Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 590 i Caravan World

Farmers in Victoria who host campers and caravan owners on their property to supplement their income have been told to offer the same facilities as commercial caravan parks in order to meet regulations. Rural newspaper The Weekly Times reported that under current state rules, farmers who earn money from travellers on their properties must provide showers and toilets, hot water, sewerage or septic systems, lit roadways and paths and on-site manager during “office hours”. Former farmer and founder of agritourism website, Youcamp.com James Woodford told the newspaper property owners in cities and towns were benefiting from platforms such as Airbnb, but farmers were generally missing out, and a more “sensible and affordable” approach was needed. “The biggest problem is (authorities) make farmers apply (for permits) as if they’re setting up…

If you’ve been enviously watching your friends’ posts on Facebook boasting of their northern adventures while you hold down the fort at home, then chances are you’ve been whiling those winter blues away. We’re still a few months away from those warm rays of sunshine, so here are a few strategies to help keep you cosy. FIND A FRIEND Keeping company always manages to stave off the chill. Whether it’s just stimulating conversation, sharing a cuppa or just keeping active, it all works to distract your mind from the weather. There’s also romantic connections, holding hands, hugs and more. Sharing body warmth is a great way to harvest some heat. If hugs are a little thin on the ground, why not hug a pet. Yep, those lap-sized furry critters are…

The Australian RV industry is evolving. New technologies, construction methods, products and ideas are making caravanning easier, safer, more self-sustained and environmentally responsible. Innovation is playing a huge role in this exciting shift. From simple adjustments to processes to large scale construction overhauls and high-tech advancements, the wheels of the industry are slowly turning in a different direction. But exactly what is innovation in the RV context, how has it played a role thus far and what lies ahead? Here, industry leaders offer their perspectives on how the industry has fared, and their predictions on how well it can pivot to accommodate changing customer demands, cost efficiencies and ‘disruptors’ intent on flipping the RV sector on its head. WHAT IS INNOVATION? Dr Albert Szent-Györgyi, a Hungarian scientist credited with discovering…

VALUE FOR MONEY “With all of the extras added, the price makes sense but it is around the price of larger offroad vans” SELF-SUFFICIENCY “It did remarkably well offroad and was flawless on the blacktop. Its size was the only hindrance in towing” LIVEABILITY “The full-sized bed is a plus as is the volume of water and airflow through the pop-top” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “For narrow tracks, it is a bit big but for dirt roads, it's a good size” LAYOUT “The space the layout provides is exceptional for a 15ft hybrid” QUALITY OF FINISH “High standard throughout” BUILD QUALITY “I would prefer not to see wood in the frame of an offroader that might encounter water crossings” CREATURE COMFORTS “Most of the comfort comes from options but the…

Since the 1950s, caravanning has really found its place as an important part of Australian culture — right up there with meat pies, kangaroos, Akubra hats and much more. Although Americans fell in love with bullet-shaped aluminium vans that looked like they belonged in a 1950s sci-fi thriller, Australians were cruising around with plywood tiny teardrop-shaped vans with rounded apologetic shoulders that made the rigs look like they are perpetually apologetic. While all along, the growing number of manufacturers that included brands such as Chesney, Millard and Viscount strived to find their way towards the forefront of the caravan buyer’s consciousness. That clamour for attention demanded innovation, which saw changes in builds from timber to aluminium, and cladding moved from plywood and aluminium to fibreglass. Then along came LED lighting,…

Ever wondered why manufacturers/ importers of 4WD vehicles choose tyres that are patently more suited to bitumen than bush tracks? There are a number of reasons. First, the tyre must be speed-rated to match the maximum speed of the vehicle. Speed rating is shown on tyres alphabetically, ranging from N (140km/h) through P (150km/h) there is no ‘O’, thence through to U (200km/h) in 10km/h increments, then things become a little less ordered. H (210km/h), V and Z (240km/h), W (270km/h) and Y (300km/h): not something you’d really need to worry about. You’ll see one of these alphanumeric codings on the sidewall of the tyre eg LT205/65R17 95H M+S. This ‘translates’ as a 17in radial tyre, with a section width of 205mm, an aspect ratio of 65mm, load index decoded…

