic to ensuring the elements stay outside, so spend time checking the canvas, zippers and bows. Don’t just take the owner’s word that all worked in the last big downpour – check it out!
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ADVICE
Tow the Line
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inally, a tow test is an important part of the prepurchase, either by passengering in the owner’s tow vehicle, or better, by coupling your own vehicle to the trailer. You should be feeling for the trailer’s braking system operation and listening for any sounds of protest from it. At the end of the tow, put your hand on the trailer hubs to check their rolling temperature. Now it’s time to start haggling, and with all the above items ticked off you can feel more confident that your potential purchase is more suited to an emperor than an emptor! 68
HISTORY
Start Your Engines!
How motorsport spurred the success of the radical horseless carriage... by Robert ‘Bobby’ Watson 70
HISTORY
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ate July marked the 125th anniversary of the first motor race, held between Paris and Rouen, a distance of 126 km. The race was organised by Pierre Giffard, editor of Le Petit Journal, the Paris-based newspaper that at that time was the largest circulation newspaper in the world, selling just short of two million copies a day. Giffard had previously leveraged the promotional power of the newspaper to organise the 1891 Paris-Brest bicycle race and would subsequently use it to promote the first Paris marathon in 1896.
were springing up in Paris, the lack of availability of suitable charging enroute to Rouen, plus the recharge time, would have made an electric vehicle uncompetitive. Of the 21 motorcars that competed that day, 15 had internal combustion engines and 6 were steam-driven. Remarkably, all but four of the starters reached the finish line in Rouen. While every subsequent genre of motor race (paved road racing, endurance, rally and off-road racing in their multitudinous forms) descends from this common ancestor, this race was more a “reliability trial” to promote the viability of motoring to the public. Reliability trials were commonplace in the first few decades of the automobile and many a marque made its name in them. Le Petit Journal billed the race that way, stating that the winning car would best meet the criteria of “safe to use, easy to operate and not too expensive to operate”.
Le Petit Journal announced the reliability competition for horseless carriages in December 1893, and 21 cars faced the starter in the Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine, at 8 am on Sunday, July 22, 1894. The start was reportedly watched by 30,000 spectators, with many more along the roadside. At that time there were three different motor vehicle propulsion systems vying for public acceptance: the internal combustion engine, which was just eight years old, battery-electric, and steam power. The 126-km distance meant that electric cars were effectively ruled out of the competition as battery technology was still in its infancy and, though charging stations
Just as the days prior to any motor racing event these days involve practice sessions, the three days before the 1894 event consisted of qualification and test drives, and each day saw large crowds lining the route to witness these pioneering horseless carriages.
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HISTORY
Racing!
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he De Dion steam tractor towing its single-axle passenger trailer – an precursor to the fifthwheeler – was the first starter at 8:01 am, with other vehicles following at 30-second intervals. Automotive pioneer Gottlieb Daimler and his son Paul were present to witness the event, and no doubt to see how their engines performed. Of the 15 internal combustion engines in the race, 9 were produced under Daimler’s licence. The first car to reach Rouen was the De Dion-Bouton steam tractor and single-axle passenger trailer. Driven by Count Jules-Albert de Dion himself, it was disqualified (nothing in motorsport is new!) because it needed a stoker to tend the boiler. De Dion’s time for the distance was 6 hours 48 minutes, giving him an average speed of 19 km/h. He indicated it had the potential to travel at much higher speeds but was limited by the solid axles of the trailer and the quality of roads. The main prize, entitled the Prix du Petit Journal – the term Grand Prix would not emerge until 1906 – of 5,000 francs was divided between a Peugeot and Panhard & Levassor, both 4-seat motorcars. Both were powered by 2.6-kW (3.5-bhp) Daimler V-twin engines built under licence by Panhard & Levassor. 72
This De Dion-Bouton steam tractor must be the original fifth wheeler. Daimler’s patented V-twin petrol engine (below) won the day and powered the most number of entrants.