VALUE FOR MONEY "This is a well-built van from a company with a long history. Comes with quality appliances and a decent amount of off-grid camping options" TOWABILITY “The van towed perfectly through the back roads leading to the Great Ocean Road and along a mix of rough and tight bush tracks. It has an ATM of 3500kg, so it needs a powerful tow vehicle" LIVEABILITY “Outside kitchen, big island bed, roomy ensuite, big fridge, washing machine. What more do you want in a medium-sized van?” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Rugged enough for our rough inland roads and with enough creature comforts to enjoy the trip” LAYOUT “Standard mid-sized caravan layout, which Millard will adjust to your requirements” QUALITY OF FINISH “Interior and exterior finish are excellent, and it should…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 9.9m (32 ft 6in) External body length 7.9m (26ft) External body width 2.35m (7ft 8in) Travel height 3.15m (10ft 4in) Internal height 1.99m (6ft 6in) Tare 4540kg ATM 6000kg Payload 1460kg Ball weight 420kg EXTERNAL Frame Aluminium Cladding Aluminium interlocked wall frame Chassis 200m x 50mm hot-dipped galvanised Suspension Kedron stub axle with Kedron automatic levelling airbag suspension Coupling AL-KO ring type Brakes ADR-approved air brakes Wheels Goodyear Duratrac with 16in Kedron Alloy Water 5 x water tanks (2 x 100L, 3 x 60L) Battery 600Ah lithium battery Solar 6 x 180W, 2 x 80W, 1 x 60W Air-conditioner Truma Adventa Gas 2 x 9kg cylinders Sway control N/A (uses air brakes) Kitchen Slide-out kitchen INTERNAL Cooking Thetford Topline Hybrid gas/ induction hob Fridge 250L…

VALUE FOR MONEY “Combining the boating and camping options into one neat package helps justify the $148,000 starting price” TOWABILITY “A 2800kg Tare weight and 10.3m towing length doesn't make it the most nimble, but once mastered it tows well behind a suitable rig” LIVEABILITY “Interior space is airy and head height is generous. Kitchen is well-equipped and well laid out” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Caraboat has done a great job of making the package usable on water and land through smart design” LAYOUT “The kitchen works well, the combined ensuite is compact but very usable and the outside platform will be a favourite place to relax” QUALITY OF FINISH “Fibreglass is smooth and well executed, the timber finish and upholstery inside is neat and well designed” BUILD QUALITY “The…

VALUE FOR MONEY “You'll have to 'sell the farm' – but what you see is what you definitely get” DRIVEABILITY “Given its gargantuan proportions, you can manoeuvre it with your little finger – figuratively speaking, of course” LIVEABILITY “Homes on wheels don't get any better – or more luxurious!” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “You'll be drooling with contentment, on the bitumen or off-grid’” LAYOUT “It's a whole new ball game thanks to the three slide-outs” QUALITY OF FINISH “The American cherry cabinetry and Corian composite benchtops hit you right between the eyes!” BUILD QUALITY “The whole shebang is practically flawless” CREATURE COMFORTS “In this scenario, a man's motorhome is his castle – and the fairer sex won't be complaining either” INNOVATION “Take a look at the in-house technology, along with…

Moora Community Resource Centre 65 Padbury Street, Moora P: (08) 9653 1053 E: moora@crc.net.au W: www.moora.crc.net.au Carnamah Information Centre Cnr MacPherson and King Streets, Carnamah P: (08) 9951 7000 E: info@visitgeraldton.com.au Three Springs Visitor Centre 118 Railway Road, Three Springs P: (08) 9954 1590 W: www.threesprings.wa.gov.au Mingenew Visitor Centre Cnr Midlands Road and Victoria Street, Mingenew P: (08) 9928 1102 W: www.mingenew.wa.gov.au Dalwallinu Discovery Centre 53 Johnston Street, Dalwallinu P: (08) 9661 1805 E: shire@dalwallinu.wa.gov.au W: www.dalwallinu.wa.gov.au Perenjori Tourist Centre Fowler Street, Perenjori P: (08) 9973 1105 W: www.visitperenjori.com.au Morawa Visitor Centre 34 Winfield Street, Morawa P: (08) 9971 1421 E: mscvisitorcentre@westnet.com.au W: www.morawa.wa.gov.au Mullewa Community Resource Centre Cnr Maitland Road and Jose Street, Mullewa P: (08) 9961 1500 E: admin@mullewa.crc.net.au W: www.mullewa.crc.net.au Coorow Community Resource Centre 12 Bristol Street,…

VALUE FOR MONEY “Only covered around 36,000km, and comes in at just under $100K in standard kit” DRIVEABILITY “Quite simply, a dream to drive” LIVEABILITY “The U-shaped rear lounge is a cracker” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Lightweight and user-friendly” LAYOUT “Sensible utilisation of space highlighted by shower/toilet combo” QUALITY OF FINISH “Plenty of pomp and ceremony inside” BUILD QUALITY “The high-tech composite panel is impervious” CREATURE COMFORTS “An external kitchen and washing machine wouldn’t go astray” INNOVATION “Choice of a drop-down bed or rear lounge conversion” X-FACTOR “Appealing to even a first-time motorhomer”…

When we’re on the road, we rely on the contents of our wallet to see us through the trip, whether locally or abroad. And with the new ‘tap and go’ card technologies it seems to be getting easier — and easier — to part with your hard-earned cash. And that’s fine — just as long as you’ve planned your spend to make the most of your time away. But with the new wireless non-contact technologies on your credit and debit cards, we can run the risk of our money disappearing without us even taking our wallets out of our pockets! NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION We’re talking about ‘skimming’ or ‘electronic pick-pocketing’ and it works like this. Credit and debit cards communicate over a frequency (13.56MHz). So a thief with a card…

REDARC’s commitment to Australia was cemented last year when it completed an expansion of its existing facility with the latest in robotic and computer controlled equipment. The workforce of around 200 skilled staff includes 50 full-time engineers. As well as real world research, much of the testing is carried out on simulators including one that cools prototypes to minus 100 then heats them to 200C and a vibration test lab that enables highly accelerated lifetime testing of products that can simulate 10 years of life in just two days. Products include solutions for dual batteries, battery management, voltage conversion, electronic brake controllers, portable solar panels and electronic gauges. REDARC's sister company, Hummingbird Electronics, which was acquired in 2015, is especially dedicated to heavy transport with speed alerts, trip meters as…

Q Hi Dave Firstly, thanks for all the great suggestions and answers regarding 12V systems via your column. Secondly, I would appreciate it if you could address this question with regards to a mix of solar charging and mains charging. The situation is this: I have a mains three-stage charger in my caravan. I want to add a solar panel and a three-stage solar regulator. Can these two outputs be connected directly to the battery? The reason I am asking is, if I do connect them to the battery, will they ‘fight’ each other? In other words, will they feed into each other (the mains output trying to feed into the solar regulator output, and vice versa)? Or perhaps is there a ‘magic box’ that needs to be inserted…

Developed from the popular 1400 Series Explorer, which Goldstream RV has manufactured for the past 15 years, the 1500 Series was born. Customer feedback asked for a modest extension to create the space needed for the standout feature; the luxurious island bed option seen in our test hybrid. The 300mm added also allowed for a compact dinette that, although cosy, is ample for two without sacrificing the all-important internal cooking facilities. Considering the compact external width (2280mm) of the 1500’s body, the decision to have the dinette seating side-by-side was a masterstroke. Yes, the intimacy of sitting opposite your loved one over dinner is lost but space gained in the walkway to the north-south bed and around the massive 164L Thetford three-way fridge is a clever compromise and it is…

Gleaned from a thousand misadventures, here’s what I wish I’d known from the start: tips and tricks to improve caravanning life and simplify your travels. STAY AT A PLACE YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF Is that possible, you ask, and why would you want to? Because popular travel routes draw a crowd and if you stick to the must-sees, you’ll only meet everyone else. Strike out on your own and you’ll find your way into the lives and hearts of Aussie locals whose ideas for exploring their own little patches of paradise just might lead to the discovery of your trip! WASH OFF THE MOSSIES Because I live in the tropics and am surrounded by dusk-time mosquitoes for most of the year, I’ve discovered the world’s cheapest mossie hack: take a…

If your memory goes back far enough, a Millard could have been one of the first caravans you ever saw. Probably because it has been around since 1947, proving to be one of our most enduring builders and one of only a few to have survived in NSW. The company was recently sold to Q-Flow Australia with plans in place to expand the Ingleburn facility with the leasing of a second factory and upgrades including new CNC equipment for improved cabinetry in the vans. New models are also on the way for release in 2020 but current production is dedicated to catching up on a healthy number of back orders. While Millard has a set of standard layouts across its range of Toura (semi-offroad) and Breakaway (full offroad) vans, it…