HISTORY
Developments
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he following year saw the 1895 Paris–Bordeaux– Paris trail create even more interest, as the 126km first race became a 1178-km marathon. Of the 21 cars that started the 1895 race, just 9 finished, but the average speed over the much longer distance improved to 24.54 km/h. Just four years later, in the 1899 Paris-Bordeaux race, the winning average speed increased to 48.2 km/h (29.9 mph), validating the adage that competition improves the breed. While the famous city-to-city races of the next decade promoted motorsport globally and were emulated across the world, it is this event more than
any other that proved to the public that the horseless carriage provided reliable motorised personal mobility. In 1899, the Almanac of Sports commemorated the race that had taken place 5 years earlier. That publication commented on the great media response to the Paris-Rouen race as follows: "The whole press scene, both political and scientific, joined in like a well-arranged and trained choir to produce a dithyrambic anthem to this new star, the fairy called motorcar".
Paul Panhard in his Daimler-powered Panhard & Levassor, finished in fourth place, with Panhard & Levassor awarded joint first prize
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HISTORY
Durrant-Dort carriages on sale in 1902. Billy Durrant went on to take over the troubled Buick company in 1904 and in the process gave birth to General Motors.
Carriage Days
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he mass market for personal transportation had existed for centuries before this race: The horse drawn carriage. It’s a little known fact that millions of horse-drawn carriages a year were produced globally before the horseless carriage. In 1900, the largest producer of horse-drawn vehicles in the USA was Durant-Dort, which was selling more than 150,000 carriages annually and already had sophisticated manufacturing operations and a sales channel to America’s wealthy.
The quest for affordable personal mobility also predates the horseless carriage, and the decade prior to this race saw millions of bicycles sold as the combination of the modern ‘safety bicycle’ and the first practical pneumatic tyres enabled the initial personal mobility revolution. Personal mobility has come a very long way in a very short time indeed...
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TRAVEL
NILAND. MY LAND. Words by Mitch Crowle Images by Mitch Crowle @mitchcrowle
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We are the last real community. This is as free as you can get,”
“Look, you can see it happening right now. Turn around, over there. Watch him build his own shelter. He’s new, but he gets it. He understands East Jesus. That is the essence of Slab City.”
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As I turned to look back at the young man rolling rusted metal towards a makeshift hut, his dog casting a bouncing shadow around his feet, my instincts kicked in. Is this a trick? Should I trust turning my back to this fellow I’ve recently met, out here under the fierce Californian desert sun?
TRAVEL
The man sitting in front of me is named Wizard. I’m unsure at this point whether that is perfect, absurd or perfectly absurd. He has spent the last seven years as a resident of Slab City and the accompanying settlement of East Jesus – an experimental, habitable artwork you can wander through freely.
Wizard could pass for a biker if he wasn’t so breezy. Underneath a long beard is a quick smile that lightens in tandem with blue eyes that match the sky. He sits inside a cobbled-together canopy and might just be the most relaxed man I have ever met. Of course, that could also have something to do with the large balloon of beer he’s imbibing. He has spent the entirety of his time at Slab City enjoying his own version of a free life.
People apply from around the world to share their artistic voice at this desert outpost and contribute to the evolving collective installation. Walking through, I am struck by how individual the artworks are and yet how much they are all obviously linked together. There is a common thread throughout, an introspective reworking of the meaning of ‘freedom’.
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TRAVEL
SLABS Slab City – ‘Slabs’ to the locals – was originally a WWII Marine Corp base named Camp Dunlap. Concrete foundation slabs are the only reminder of it’s Government history, which sits in direct contradiction to its current loose group of inhabitants. The sun stretches lazily across this large swath of land, which is randomly peppered with RVs and shelters. There are no signs to direct you. When I drive down the dirt road entering the Slabs I’m greeted by a graffitied concrete guard post and a shadowy figure riding a rickety bicycle with a host of tacked-on features precariously balanced behind him. This steampunk apocalypse junk rider has set the tone before I’ve even arrived.
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TRAVEL
The Slabs lie a couple of miles past Niland, the closest incorporated township, which sits on the edge of the Salton Sea. Driving in you pass Salvation Mountain, a 29 year passion project of Leonard Knight that celebrates love and God. A literal man-made mountain, it’s a kaleidoscope of adobe clay and donated paint that he worked tirelessly on to spread the simplest of messages: God is love.