VALUE FOR MONEY “Given its sturdy construction it’s well worth considering” TOWABILITY (Not Tested) LIVEABILITY “This rig leaves you wanting for nothing in terms of creature comfort” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Well and truly established with sustainable long-term camping in mind given its ample power and water supply” LAYOUT “There’s very little out of place in this layout. Everything is well placed” QUALITY OF FINISH “This van looks worthy of the price tag” BUILD QUALITY “A sturdy chassis and rigid construction in line with its size and weight” CREATURE COMFORTS “From its diesel heater to its Bose entertainment system, this van has the lot” INNOVATION “Shows imagination in design, born from a lengthy development period that has seen a spare wheel lift and Australian first disc brake system” X-FACTOR “In…

VALUE FOR MONEY “Excellent, great for a lightweight camper” TOWABILITY “You wouldn't even know it was there” LIVEABILITY “It’s a very sophisticated tent on wheels” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Weekend escape machine? A winner for sure” LAYOUT “Not a large camper but everything has been designed for easy use” QUALITY OF FINISH “The timber finish looks particularly good” BUILD QUALITY “Most things looked quite well put together” CREATURE COMFORTS “It’s not a full-blown off-road caravan but it’s not meant to be” INNOVATION “Doing something different to the usual Suncamper product” X-FACTOR “It's a variation of the usual camper style”…

Often the search for the right recreational vehicle can be daunting, especially if you like the idea of boating when travelling. Choices might include a small dingy or folding boat on the roof of a tow vehicle or a trailer boat behind a motorhome. And while these options might sound attractive, there are inherent problems that can make either choice too tricky. Wrangling a boat off the roof can be quite physical and, the size of roof toppers restricts them to the flat water of smaller estuaries. So too, towing a trailer boat with a motorhome isn't everyone's cup of tea. But what if you could merely back your caravan up to the boat ramp and sail off into the sunset? I’m not suggesting you try it with your present…

When you’re jaunting around NSW's lush Hunter Valley in a plush $455,000 US coach-built Tiffin motorhome, one expects a dollop of luxury. But what I received wasn’t a splash of opulence, it was a saturation of self-indulgence! The Hunter Valley is a retreat for the senses, and Australia's premier wine region was an idyllic locale for our 'Luxe Touring' event, which included a host of epicurean highlights. And right from the get-go, the Tiffin Allegro Breeze exuded wall-to-wall grandiosity — inside and out! But don't be fooled by its ‘star-spangled manner'... It can get down and dirty in Australian conditions. Like all Tiffins, it arrives from Alabama (in the deep south of the US) pretty much as is before some minor refinement (to meet Oz regulations) at Tiffin’s HQ on…

During this year’s Easter break, my wife Meredyth and I, and my ‘middle’ sister Kerry, experienced the pleasure of motorhoming in a couple of fully self-contained ex-rentals supplied by Braybrook-based RV Sales Centre — a Victorian rental/sales division of global tourism operator THL. The better half and I had a 7.67m (25ft 2in) Jayco Traveller 6-Berth at our disposal; call it indulgent overkill. And Kerry was pampered with a 6.4m (21ft) KEA Discovery 4-Berth. (I'd arranged this motorhome as a 50th birthday surprise for my 'skin and blister'.) It was our annual Shepparton sojourn — along with a contingent of eight families — for a grass court tennis tournament. We camped, as usual, at the picturesque natural bush setting of Victoria Lake Holiday Park along the banks of the Goulburn…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 7.67m (25ft 2in) External width 2.4m (7ft 10in) Travel height 3.19m (10ft 6in) Internal height 1.98m (6ft 6in) Bed size Rear bed 1.98m x 1.3m (6ft 6in x 4ft 3in); Dinette bed 1.85m x 0.97m (6ft 1in x 3ft 2in); Luton bed 2.1m x 1.19m (6ft 10in x 3ft 11in) Tare 3645kg GVM 4490kg Licence Car Passengers Six ENGINE Base vehicle Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 513CDI Engine 2.2L turbodiesel Gearbox Seven-speed automatic Max power 95kW @ 3800rpm Max torque 360Nm @ 1200-2400rpm EXTERNAL Brakes ABS Fresh water 75L Grey water 80L Solar 1 x 80W Air-conditioner Aircommand Ibis 3 Gas 2 x 9kg INTERNAL Cooking Dometic CU402PE cooktop/grill Fridge Dometic RM2555 150L Microwave Sphere 900W Toilet Cassette Shower Fibreglass cubicle Washing machine No Batteries 1x100Ah Hot water…

• Someone stands close enough to you to scan the credit card in your wallet. • They find an excuse to talk to you: whether they show an interest in your rig or they start chatting to you in the pub. Before long, they know your name, your car rego details and maybe even your phone number. • By visiting your Facebook page, LinkedIn profile, website or blog, they soon find out where you work and play. They’ll probably also find out your partner’s name and other personal details such as the number of kids you have, what you own, etc. And if you forgot to turn off your geotag setting on your iPhone and you’ve shared your location with your ‘friends’, it’ll be pretty easy for them to work…

I just spent a few days in Auckland, NZ, getting around to do a bit of RV business in part for the publishers of this fine magazine but also for other enterprises. Some folk think I have a rather great occupation and others don’t quite get it. In the latter category was the Kiwi gent I talked to in a caravan park. I said I was working for a few days. “Like, how can you be working in a caravan park?” he asked, and “where was I based in NZ?” I pointed to my loan motorhome and that was what he couldn’t quite grasp. Fortunately, the team at Wilderness Motorhomes, from whom I had borrowed the RV, understand that I want both a mobile office and accommodation on my NZ…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Body length 4.65m (15ft 3in) Overall length 6.9m (22ft 8in) Width 2.26m (7ft 5in) Height 2.5m (8ft 2in) Tare 1874kg ATM 2474kg Payload 600kg (calculated) Ball weight 187kg EXTERNAL Frame Meranti Cladding 3mm composite panelling Chassis DuraGal Steel Suspension Cruisemaster XT Coupling Cruisemaster DO35 Brakes 12in electric Wheels 265/76R16 Water 2 x 82L tanks Battery 2 x 80A LED crystal Solar 2 x 80W Air-conditioner Finch reverse-cycle Gas 2 x 9kg Sway control N/A INTERNAL Cooking Thetford three-burner glass lid stove Fridge Thetford 164L three-way Bathroom Toilet/shower combo Hot water Truma UltraRapid OPTIONS FITTED Adventure Pack 100 x 50 chassis with AL-KO Cross Country coil independent suspension Offroad Pack 150 x 50 chassis with Cruisemaster XT Coil Independent Suspension, D035 hitch, 120W solar Panther Offroad Pack plus…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 8.15m (26ft) External body length 5.9m (19ft 6in) External body width 2.5m (8ft) Travel height 3.2m (10ft) Internal height 1.98m (6ft) Tare 2600kg ATM 3500kg Payload 730kg Ball weight 170kg EXTERNAL Frame Aluminium Cladding Composite Chassis Hot-dipped galvanised Suspension Cruisemaster XT Coupling Cruisemaster DO35 Brakes AL-KO electric wheels 17in offroad Water 2 x 95L + 1 x 95L grey water Battery 2 x 100Ah Solar 2 x 150W Air-conditioner Belair 3200 Gas 2 x 9kg bottles Sway control Yes Kitchen Pull-out Alfresco Finch unit INTERNAL Cooking Smev four-burner/grill Fridge 12V 218L Waeco Microwave NCE 25L Bathroom Shower/separate toilet, full ensuite Washing machine NCE top-loader Hot water gas/electric swift OPTIONS FITTED Gas bayonet; external speakers; bike rack; large toolbox with generator; front stone shield protector; external…

Kedron brought out its first triple-axle caravan about a year ago, an absolute giant of a van that ticks every definition of grandeur. However, Kedron has now fitted that van with an Australian-first which has the potential to change big-rig caravanning considerably. Caravan World took the first look at this game-changing innovation. PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS "I guess we’ve gone both ways from the compact single axles with an emphasis on weight saving. Then into the medium style caravan as what we’ve always promoted. Then, we’ve had a bit of a call for that bigger style van," Kedron owner Glen Gall explained. Gall said his family have always had an ‘innovation itch’ and their sense that there is a growing demand for large caravans got them thinking about manufacturing…