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TRAVEL
MIXED MESSAGES That message is an interesting counterpart to the essentially Anarcho-Libertarian philosophy of the Slabs, where you either respect your neighbour or “Keep your fucking distance”. The outer world is The Beast; somehow far away and yet always seemingly knocking at the door as regulations and government ‘interference’ continually threaten the Slabs’ way of life. Residents here are a mix of Snowbirds and deserthardened full-time Slabbers. There is a real diversity of ages and ethnicities, outlooks and opinions. Some come with fully loaded RVs. Some arrive with nothing more than the clothes on their back. Regardless, everyone I meet has a desire to be free from constraints. Slab City feels like the last stop on a road that disappears over the horizon; one last refuge for human connection before you tip beyond the infinite.
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TRAVEL
There is no water out here. No sewer. Trash litters the ‘streets’ and dogs roam freely. What you bring with you needs to be enough to survive. Help is on hand from the community, as long as you are understand that there is no free ride.
The days are usually quiet, calm and, obviously, more than warm. Once the sun sets the initial eerie stillness gives way to a muted hubbub, and each Saturday night an open-mic night of sorts at The Range – a stage setup between two buses in the midst of dwellings – echoes around the desert. There are more stars in the night sky here than I have ever seen.
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TRAVEL
APPEAL? When you combine all of these elements it may conjure vivid images of a wasteland filled with undesirables ready to pillage any newcomer caught wandering into the mix – although the opposite is true. These are intelligent, pragmatic and warm people who are each chasing an ideal away from the bureaucratic structures of normalised American society. I’m intrigued by the appeal that brings wanderers here. Regardless of personal situation, the people of the Slabs are after their own version of a free life, where they are able to live in harmony with one another on their own terms. Wizard puts it like this, “You feel drawn to this place.” It attracts people with a distinct mentality concerning the world around them.
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TRAVEL
As someone who has come from the shores of Australia to find the Slabs, I’m unsure how comfortable I feel about this statement. I do feel the drag. It is the same base instinct that has me meandering through the Western United States in a campervan for a third of this year. I’m drawn by the combination of wonder and discovery unique to this country in it’s own way; a life on the road, working remotely along the way and taking a very different path to the one expected by most. The more people I meet as I travel the more entrenched I become in the RV lifestyle; the more I recognise that this choice, this idea of freedom, revolves around what it isn’t rather than what it is. What ties us together is what we do not want in our lives. The strength and warmth of this community lies not in sharing what we have, but what we don’t have.
We may have differing views on all facets of life, but we all have a streak inside that has driven us to chase something more; to wander far, to find our own community and to live inside our own idea of being free. In the same way East Jesus will evolve over time from the individuals who bring their vision and apply a personal touch to the artwork, the Slabs will change and develop. Remaining the same, however, will be the people who arrive. Whether they stay for 10 days or 10 years, they will all have that catalyst within, that desire of freedom. The longer I am on the road the more I want to live my own personal vision of that freedom – no slabs required.
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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS
CMCA
RV Friendly Towns image by Theodora Lee
he RV Friendly program is a Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Limited (CMCA) initiative aimed at assisting RV travellers as they journey throughout this wonderful country.
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will be provided for them that may not be available in other centres, and they will have access to a safe place to stay overnight and possibly for a longer period.
An RV Friendly Town (RVFT) is one that provides a certain number of amenities and a certain level of services for these travellers.
On the following pages are this issue’s featured RV Friendly towns. If possible please include them in your travels and support the communities going out of their way to welcome those of us fortunate enough to be travelling. Enjoy!