Every now and again, something pops up in the recreational vehicle world which is a real surprise. In the case of the Smidge Teardrop Camper, manufactured by Suncamper Motorhomes, it wasn’t so much what it was, but where it was, like in the middle of the Suncamper Motorhomes' stand at the recent Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow in Brisbane. Although the diminutive little teardrop was overshadowed by much larger Suncamper motorhomes, it still drew a crowd, including the likes of yours truly who had a few what fors and where fors in mind. It turned out that the Smidge Teardrop Camper was the personal toy of Cameron Harrison, MD of Suncamper Motorhomes. Harrison had wanted a weekend getaway machine and used the facilities of the Suncamper factory to design…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 10.3m (33ft 8in) External length 8.7m (28ft 6in) External body width 2.5m (8ft 2in) Travel height 3.1m (10ft 1in) Internal height 1.96m (6ft 4in) Tare 2800kg ATM 3400kg Payload 600kg (calculated) Ball weight 260kg EXTERNAL Cabin Plascore topsides, gelcoat to hull Frame Composite monocoque construction Cladding Gelcoat Chassis Hot-dipped galvanised steel Suspension Tandem leaf springs Coupling AL-KO 50mm ball Brakes AL-KO electric over hydraulic drum Wheels 14in alloy 185R LT (LR 850kg per tyre = 3400kg) Water 180L Grey water 80L Battery 2 x 120Ah Solar 2 x 150W Air-conditioner Optional Gas 1 x 4.5kg (2 optional) Sway control No INTERNAL Cooking Dometic three-burner gas and oven Fridge Vitrifrigo 115L and Nova Kool 71L Microwave No Bathroom Yes (toilet/shower combo) Washing machine No Hot water…

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort Conveniently located in central Pokolbin, the Oaks includes a golf and country club, tennis courts, multiple pools and self-contained villas. They can also organise transport to various cellar doors and restaurants around the area. A one-bedroom villa starts from $179 per night with balcony views. www.oakshotels.com/en/oaks-cypress-lakes-resort Wine Country Tourist Park Just outside of Pokolbin in Nulkaba, this tourist park is pet-friendly, has bike hire and a children’s playground and is less than 500m across the road from Potters Brewery – perfect for a quick frothy or a meal with a short walk home. Powered sites are from $30 per night in the low season (May – August) and up to $45 per night in the high season, based on two adults per site. Children will be…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 6.4m (21ft) External width 2.2m (7ft 3in) Travel height 3m (9ft 10in) Internal height 2.06m (6ft 9in) Bed size Drop-down bed 1.4 x 2m (4ft 7in x 6ft 7in); Lounge/ rear bed 1.5m x 2.1m (4ft 11in x 6ft 9in) Tare 2954kg GVM 3645kg Licence Car Passengers Four ENGINE Base vehicle Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Engine 2.2L four-cylinder turbodiesel Gearbox Five-speed automatic Max power 110kW @ 3800rpm Max torque 330Nm @ 1200-2400rpm EXTERNAL Brakes Vented disc with ABS Fresh water 100L Grey water 100L Solar 1 x 140W Air-conditioner Aircommand Sparrow Gas 1 x 9kg INTERNAL Cooking Dometic CU402P cooktop/grill Fridge Isotherm 60L Microwave Tiffany Shower/toilet Combo Washing machine No Batteries 1 x 100Ah deep cycle Lighting LED 12V Hot water Gas heated, pressurised OPTIONS FITTED Webasto…

VALUE FOR MONEY “Still fairly late model and has plenty of bells and whistles” DRIVEABILITY “Energetic RV, with great dexterity” LIVEABILITY “Comprises most upper-end luxuries” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Would make any adventurous family as 'happy as Larry’” LAYOUT “Internal space impeded by rear fixed bed” QUALITY OF FINISH “All the cabinetry fits like a glove” BUILD QUALITY “Could take some punishment and bounce back for more” CREATURE COMFORTS “Three double beds design, separate shower and toilet, and well-appointed cafe dinette” INNOVATION “Definitely the way you can manipulate interior zones” X-FACTOR “A Traveller by name, traveller by nature”…

Recently, I road-tested the AL-KO Power Mover and was amazed how its ratchet drive mechanism made caravan manoeuvring a cinch. It’s strong enough for a single person to move a caravan even up small inclines. I also think it would be a godsend when manoeuvring your caravan, once unhitched from the tow-tug, from the driveway into a carport etc. Or even when parking up in tight caravan sites. Additionally, if you find it difficult connecting your vehicle to the caravan when backing up, then you can simply ‘power move’ your rig to the coupling and lower directly on to the hitch. It also appears ideal for caravanners who might lack the physical strength to manoeuvre their caravan with a standard jockey wheel or grab handles. As seen in these images,…