When RV travellers enter a town displaying the RVFT sign they know they will be welcome. Certain services
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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS
Barellan, NSW
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arellan is a small, quiet village on the Burley Griffen Way, not too far from the Newell Highway. With its broad and easy to navigate streets, it’s easy to enjoy all it has to offer, including the beautiful historic pub, café, grocery store and local swimming pool. In 2009 Barellan celebrated its centenary with the construction of The Big Tennis Racquet. This is a fantastic photo opportunity, so don’t forget your camera! The town once lent its tennis racquets to
Evonne Goolagong in her early days of playing tennis, ultimately giving her the opportunity to become the champion player she grew up to be. For those passing through town and looking for a secure place to set up camp, Barellan Showground offers visitors the perfect short and long term parking options. It offers non-powered sites for just $10 per vehicle per night and powered sites for just $15 per vehicle per night. Visitors can negotiate their intended length of stay, while showers, toilets and water are also available. A dump point is also located on site and pets are permitted on leads.
Tourist/Visitor Information Centre
Narrandera Visitors Centre Cadell St, Narrandera Ph: 02 6959 5545 www.narrandera.com.au
Casual Parking (near retail centre)
Yapunyah St, Barellan
Short Term Parking
Barellan Showground, Showground Rd Negotiable stay limit, pets on lead, showers, toilets, power and water. $10pvpn non power $15pvpn powered
Dump Point
Myall St beside Barellan Hall Lat: -34.285188 Long: 146.571446
Potable Water
Barellan Showground, Showground Rd
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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS
Charleville, QLD
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harleville is a great little Outback town, situated on the banks of the Warrego River, approximately 750 kilometres from Brisbane. While in town, encounter outback heritage and hospitality by taking a tour of an outback station, visiting the great collection of memorabilia at the Historic House Museum, or discovering local history trails on a selfguided drive or with walking maps. One of Australia’s most endearing native animals, the bilby, is captivebred in Charleville to ensure survival of the species, and April to October is the best time to see them.
At night, discover the beauty of the Outback sky at Charleville’s Cosmos Centre and Observatory, where clear nights and a low horizon combine to provide a great night time experience. Charleville CMCA RV Park Bush Camp offers shortterm parking for self-contained vehicles at just $10 per vehicle for the general public. CMCA members pay just $3 per person per night. A maximum of 5 stays in any 21-day period applies. A dump point and potable water are available on site. An additional dump point and potable water are available at the Charleville Visitor Information Centre.
Tourist/Visitor Information Centre
Charleville VIC Qantas Drv, (within the Cosmos Centre), Charleville QLD Ph: 07 4654 7771 Email: tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au
Casual Parking (near retail centre)
All side streets, two blocks away from the town centre
Short Term Parking
Charleville CMCA RV Park Bush Camp, 77 Adavale Rd, $10 pvpn general public, CMCA members $3 pppn, selfcontained vehicles only. Dump point & potable water available for use
Dump Point
Qantas Drv; or Charleville CMCA RV Park Bush Camp, 77 Adavale Rd.
Potable Water
Graham Andrews Parkland, Sturt St; At Dump Point location, Qantas Drv; or Charleville CMCA RV Park Bush Camp, 77 Adavale Rd.
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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS
Kimba, SA
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imba is a rural service town on the Eyre Highway, sitting at the top of the Eyre Peninsula. The town is widely renowned for the Big Galah, which stands seven metres tall on the side of the highway. The Big Galah marks the halfway point between the east and west coasts of Australia. Kimba is also the eastern gateway to the spectacular Gawler Ranges. Only a 100 kilometres drive northwest, visitors have the chance to experience the open spaces and solitude of the Outback. Gawler
Tourist/Visitor Information Centre
Ranges Visitor Information Bay on Railway Terrace is a uniquely designed structure displaying directions and features of the Gawler Ranges National Park. For those travelling along the Eyre Highway and looking for a place to stop, Lions Park offers free shortterm parking. There is no cost to stay at the site and access to toilets, a BBQ area and gazebo is available. Please note there is no power available. A dump point is available for use at Kimba Recreation Reserve and potable water is also available at this site.
Council Office, 9 Cross St, Kimba SA Ph: 08 8627 2335 www.kimba.sa.gov.au
Casual Parking (near retail centre)
Cross St & ‘The Gums’ rest area
Short Term Parking
Lions Park, Park Terrace & Recreation Reserve, North Terrace
Dump Point
Recreation Reserve, North Terrace
Potable Water
Recreation Reserve, North Terrace
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RV FRIENDLY TOWNS
“I might not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.” – Douglas Adams
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